​Neck pain with restrictive movement is a common condition that can appear suddenly and resolve in a few days. Reoccurring or prolonged neck pain will often have its origin in the soft tissue and vertebral joints. Soft tissue adhesions (scar tissue) can develop from acute injury such as motor vehicle collision or recreational sports. Scar tissue can also develop from prolonged postures, such as working on a computer. The soft tissue can become overloaded while in forward head posture, causing irritation, tightening, and subsequent scarring.

The prolonged postural stress or sudden ballistic loading of the neck can create spinal joints to become blocked, losing their ability to participate in the full range of motion. These small areas of reduced mobility can create palpable muscle spasm and tenderness, in time creating headaches.
Treatment involves release of any stiff joints in the upper back, neck, or shoulder girdle along with any constricted, scarred muscles.  After symptom relief, upper back, core, and shoulder strengthening is most often necessary to reduce reoccurrence.  Patients that properly strength train are much less likely to suffer reinjury.