India, Dec. 9 -- Most people tend to dismiss neck pain as a minor issue. The discomfort is often blamed on something that may have happened recently, such as spending long hours on the phone, using an unsupportive pillow, or sitting at a desk for hours.

But here's the deal. According to Dr Vidyadhara S, this pain can sometimes be a sign of a much more serious condition. Dr Vidyadhara, chairman and HOD - spine surgery, consultant - robotic spine surgery, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, noted that neck pain can be an early indicator of conditions like cervical myelopathy and cervical radiculopathy.

He explained that both cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy can affect the spinal cord itself or the nerves in the neck by tak...