Arthritis neck pain develops due to wear and tear on the cervical vertebrae over time. The neck has 7 bones called cervical vertebrae connected by cartilage, which acts as a cushion and allows movement. Repeated stress can cause this cartilage to break down or develop microtears, leaving the bones to rub together painfully. Nerve endings throughout the vertebrae connect the bones to the rest of the body, explaining why arthritis pain can spread.