What Is Neck Stiffness?

The neck is often described to be stiff when a person feels difficulty turning or moving the head to one side.

Neck stiffness is a very commonly encountered problem. Most people have experienced it sometime in their lives due to wrong posture during sleeping, working for long hours or holding the head in an awkward position. This symptom doesn’t always point towards a disease process and but it may be a warning symptom of many physical ailments.

What Causes Neck Stiffness?

There are many causes for a stiff neck. These may include:

MECHANICAL:

• Postural (wrong sleeping posture, uncomfortable pillow).
• Whiplash injury (injury caused by over extension of the neck).
• Neck strain, neck sprain.
• Disc prolapse (vertebral column injury).
• Neck muscle disorders.
• Torticollis (condition in which head is tilted toward one side and the chin is elevated and turned towards the opposite side).
• Diseases of the spinal cord.

INFLAMMATORY:

• Infections (e.g. meningitis, encephalitis, polio).
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Spondylitis.

METABOLIC:

• Bone diseases (e.g. Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia).

NEOPLASTIC (cancerous conditions):

• Cerebral tumors.

REFERRED PAIN FROM OTHER AREAS:

• Teeth
• Throat
• Ear
• Angina pain
• Headache

CONGENITAL (by birth):

• Congenital cervical rib.
• Bone deformities.

What Should I Do If I Experience Neck Stiffness?

Neck stiffness may disappear after a day or two but special attention should be given to this symptom and medical advice should be obtained. You should see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the following:

• You are experiencing other symptoms like fever, light sensitivity, vomiting etc along with neck stiffness.
• You had an accident in which your neck moved back and forth.
• You are having a grating feeling when you turn your head.
• You are having severe neck pain along with the stiffness that is not relieved by medications.
• You feel a lump in your neck.
• Your neck pain or stiffness is accompanied with numbness and tingling sensations that may even spread up to your hand.
• You are having trouble in swallowing or breathing.
• Your neck stiffness is persistently present for many days.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Relieve My Neck Stiffness?

There are various ways to get relief from neck pain and stiffness but as emphasized previously you should always consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. The following methods may prove beneficial:

• Applying heat or cold therapy.
• Neck Exercise (side to side, up and down, gentle stretching, circular movements).
• Get a good pillow.
• Gentle massage therapy.
• Topical ointments and analgesics may also be helpful.

What Can I Do To Prevent Neck Stiffness?

• Get a good pillow neck support.
• Do not bend your neck on the desk while writing or reading; try to keep your neck straight while doing so.
• Take frequent breaks while working and perform simple stretching exercises during the break.
• Avoid reading or watching television while lying down.
• Learn to perform relaxation exercises.