Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. A stiff neck typically is the result of muscles weakening over time from poor posture or misuse, says chiropractor Andrew Bang, DC. Looking down at your computer monitor all day can cause the muscles around the neck joints to tire and become overstretched.
Driving for long periods of time or looking at your smart phone can have the same effect. Bang says. The key to relief for a stiff neck is proper stretching and manipulation, Dr. Whiplash is an injury to the muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves in the neck, or all of these. It causes pain and stiffness in the neck.
Cervical spondylosis , or arthritis of the neck, can also cause neck pain and stiffness, which may improve when lying down. The pain may get worse when a person stays in the same position for a long period, such as while driving or sitting in front of a computer. Other symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:. A doctor may diagnose cervical spondylosis with the help of certain tests, such as an X-ray, MRI scan , and a blood test. Sometimes, a stiff neck is a symptom of meningitis , which can be serious.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are coverings on the brain and spinal cord. A virus, bacteria, or fungi may cause meningitis. Viral meningitis can get better on its own, but bacterial and fungal meningitis can be life-threatening. Some symptoms of meningitis include:. The best way to relieve a stiff neck depends on the cause. When the stiffness is minor, some of the following home treatments may help:. Using an ice pack can help relieve inflammation and swelling after a minor strain.
The ice can have a numbing effect, temporarily relieving any pain. This treatment is usually most effective within the first 48 hours of an injury, when there tends to be the most significant swelling.
Use a first aid ice pack or cover a bag of ice or frozen peas with a cloth to avoid frostbite. Apply the ice for up to 20 minutes at a time, taking 20—minute breaks.
Some people alternate using ice and heat on a muscle strain. Using heating pads or a taking hot bath can help relax tense muscles and provide relief. If applying ice, heat, or both does not relieve the pain of a stiff neck, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs may help. Some examples include ibuprofen and naproxen, which can reduce swelling and relieve pain. If a person has a health condition and is taking other medications, they should ask a doctor before using NSAIDs. Stretch the neck muscles by gently and slowly moving the head from side to side.
Roll the shoulders forward and backward. Stop if the stretches cause pain. Contact us to learn more about our advanced diagnostic technology and services. These are the usual culprits that can lead to a stiff neck: Muscle Strain or Sprain The levator scapula muscle running the length of the back and side of the neck connects the cervical spine to the shoulder and is controlled by the third and forth cervical nerves. You can strain this muscle while doing many everyday activities, such as: Sleeping without proper support from a pillow and in a poor posture can stretch this muscle unnecessarily.
Any repetitive activity that involves turning the head from side to side, as in swimming, can result in stiff neck. Poor posture that tilts the head, like when cradling the phone between the neck and shoulder, or viewing the computer monitor for long hours which contracts the neck muscle.
Stress that causes tension knots in the neck. Cervical Spine Disorders The cervical spine consists of the spinal cord, vertebrae, and discs of the upper part of your neck. The stiffness in the neck can be an indicator of an underlying disorder such as: Facet joint disorders- occur when the facet joints at the back of the spinal structure that help with movement wear out because of osteoarthritis.
Injury Neck injuries from an accident, sports mishap or falls where your head has being jerked around violently may result in muscle injuries, sprains, and perhaps even strains on the ligaments in your neck. Arthritis Osteoarthritis is daily wear and tear of your neck joints with age, which often lead to stiffness and limiting neck movement. Stiff Neck Treatments If the stiff neck symptoms persist for more than a week then you may need medical attention and especially if there are also other symptoms mentioned above.
Your treatment will depend on what is causing it but generally in case of the more common strained neck muscles, initial treatment will include: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs to relieve pain Ice on the stiff neck for the first 48 to 72 hours to reduce inflammation, then switch to using a heat wrap or heat pad or even consider taking a hot shower to soothe your muscles To rest your neck muscles, you may have to wear a cervical collar.
Limit physical activities that can strain your neck Seek help from physical therapist. Get a neck and shoulder massage. Practice simple neck stretching exercises like slowly moving your head up and down and side to side.
Sleep on a firm mattress with a neck pillow for proper support. If your stiff neck gets worse let your doctor know because you may need more specialized care to relieve your symptoms. Related Posts. November 1, October 7,
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