Stiff Neck

One of the causes (and perhaps the most common one) of neck pain is stiff neck. Pain in stiff neck may be severe and it may spread on the shoulders and upper back. The neck movement may be limited to one side than the other. It is also called cervical pain (referring to the cervical vertebra or the neck area/bones/muscles).

What causes stiff neck?

Stiff neck or cervical pain may arise from neck strain or minor injury to the neck bones and muscles, resulting from common activities, among which are: Lifting, holding your head in a forward posture or odd position while watching TV, reading or working; sleeping with a too flat or too high pillow that does not support your head; sleeping on your stomach with your neck twisted or bent on one side; spending long periods of time on “thinker’s pose” or resting your forehead on your upright fist or arm; spending too much time before a computer; exercise with the use of upper body and arms; excessive twisting of the spine in dance exercises; injuries to the neck brought about by sports; boxing sports and exercise and contact sports; and long driving.

Stress and anxiety produce tension on the neck and the back head muscles. A severe condition, such as meningitis or swelling of the brain tissues or covering, results to stiff neck.

What is the home treatment for stiff neck?

Place a cold pack over the painful neck muscles for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, as often as once an hour. This will decrease the pain and spasm in the area. If pain radiates to one shoulder, put ice pack on the painful shoulder and the back of the neck.

Avoid slouching or forward posture. Maintain a relaxed and neutral neck position.

Walking relieves painful neck. Walking and stretching also prevents stiff neck. Swing arms when walking to help minimize and control the pain. When confronted with a heavy home or workload, try 5 to 10 minutes of walk during breaks. Preferably, three to four times a day.

If stiff neck and neck pain occurs together with headache, the cause may be due to stress or anxiety. Learn to cope with stress. Leave your desk every so often and do some 30 seconds of stretching. Avoid or cut down caffeine intake. Get a massage. Learn to relax.

Medicine for stiff neck

Painkillers and muscle relaxants may help, most especially during the night when sleep is badly needed. Vitamins B1 B6 and B12 will enhance treatment.

When do you need to go to your doctor?

See your doctor if: Stiff neck occurs together with headache and fever; when there’s numbness or tingling in your hands; if you develop weakness in the arms and legs; if painkillers are unsuccessful; and in case of injury to the neck (whiplash).