Neck stiffness is a very common condition characterized by difficulty moving the neck and head due to muscle strain. Stiffness may be a symptom of many serious diseases such as meningitis and tumors.
Neck stiffness is caused by tension and inflammation of the muscles and tendons, which leads to stiffness. Learn with us about the causes of neck stiffness and ways to prevent it.
A hint of neck stiffness
Neck stiffness is the difficulty of moving the neck and head for many reasons, such as fatigue in the neck muscles. Stiffness may be accompanied by a headache and pain in the neck, which leads to difficulty in performing activities and sleeping.
The neck contains muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. These contents work together to support the head and move it in many directions. Anything that affects any part of the neck can cause neck stiffness.
Patients usually suffer from temporary neck stiffness, but in some cases the stiffness may recur depending on the cause. Neck stiffness usually occurs suddenly (overnight), as when the patient wakes up, he feels his neck is stiff and difficult to move.
Causes of neck stiffness
Causes of neck stiffness include:
- Muscle strain: It is one of the most common causes of neck stiffness. It occurs due to overuse of the neck muscles (sitting for long periods in front of a computer screen or on a mobile phone) or sleeping in the wrong (inappropriate) position.
- Whiplash: An injury that occurs when the head is moved backwards and then forwards suddenly (such as a car accident), which leads to strain and damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck.
- Cervical disc herniation: This is a slippage of the soft part of the cartilage disc that separates the vertebrae, which may lead to pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and stiffness in the neck.
- Osteoarthritis Cervical: It is a disease that causes joint degeneration in the neck vertebrae, leading to damage to the cartilage between these joints, causing their stiffness.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to neck stiffness as well as other symptoms such as fever, headache, and sensitivity to light.
- Spinal stenosis: It is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which leads to pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing neck pain and stiffness, in addition to other symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the arms and legs.
- Tumors: This is a rare condition, as tumors of the neck and spine may cause stiffness in the neck, and these tumors may be benign or malignant.
Symptoms of neck stiffness
Symptoms of neck stiffness include:
- Neck painIt is the most common symptom. The pain may be local and may spread to the shoulders, upper back, or arms
- Limits neck range of motion: Stiffness causes difficulty moving the head and neck freely, and the patient usually feels this when trying to rotate or tilt the head.
- Muscle spasm: Muscles may contract involuntarily, causing: kink Which leads to more pain and discomfort
- Headache: Patients with neck stiffness may also suffer from headaches. Which ranges from mild to severe
- Numbness or numbness: In some cases, the patient may feel tingling and numbness in the neck, shoulders, or arms
- Difficulty sleeping: Pain and discomfort may make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position
Diagnosis of neck stiffness
Neck stiffness is usually diagnosed by conducting a clinical examination of the patient and finding out whether the patient has been exposed to recent injuries that may have contributed to the occurrence of stiffness. In some cases, other diagnostic tests can be used, such as a simple X-RAY image, which helps determine whether Structural deformities of the neck such as arthritis or fractures.
When spinal and nerve injuries are suspected, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT-scan) can be requested in cases of herniated discs or nerve compression, and blood tests can also be performed to check for inflammation.
Treatment of neck stiffness
Treatment for neck stiffness depends on the underlying cause of the stiffness and its severity, and includes home, medication, and physical therapy, all the way to surgical treatment.
Home treatment
Neck stiffness is treated at home by following some guidelines, including:
- Rest and gentle movement: It is important to rest the neck and avoid activities that may cause aggravation of the stiffness, however; Gentle movement and stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and relieve symptoms.
- Heat or cold therapy: Heat or cold therapy can help relieve pain and inflammation, as heat is applied using a heating pad or a warm towel, while cold can be applied by using ice bags or cold compresses.
Medical therapy
Neck stiffness can be treated medically through the use of over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs). Which helps reduce pain and inflammation; In addition to other medications prescribed by the doctor.
In more severe cases, the doctor may also prescribe stronger pain relievers or muscle relaxants to help relieve symptoms. In some cases, corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
Physiotherapy
The physical therapist provides exercises and stretching to improve flexibility and strengthen the neck muscles. He also corrects the patient's posture with guidance on ergonomics and proper posture to prevent similar conditions in the future.
The specialist can also treat manual neck stiffness through massage or manual therapy techniques. Such as chiropractic adjustments or osteopathic manipulation, to relieve muscle tension and improve range of motion.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is resorted to in severe cases in which previous treatment methods were not effective. Surgical treatment options include removing the herniated disc, fusion of the vertebrae, or relieving pressure on the nerves.
Complications of neck stiffness
Complications of neck stiffness vary depending on the cause and severity of the stiffness, and some possible complications include:
- Chronic pain: Pain may become chronic if not treated properly
- Nerve compression: Neck stiffness may lead to nerve compression and irritation, leading to other symptoms such as tingling and numbness
- Decreased quality of life: Pain and difficulty moving the neck can affect daily activities and the patient's quality of life
- Sleep disturbances: Neck stiffness can cause sleep disturbance
Preventing neck stiffness
Neck stiffness can be prevented by avoiding its causes, maintaining good posture, and practicing proper work environment. Tips for preventing neck stiffness include the following:
- Maintain good posture: sit and stand straight, keeping the head aligned with the spine (avoid slouching or bending).
- Use ergonomic equipment: If you work in an office; Use a comfortable chair, adjust the computer screen to eye level, and use a headset or speaker for long calls to avoid placing the phone between your ear and shoulder.
- Take breaks: You should take breaks when working for a long time and avoid sitting in one position for a long time because it contributes to the occurrence of: Muscle stiffness.
- Sleeping in the correct position: You can use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck and spine. You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach because it causes neck strain.
- Stay active: Regular exercise increases the strength and flexibility of your neck and upper back muscles.
- Avoid excessive use of the phone or computer: Spending a long time looking at the phone or computer leads to fatigue in the neck muscles.
Neck stiffness is a common condition in which it becomes difficult to move the neck and head as a result of muscle fatigue, which leads to pain and discomfort that negatively affects the patient’s activity and health.
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Common questions
Symptoms of neck stiffness include neck pain (which is the most common) and limited movement, in addition to neck muscle spasm and headache.
Neck stiffness is not usually serious, but it may be a symptom of an illness that requires treatment, such as meningitis.
Neck stiffness can be eliminated by following some measures, such as rest and using hot and cold compresses, in addition to taking pain relievers when in pain and practicing physical therapy exercises such as stretching and massage. In some severe cases, surgical treatment may be used to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Neck stiffness can be a sign of muscle strain and injury, and may occur as a result of a herniated cervical disc, osteoarthritis, or spinal stenosis. In rare cases, stiffness may be caused by tumors.
The duration of neck stiffness varies depending on the cause of the stiffness, but the stiffness usually lasts several days, with the need to consult a doctor if the stiffness continues longer than that.
Stress can cause neck stiffness.
