Pain

The pain symptoms of a stiff neck can vary depending on the cause and origin of the tension: These articles also deal with the topic of pain in the cervical spine:

If the pain is local and only occurs during movement, the probability is higher that it is purely muscular. However, the pain can also spread to the shoulder-arm region. The reason for this is irritation of the nerves originating from the cervical spine, which can be caused by the surrounding musculature.
Since the shoulder and arms are innervated by the nerves of the cervical spine, the pain symptoms can also shift in this direction.
If there has been a previous trauma, the intensity of the pain can be high.
For tense muscles without traumatic origin, this is usually lower. However, it must be mentioned here that the intensity of pain can be perceived differently by each person affected and is therefore not a clear indication of the cause.
If, in addition to the pain, paraesthesias such as numbness or tingling in the arm area are also present, this often indicates causes in the bones and intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. These should always be clarified with the doctor, as this type of pain is caused by compression of the nerves.These articles also cover the topic of pain in the cervical spine: Neck pain – help from physiotherapy Pain in the cervical spine Pinched nerve in the cervical spine – effects
Neck pain – help from physiotherapy
Pain in the HWS
Pinched nerve in the cervical spine – effects

Neck pain – help from physiotherapy
Pain in the HWS
Pinched nerve in the cervical spine – effects

Duration of the healing process

The article Exercises against neck tensions might also be of interest to you. Are you looking for general information on prophylaxis?

Normally, the symptoms of a stiff neck/neck disappear on their own after only a few days.
If the tense shoulder-neck muscles alone cause the discomfort, the pain appears during movements and disappears at rest.
In some cases, the tension does not remain and the complaints can disappear completely by themselves. If this is not the case, only a therapy can provide relief. If the cause that led to the complaints is not treated or corrected, a stiff neck can also become a chronic problem where the person concerned suffers from constant tension and pain in the shoulder and neck area.
If the stiff neck was caused by trauma, the duration of the complaint can range from weeks to months. The reason for this is a healing process that takes time and should be used.

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