Stiff Neck: Causes, Treatment & Help

A stiff neck, often referred to as a stiff neck, is a usually painful restriction of movement in the neck area. It can be either a hardening of the muscles or a disc problem. Depending on the trigger, the discomfort can be treated in many ways.

What is a stiff neck?

By a stiff neck, medical professionals mean a restriction of movement that is concentrated in the neck and throat area. By a stiff neck, physicians mean a restriction of movement that is concentrated in the neck and cervical region. The complex of complaints is also called cervical syndrome. It provides a general feeling of stiffness in the neck area and makes it difficult for sufferers to turn their heads. In most cases, the stiff neck is accompanied by pain as well as a resulting relieving posture. Dizziness, visual disturbances and ringing in the ears may also be among the accompanying symptoms, as well as difficulty swallowing and a burning or pulling sensation in the chest or shoulder. It is not uncommon for symptoms to occur spontaneously and may not always be due to a specific trigger. In mild cases, the symptoms disappear on their own after a few days. If severe discomfort remains untreated, it can lead to significant limitations in daily life.

Causes

People who work a lot at the computer often suffer from a stiff neck. Here it is usually a bad posture that leads to painful muscle tension. Similarly, carrying heavy bags incorrectly or sitting in drafts causes the muscles to harden. Sleeping positions that unintentionally put heavy or uneven pressure on the neck muscles can also lead to a stiff neck upon waking, as can untrained muscles and general problems in the neck and shoulder region. In some circumstances, however, it may be serious damage to the vertebrae or intervertebral discs that causes the discomfort. Unaccustomed or jerky movements, as in whiplash, can block the vertebrae and cause severe pain. If the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine are damaged, this also manifests itself in a stiff neck.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Cervical spine syndrome
  • Whiplash
  • Meningismus
  • Meningitis
  • Herniated disc
  • Scoliosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Spondylosis
  • Muscle hardening

Diagnosis and course

A stiff neck can usually be diagnosed by the affected person, as the symptoms are clear. However, the cause can only be determined by a comprehensive medical examination. During this, a discussion first takes place in which harmless causes can be determined or ruled out. If the doctor suspects a serious trigger, he will order an X-ray examination of the cervical spine or even a computer tomography. The resulting images provide precise information about the condition of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. If a stiff neck is due to a draft or slight tension, the complaints usually subside on their own. In more severe cases, painful and prolonged inflammation and a further reduction in mobility in the neck and cervical region can occur. A medical examination is therefore urgently recommended if the complaints occur unchanged for several days.

Complications

Stiff neck has various causes, which have various complications. For example, the stiffness is caused by whiplash, which usually heals again without any complications. Only in about 10 percent does the pain become chronic and can lead to impaired quality of life and work life. Meningitis can also typically cause a stiff neck. In some cases, the causative pathogen can spread throughout the entire organism, leading to sepsis. If left untreated, this usually results in death, as the condition can lead to septic shock, a drop in blood pressure and an elevated pulse. This leads to a reduced supply of blood to important organs such as the kidneys or lungs, which can then fail. In addition, the pathogen can spread to surrounding tissue and thus infect the brain (encephalitis).This can lead to paralysis and epileptic seizures, and even coma and death if not treated. Additionally, pus can accumulate in the brain, causing an abscess that has similar symptoms. Progressive osteoporosis can also cause neck stiffness. Fractures occur easily in this case, so sufferers must be especially careful, severely affecting the quality of life. This can end in depression. In addition, sufferers are usually in need of care.

When should you see a doctor?

A stiff neck should be clarified by a specialist as soon as it prevents or restricts everyday and necessary rotational movements. If there is accompanying neck, cervical or shoulder pain, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause of the discomfort. Beforehand, self-measures such as massages or light stretching exercises can be used to alleviate the discomfort. If these measures do not bring the desired effect, a visit to the doctor is recommended. A stiff neck after an accident indicates whiplash. The family doctor or an orthopedist can clarify possible injuries and treat them professionally. A stiff neck associated with shoulder and neck pain should be treated by a physical therapist. If jaw problems are suspected, a visit to a dentist or orthodontist is recommended. Patients suffering from a chronic bone disease should see a doctor if the stiff neck has appeared quite suddenly and is associated with pain or a general feeling of discomfort. This is especially true if other complaints along the spine are added. Often, the stiff neck is then based on a vertebral disease or a disorder of the intervertebral discs, both of which must be treated immediately.

Treatment and therapy

If a stiff neck occurs due to muscle tension, the affected person can often treat the discomfort himself. Hot baths and professional massages in the neck, neck and shoulder area quickly provide relief. A visit to the sauna and warm compresses can also have a positive effect on the healing process. Since stress and anxiety can also be responsible for restricted movement, it is advisable to use relaxation techniques and ensure rapid stress reduction. If the pain is more severe, a doctor should be consulted. He or she can administer medications with analgesic, muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects. An injection directly into the affected region can also ensure rapid improvement. If the attending physician diagnoses whiplash, rest is prescribed along with medication, as is light physical therapy. A herniated disc in the neck and cervical region may require surgical treatment. This is always the case if the affected discs are very badly damaged. In this case, they are replaced with an artificial disc. Vertebral fusion using screws and metal plates is also possible; however, this method is used almost exclusively in older patients.

Outlook and prognosis

Stress, overexertion, physical as well as psychological problems can lay on the mobility of the cervical apparatus. Severe neck pain and headaches are the result. Unless the complaints are caused by an accident or other injury to the cervical spine (CS), the doctor should be consulted. He will find out the cause of the stiff neck and initiate targeted countermeasures. Whiplash or problems of the cervical spine are treated differently than muscle or nerve tension, which successfully subside after a short period of time and the correct therapy method. Depending on the degree of discomfort, an anti-inflammatory medication is recommended for gentle manual therapy. Heat packs also alleviate in the long term and help to achieve more mobility. If a stiff neck is not treated at all or is treated incorrectly, acute secondary symptoms and even permanent damage can occur. These include circulatory and sensory disturbances, muscles that shorten and the entire musculoskeletal system can be affected. The pain can radiate down the back and into the hands. In that case, surgical procedures, among others, are used. Only the timely analysis by the doctor ensures the basis for the mobility of the neck muscles and a pain-free life. In addition to physiotherapy, home exercise sessions and relaxation exercises are prescribed.This relieves stress, stimulates the metabolic process and allows the tense muscles to relax.

Prevention

A stiff neck can be prevented in many cases. When the muscles are strengthened, they are less sensitive and can withstand greater stress. Moderate sports and sufficient exercise can be helpful here. Stretching exercises are recommended to ensure the important relaxation of the neck muscles. This is especially true for activities that are performed while sitting or standing. Those who work in a seated position should pay attention to their posture and move more often in order to compensate for any unfavorable strain as quickly as possible. Courses with suitable exercises for neck and shoulder problems can also be prescribed by a doctor if necessary. An exercise-rich and stress-free daily routine can already prevent many painful complaints and permanently maintain the full range of motion.

What you can do yourself

Various self-help measures can be used for a stiff neck. Heat applications such as heat patches, red light or ointments that promote circulation can be helpful, as heat loosens the tense muscles. Overstraining should be avoided, as should excessive rest in the form of bed rest. Light muscle stretching exercises counteract a stiff neck. The stretches lengthen the shortened or tense muscles again, thus relieving pain. Simply stretch the neck backward, forward and to the side. Each individual stretch should last at least 15 seconds. The exercises should be continued and increased regularly. It is recommended to work in a spine-friendly sitting position. This includes, among other things, an ergonomic workstation and regular movement and relaxation breaks. People with a stiff neck should avoid drafts and humidity. In addition, the neck and the back of the neck should be protected from the cold. A stiff neck with tense muscles can be loosened by massage, which can also be done by oneself. Warm and moist compresses with linseed are also recommended. The wrap should be left on for about 30 minutes. Essential oils can also help against a stiff neck. A good mattress and a flat compensation of the neck curvature in lying position are useful. Stress should be avoided, reduced or balanced as far as possible. For long-lasting problems, a visit to the doctor is advisable.