Pulling in the neck, the head can hardly be moved, the pain radiates to the shoulder and back. The first impulse: don’t move! Wrong, because movement and warmth are the best treatment for a stiff neck or neck. As painful as it may be, behind a “stiff neck” there is usually muscle tension and cramps caused by sitting or lying down incorrectly. This neck pain just like back pain is probably caused by wear-related processes in the spine and intervertebral discs – a result of incorrect and too little movement.
Causes of a stiff neck
But muscle tension alone does not cause a stiff neck. It is only when cold or drafts are added to the mix that the uncomfortable pain occurs. One example of this is driving in an open car with a sweaty shirt, another example is the open window on a chilly night.
What the exact cause is has not yet been definitively clarified. For example, it is speculated that the muscle cramps or microscopic bleeding or tears occur in it. This can happen when the muscle is cold and needs to move suddenly.
What helps in acute cases?
In acute cases, heat and a gentle massage help against a stiff neck. The heat causes a stronger blood flow to the muscle. Thus, the pain is relieved and small injuries can heal faster. It is also important to move carefully and not jerkily.
Stiff neck: how to prevent?
Almost always, the musculature is underdeveloped in such complaints. In addition to an upright posture, protection from drafts and relaxation exercises, it is above all movement that helps. Those who move increase the stability of their bones and strengthen their muscles. Even with more severe pain, you should not spend long periods of time in bed.
On the contrary, regular physical exercise can reduce the pain or, ideally, make it disappear altogether. Untrained people should walk, cycle or swim for five to ten minutes a day. Absolutely sporty people should at least take the stairs instead of the elevator or give up the car more often and walk.
