Stiff Neck Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

A stiff neck is a common problem and affects 10% of the population. The stiffness, if not treated, can spread to other nearby parts of the body, such as the shoulders and lower back, and can cause problems such as an aching neck, crack in the neck, malignant tumors, etc. It is extremely important to contact your doctor and seek treatment help to avoid the chances of further health conditions that are linked to a stiff neck. In some cases, medications and home remedies are effective in relieving pain, but if pain persists for long and limits the range of motion, then it may require surgery to treat the condition. 

Read on to learn more about the stiff neck, its causes, symptoms, and different treatment options. 

Causes of Stiff Neck

There are multiple factors that can cause a stiff neck, including

• Muscle strains: If you spend excess hours hunched over a computer or a smartphone, then it may trigger muscle strains. Some other activities, such as reading in bed, can also strain neck muscles.
• Nerve compression: Herniated disks or bone spurs in the vertebrae of the neck can put pressure on the nerves branching out from the spinal cord.
• Injuries: Neck injury and trauma can damage muscles, disks, and ligaments, and can lead to neck pain and stiffness. 
• Diseases: There are certain health conditions that are linked to stiffness and pain in the neck, such as rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.

Symptoms Of Stiff Neck

The symptoms of a stiff neck vary from person to person and usually depend on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms associated with a stiff neck are as follows,

• High fever, headache 
• Tightness of muscle and spasms
• Restrict movement of the head 
• Limited range of motion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion and anxiety 
• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Frequent mood swings and changes in mental state
• Coordination issues, such as walking, writing
• Sudden weight loss

Stiff Neck Treatment

The treatment for a stiff neck depends on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate pain can be easily managed with home remedies and medications such as, 

• Cold and/or heat therapy: It effectively relieves most types of neck stiffness by reducing inflammation. It is advised to apply ice for 10-15 minutes every day to reduce inflammation. Applying a heat pad to the neck can improve blood flow, which eases pain and swelling. You can use both hot and cold therapy alternatively. 
• Over-the-counter medications: It is the first line of treatment for neck stiffness and soreness. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are helpful in reducing inflammation and pain. Some common types of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g. Naprosyn). 
• Rest: Refrain from activities that require longer sitting, such as working on a computer, playing games, etc, and rest properly to help relieve stiffness and possible muscle spasms. You should also avoid certain swim strokes that involve lots of head twisting for a few days. Limit your neck movement to relax muscles and ease pain and discomfort. 
• Gentle stretching: Gentle stretching of the neck such as neck retraction, neck rotation, and neck flexion helps improve the range of motion and relieve pain and stiffness. It is advised to perform these stretches for 5-10 minutes every day to improve the condition.  
• Low-impact aerobic exercise: Some low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, is often helpful in relieving any type of stiffness. Walking helps in circulating oxygen to the soft tissues throughout the spine, which provides relief from pain and reduces stiffness.

Surgical Treatment For Stiff Neck 

If you are experiencing severe neck pain or stiffness, that limits the motion of the neck then it may require surgical intervention. There are various different surgical treatment options for stiff neck, including

• Posterior cervical laminectomy: It is performed on the back of the neck, and it involves the removal of a lamina, that is, the back part of a vertebra. It helps in retaining the flexibility of the neck. In some cases, it is performed in conjunction with laminectomy.
• Posterior cervical laminoplasty: This surgery is similar to the laminectomy, except the lamina is not completely removed. It helps in reducing the pain in the neck and stiffness. 
• Posterior cervical foraminotomy: In this surgical procedure, a small part of the foramen is removed.  It enlarges the area around the bones in the spinal column and relieves pressure on the compressed nerves. 

A stiff neck is a common problem that causes various painful symptoms, such as headache, muscle tightness, and spasms. There are various reasons for a stiff neck, including jerking your neck suddenly, improper posture, incorrect sleeping position, injury, etc. It is important to seek treatment help timely as any delay in the treatment can aggravate the symptoms and lead to other complications.