What is the cause of stiff neck syndrome?
Most often, stiff neck syndrome occurs due to spasm or, on the contrary, stretching of one of the muscles located in it. This limits the mobility of the head, and any attempt to overcome the stiffness causes painful sensations. The cause of this condition is usually muscle overstrain due to prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position while sleeping, driving, improper organization of the workplace, poor posture, as well as excessive use of smartphones, tablets, laptops. While working with gadgets, many people tilt their head forward and down. This positioning relative to the spine leads to an overload of the extensor muscles of the neck, because the average adult head weighs 4.5-5.5 kg.
The habit of talking on the phone with your shoulder against your ear is no less damaging to the neck muscles. They can also be damaged during sports and mobile games. Another cause of stiffness and pain is often constant stress.
How do I regain mobility in my neck?
In all of the above cases, it is possible to restore mobility of the neck at home. Compresses are a good non-medicinal remedy. Ice is most effective during the first 48 hours after the onset of pain. Later it is recommended to use heat or take a hot shower to relax the muscles.
There are many remedies in the pharmacy assortment that alleviate “stiff neck syndrome”. Ointments, creams and gels with warming or, on the contrary, cooling effect can become an alternative to compresses. The former usually contain camphor, eucalyptus, fir and turpentine oil, while the latter contain menthol.
To reduce the pain accompanying neck stiffness, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics will help. The primary care provider can recommend both local and systemic drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetylsalicylic acid).
In severe cases, myorelaxants are used to relax the muscles, but before using such means it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Depending on what caused the neck stiffness, the client may also be recommended sedation, a posture brace or an orthopedic pillow to ensure the correct position of the head during sleep.
When do you need a doctor?
The primary care provider should warn clients that if the stiffness in the neck does not go away after 3 to 5 days of home treatment and the pain worsens, they should see a doctor.
Neck pain can also have more serious causes. Therefore, the primary care provider should ask if the client has symptoms such as sudden increase in body temperature, headache, skin rash, nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light. These may suggest meningitis, which is often accompanied by rigidity of the occipital muscles.
It is worth seeing a doctor if the cause of stiffness and pain in the neck is a so-called whiplash injury, which occurs when the neck is suddenly bent-extended. Such injuries often occur in drivers and passengers during sudden braking of a car. In this case, not only muscles, but also bones, ligaments and nerves located in the back of the head and neck may be affected, and a neurologist and surgeon will need to be consulted.
Another serious condition that can cause stiffness and pain is cervical spondylosis (osteochondrosis), which patients often refer to as arthritis of the neck. People who suffer from it usually experience severe pain only when they are upright, and as soon as they lie down, their condition improves markedly.
If you have such signs, you should see a doctor and undergo a number of tests (e.g. X-ray and MRI).
