A stiff neck is a condition that occurs when the neck is painful, and it is difficult to rotate the head in either direction. This discomfort may be acute and can be caused by muscle strain, seclusion, or long hours of inactivity, such as sleeping in an unsuitable position that strains muscles or sitting in front of a computer for long hours on a TV set, among other causes.

If not treated, a stiff neck can also develop compensatory movements, whereby signs of the condition shift to other muscles and joints, causing secondary discomforts such as tension headaches or pain in the upper back. In some cases, neck stiffness can be caused by severe cervical spine disease, bacterial meningitis, or any other central nervous system infection that requires urgent medical intervention.

It is equally important for individuals to distinguish when they or someone they know needs to seek medical attention and which signs indicate an emergency, such as severe pain, fever, and numbness.

What Causes a Stiff Neck?

Here are some common causes everyone should know about:

Muscle strain: One of the most common causes of a stiff neck is muscle strain. This can occur from poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, or overuse of neck muscles.
Poor ergonomics: Sitting for prolonged periods in front of a computer with improper posture can strain the muscles in your neck, leading to stiffness.
Injury: Trauma from accidents, sports injuries, or falls can result in a stiff neck due to muscle or ligament sprains.
Underlying conditions: In some cases, a stiff neck may be a symptom of underlying conditions such as arthritis, meningitis, or fibromyalgia.

Treatment for a Stiff Neck

Appropriate treatment at the right time is crucial to cope with a stiff neck. Here are some of the treatment modalities:

Apply heat or ice: A heating pad or ice pack applied to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Gentle stretching: Performing gentle neck stretches can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Be cautious not to overstretch or exacerbate the pain.
Improve posture: Maintaining good posture, especially while sitting or standing, can prevent further strain on your neck muscles.
Massage therapy: Getting a massage from a licensed therapist can help relax tense muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area.

When to See a Doctor

While a stiff neck often resolves on its own with home remedies, there are instances where medical attention is necessary:

Persistent pain: If the stiffness and pain in the neck persist for more than a week despite home remedies, consult a healthcare professional.
Numbness or weakness: If the patient experiences numbness, tingling, or weakness in their arms or hands along with a stiff neck, seek medical attention urgently.
Fever and headache: A stiff neck accompanied by fever, headache, or sensitivity to light could be a sign of a more serious condition such as meningitis.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing: Difficulty swallowing or breathing, and neck stiffness require immediate medical evaluation.

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24477-stiff-neck
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324070