A stiff neck can be defined as a feeling of strain and pain during movement of the head in a certain direction (to the right, left, front or back). In some cases, this condition can be accompanied by head, shoulder and arm pain, and it can be difficult to determine the exact cause as it can have many different causes. In the treatment of this condition, which manifests itself with sudden and sharp pain, methods applied in typical muscle injuries can be used.
This condition, which can occur as a result of soft tissue sprain or muscle strain, is usually noticed in the morning hours and leads to restriction of neck movements during the day.
Why does a stiff neck occur?
A stiff neck is characterized by pain and difficulty in moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the head sideways. This condition can cause some difficulties in a person's daily life. Sudden reverse and incorrect movements, too high a pillow selection, stress and prolonged immobilization can be among the causes.
It can also be a symptom of chronic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the cause of the discomfort, options such as various drug treatments, exercises, physical therapy and rehabilitation can be applied.
What are the symptoms of stiff neck?
The most prominent complaint and symptom of stiff neck is pain. While the pain can be sharp and severe, it can occur in three different ways. The first of these is a stinging and throbbing type of pain that occurs only at the trigger point of the neck. When the individual touches his/her neck with his/her hand, he/she may feel sharp pain only in one part.
The second type is a generalized pain that affects the entire neck. It can spread from the neck area to the arms and shoulder blades. The person with these complaints may feel pain not only in the neck, but also in the head, neck, shoulders and arms.
In addition to these, limitation of movement, the person who needs to turn to one side has to turn his/her whole body, difficulty in driving and washing the face, and the limitation felt are among the common symptoms.
How does a stiff neck go away?
The first method usually applied in the treatment of stiff neck is medication. Depending on the severity of the pain and stiffness in the neck, the drugs prescribed by the specialist are usually muscle relaxants. The medications to be used should be used upon expert prescription and recommendation. Otherwise, some side effects and serious complications may occur. In addition to these, various treatment applications are as follows:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist applies exercises to strengthen the neck of the person. The exercises aim to alleviate the pain.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the stimulation given by placing small electrodes near the area of pain to relieve pain.
- The neck can be supported with a soft cervical collar at 2-3 hour intervals.
- In some rare cases, surgery, i.e. surgical operation, can be applied.
What is good for stiff neck?
In cases of pain or stiffness in the neck muscles, there are some methods that the person can apply on their own at home. While care should be taken during the methods to be applied, a specialist should be consulted if the complaints persist for a long time. Some of the methods that can be good for stiff neck can be listed as follows:
Resting
As with all tissues, muscle tissue requires a certain amount of time to regenerate and heal. For this reason, the person should rest for a few days so that the damaged tissues can heal. Avoid driving for at least two days and stay away from all activities that can damage the neck area.
Applying cold-hot compresses
The most intense period of pain in neck stiffness is the first 24-48 hours. During these times, applying hot compresses increases blood flow, while applying cold reduces inflammation. Both methods can be used alternately.
Applying Light Stretching and Exercise Movements
With mild stretching and exercise movements, the stiffness in the neck area can be reduced and the mobility of the neck can be increased. These applications should be learned from a physiotherapist and should be done in a controlled manner.
How to Prevent a stiff neck?
There are some habits that should be done and gained in order to minimize the risk of stiff neck and prevent this condition. The first of these is regular exercise. Since being inactive for a long time can cause some problems in the neck area, it is important that individuals, especially those who work at a desk, do stretching movements for a certain period of time and do not stay still for a long time.
People who have to work sitting for a long time should take short walks and do some stretching movements at certain times of the day to prevent such situations from occurring. It is among the measures that can minimize risky situations such as pain and stiffness that can be experienced by not looking at phones, computers and tablets, which are used by people today for a long time and for a long time, unless necessary.
When to Consult a Doctor?
A specialist should be consulted and visited in case of pain that does not go away for a long time and recurs frequently. In addition, if symptoms such as vomiting or fever occur in the person, specialist control should be provided immediately. This condition usually improves spontaneously within a week.
If this condition persists for more than a week, a specialist should be consulted and the underlying cause of the problem should be determined. In addition to stiff neck, if symptoms such as fever, headache, excessive drowsiness, nausea and vomiting are observed, the person should go to the nearest health institution immediately.