What is stiff neck?
A stiff neck is typically characterized by soreness and difficulty moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the head to the side. It may also be accompanied by a headache, neck pain, shoulder pain and arm pain.
Waking up with stiff neck can be unexpected and inconvenient. It can quickly bring on a bad mood and make simple movements, like turning head.
Stiff neck causes to severe sharp pain in neck and reduced range of motion.
Causes for stiff neck.
The most common cause of a stiff neck is a muscle strain or soft tissue sprain.
In particular, the levator scapulae muscle is susceptible to injury. Located at the back and side of the neck, the levator scapulae muscle connects the neck’s cervical spine with the shoulder.
The levator scapulae muscle may be strained throughout the course of many common, everyday activities, such as:
️ Sleeping in an awkward position.
️ Using a pillow that does not properly support neck during rest.
Sudden movements of neck.
️ Poor posture while using computer.
️ Consistently looking down at cell phone.
️ Stress and emotional tension.
️ Looking overhead for an extended period of time.
️ Whiplash injury.
️ Sport related injury.
Several examples of cervical spine disorders that can cause neck muscles to painfully spasm or tighten include:
Cervical herniated disc.
Cervical degenerative disc disease.
Cervical osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of the stiff neck.
Stiffness felt in the neck and its muscles.
Sharp pain in the neck.
Reduced mobility affecting the neck’s range of motion.
A popping sensation in the neck when it moves a specific way.
How do we prevent stiff neck?
Not all neck stiffness can be prevented, but steps can be taken to reduce the chance of developing one.
Using correct sleep position.
Using a right pillow.
Using a correct position while work with computer.
Stop sleep in places that are not conductive to good sleep.
Exercise regularly- Physical activity can help strengthen neck muscles.
Physiotherapists play a huge role in treatments of stiff neck.
References.
https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/how-treat-stiff-neck-after-sleeping
https://www.healthline.com/health/neck-pain/waking-up-with-neck-pain#bottom-line
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.spineuniverse.com/amp/50835
Shehan Akalanka.
Comments