A person suffering from neck stiffness for more than a week needs to see a doctor for help. Would it be better to visit a specialist in stiff neck pain and treatment to determine what the underlying cause is and what the best treatment options are? Don’t try at-home treatments without medical guidance. It is best to make a doctor’s appointment when the neck stiffness first happens and then get a referral to a specialist.

Getting Help for Neck Stiffness

A stiff neck can come from sleeping in the wrong position or exercise gone wrong. A stiff, painful neck can also come from car accidents. Sometimes, it is a mild case that goes away quickly with a little care, and other times the injured or stiff neck will not improve without getting medical help and physical therapy. For those whose stiff neck makes them experience pain during exercise or normal activities, have a limited range of motion, and does not seem to be getting better, medical help is needed.

Some people are already seeing a doctor but are unhappy with the suggestion of neck surgery as the only option. These patients should contact a medical exercise specialist for an exam and the possibility of non-surgical help for their stiff neck. They may help a person get back to a pain-free lifestyle with proper exercise techniques and practices. Certified Muscle System Specialists have perfected personal training and physical therapy to make a real difference in treating neck stiffness and injury.

5 Causes of Neck Stiffness

A stiff, painful neck can have several causes. The muscle running the length of the side and back of the neck is called the levator scapula muscle. It connects the shoulder to the cervical spine and is controlled by the third and fourth cervical nerves. It is susceptible to injury. The neck is made up of this muscle, bones, and ligaments as well as vertebrae.

  1. This muscle can be injured by muscle sprain and strain. The causes of this type of injury include sleeping without a good, supportive pillow, repetitive movements of turning the head from side to sides, such as swimming, poor posture that tilts one’s head, like a phone or computer use, and stress causing tension knots in the muscles of the neck.
  2. A person can suffer a chronic stiff neck because of spinal disorders. The cervical spine is made up of a spinal cord, discs, and vertebrae in the top part of the neck. If any of these parts become misaligned or suffer an underlying disorder, it will cause a stiff, painful neck. These conditions include facet joint disorders, cervical osteoarthritis, and herniated discs.
  3. Bacterial infection or meningitis in the liquid membranes of the brain or spinal cord will cause stiffness and inflammation in the neck. In addition, this dangerous condition causes high fever, nausea, and headache. Seek medical help immediately.
  4. Neck injuries from accidents in falls, sporting events, or car accidents need medical attention and physical therapy to heal properly.
  5. Osteoarthritis is caused by daily wear and tear on the neck joints and muscles as we age. Spinal stenosis and fibromyalgia can also cause a stiff, painful neck.

Treatment Options for Painful Stiff neck Conditions

  • When a person with a stiff, painful neck seeks medical help, the doctor will do testing such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, electromyography, and lumbar puncture to see what the underlying cause may be. Then, a treatment plan is designed.
  • When the underlying cause and the severity of the neck condition are known, treatment can include ice and heat therapy, special exercises, stretching, and physical therapy, pain medication, a neck collar, traction, and hospital treatment or surgery for serious conditions. Medication can include muscle relaxants, corticosteroid injections, or antibiotics for infections. The medication will be administered by a medical doctor.
  • Alternative treatments include acupuncture, massage, chiropractic treatment, and electrical nerve stimulation.

Seeking medical help can be the beginning of the healing of a stiff neck.