The Reasons For A Stiff Neck Are Many And Varied

Added: (Sat Mar 06 2010)

Pressbox (Press Release) - It is very annoying when you get a stiff neck. Not only this, it can even be an indication of tumor or some other serious infection. There can be many reasons for a stiff neck. A few of these can be whiplash or ergonomics. Wear and tear is another reason. Sleeping in a funny position is another reason for getting a stiff neck. It is not advisable to ignore a stiff neck. At times, it can even be the sign of something systemic. Generally, a stiff neck is not something to be alarmed about. Certain situations besides combined conditions may require medical attention. It is the levator scapula which causes the feeling of a stiff neck. This is the same muscle which provides the connection between the neck and the shoulder. Thus, headache may or may not accompany a stiff neck.

But one of the most common causes of neck pain remains muscle strain or tension. The common, everyday activities are the reason behind this. Bending over a desk for hours in the same position can be one such activity. Another reason may be maintaining a poor posture while reading a book or watching TV. One more reason is if you place your computer much higher or lower than the eye level.

As you grow older, the cushioning disks which are between your vertebrae tend to become dry and stiff. Being exposed to cold weather may also lead to having a stiff neck. Other causes may include athletic activities such as tennis or swimming. You may get pain in the neck in case you are simply watching the back and forth movements of a tennis match. Stress or anger too, may cause neck stiffness. All these are a few reasons for a stiff neck.

Polio, influenza and meningitis are other possible causes for having a stiff neck. These conditions are however, accompanied with other unpleasant symptoms like nausea, headache as well as swollen glands.

There are various ways of treating a stiff neck. All of them depend on the reasons for a stiff neck, in that particular case. Any acute or sudden onset of pain or in case the pain is severe, may require the use of a collar and bed rest for first 24 hours. You may be recommended an ice pack for the first 72 hours. The reasons for this may be a car accident, trauma or a fall.

It is not difficult to treat a stiff neck at home. A pain killer such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken. Before taking them, make sure you are not allergic to them. Also ensure that you have received clearance from your physician to use such kinds of over the counter pain relievers. Slowly keep on moving your head. Roll your neck in the process, while you move your head from side to side. Never push yourself too hard. In fact, the more you do not move your neck, the stiffer and more painful your situation will be. Take care of your sleeping situation. Your mattress should be firm. Your pillow needs to be ergonomically correct.