Stiff Neck Pain

What is Stiff Neck ?

Stiff Neck Definition

Stiff neck is a condition wherein there is limited movement in the neck area often because of neck muscle pain or cramps. This is a non-specific term for neck sprain, pulled neck, stiff neck headache. This can also be an adverse reaction to problems or pain from the shoulder, jaw, hear of upper arms.

In most cases, this condition has nothing to worry about and it does not really require immediate medical attention and most people can experience stiff neck one in a while.

Stiff Neck Causes

There are many causes of stiff neck or neck strains

Muscle strain or tension is the most common amongst all. This is because of the everyday activities like bending for hours, having very poor posture when reading, and sitting, watching television or even facing the computer.

Traumatic accidents such as fibryomyalgia, ruptured disk, small fractures in the spine due to osteoporosis, spine infection such as osteomyelitus, diskitis; spinal stenosis.

An automobile accident such as whiplash injury wherein there is hyperextension or hyperflexion of the neck.

Stiff Neck Symptoms

The most common stiff neck symptoms are pain. This happens especially after an accident because of the inflammatory process that takes place. In some cases, the pain cannot be felt right away.  However, if right after the accident, severe pain is felt, medical attention should be given right away. Another symptom is the inability to perform the activities of daily living. There is also weakness, numbess, sometimes a tingling sensation and dizziness.

At some point, although very unusual, dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in chewing can happen. Sometimes, breathing difficulty can also happen. If this symptom is felt, urgent medical care is needed.

Stiff Neck Pain

Since stiff neck pain is the cardinal sign for this condition, the patient should take note of the severity of the pain. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most painful, if the pain scale is at 7 and it continues to be that way for a long time, then the patient should seek for medical attention. Also, the patient should see the doctor if one of the following happens:

• The neck pain is not affected by the position changes
• If the pain is not remedied by medication
• Neck pain is severe at night
• Frequent muscle spasm
• Inability to do the activities of daily living

Apart from that, there are also warning signs that can associate injury to the surrounding organs of the neck or maybe a spinal cord injury

• Body malaise
• Numbness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dizziness accompanied with nausea and vomiting
• Tinnitus or ringing of ears
• Ataxia or  loss of balance
• Inability to urinate, bladder retention or incontinence, bowel problems
• Vertigo

Stiff Neck Treatment

Stiff neck treatment includes taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. The usual neck strain or stiff neck can only last at 1-2 weeks and an over-the-counter drug can be bought for stiff neck relief such as:

• Ibuprofen such as Advil or Motrin- to be taken 3-4 times a day in 5 days.
• Acetaminophen to be taken every 4 to 6 hours or as needed
• Naprxene sodium like Aleve which should be taken with food every 12 hours within 5 days.

Stiff Neck Remedies

Doing stiff neck remedy or remedies at home can be done especially if the problem is not severe. This home care can be:

• Application of hot compress or cold compress to the neck. Use the cold compress first for 2-3 days then hot compress in the preceding days.  Another alternative than hot compress can be through hot showers or heating pads.
• It is best not to do any strenuous activity and have a complete bed rest for a few days. Others suggest a use of cervical collar.
• After a few days, a slow range-of-motion exercises can be done such as up and down; side to side to stretch the muscles of the neck slowly
• Have a small pillow under the neck to support. Mattresses and pillows are important factors in having stiff neck. Experts believe that an old or “lifeless” pillow can be a cause for contraction of muscles when resting resulting to neck spasm.
• Getting a massage can also help to ease the neck and the head.

When a person is physically active but has stiff neck, it is advised to reduce the activity for the first few days. Then, slowly go back to normal activities however heavy lifting and back twisting should be avoided for 6 weeks. It is also best to avoid activities and sports such as jogging, football, ballet, sit-ups, golf and activities wherein the neck is heavily used.

References

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003025.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/neck_strain/article_em.htm#Neck%20Strain%20Overview