How Does Neck Stiffness Occur?
It is quite likely that at least once in your life, you have suffered from extreme neck pain or stiff neck regardless of what your profession is. The reasons can range from muscle tension, back strain, bad sleeping posture, long hours of sitting to being glued to your smartphone. The worst part is that constant neck pain and stiffness can become a real hindrance in leading your life comfortably. While a lot of people turn to back and neck massages to ease pain or manage it better, certain studies have come in support of acupuncture to get rid of neck and back spasms. Some of the most common causes of neck pain are:- Poor sitting posture
- Prolonged sitting
- Sprain in the neck
- Poor sleeping position
- Lack of exercise
- Poor eating habits
- Bad exercising posture
- Whiplash (Sudden Jolt to the Neck)
- Pinched Nerve
- Stress and Tension
What are the symptoms of a stiff neck?
A stiff neck causes a restriction in the movements of your neck, often limited by pain. This restriction is often more on one side of your neck than the other. Other symptoms include:- Decreased ability to move your head
- Headache
- Muscle tightness and spasms
- Pain that’s often worsened by holding your head in one place for long periods, such as when driving or working at a computer
- Numbness
- Tingling /pins and needles
Remedies To Try for Stiff and Painful Neck
When similar symptoms of soreness and stiffness appear in the neck, proper functional exercise and rest should be done properly.- Apply heat or ice to the hurtful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat after that. Heat may be applied with hot compresses, warm showers or a heating pad. Be sure not to fall asleep to avoid skin injuries.
- Massage Gently
- Stretching
- Use a soft neck collar
- Have the proper mattress or pillow
First of all, the stiffness of the neck is on the muscles, but over time it will affect our cervical spine, nerve roots, vertebral arteries, and even the spinal cord.
