About Stiff Necks
Neck stiffness is a common problem for many people, because it can be caused by sports activities, sitting at a desk all day and talking on the phone without a headset. When you don't take the time to stretch your muscles, adjust your positioning or protect your neck with a supportive pillow while you sleep, you can develop neck pain, which can develop further into neck stiffness. When you have neck stiffness, it can be difficult to move your head from side to side, so it negatively affects your mobility.
Significance
Neck stiffness can affect your mobility as well as your mood. When your neck muscles become so tight that you cannot move your head from side to side, you might be unable to get out of bed, to go to work and to drive. In addition, the pain and lack of mobility can cause you to become frustrated, stressed and angry.
Symptoms
When you have neck stiffness, you might experience a grating sensation when you try to turn your head. If you were in an accident and experienced whiplash, you might have temporary or long-term neck problems. Sometimes you might have swollen glands, fever, headache or nausea along with your neck stiffness. It's also common to have a tingling or sharp pain that starts at your neck and travels down your back.
Causes
Usually the levator scapula is the muscle associated with a stiff neck. Sometimes the cause of neck stiffness is simply sleeping in an awkward position during the night. Whenever you have your joints in one position for a long period of time, they can become stiff and achy. Another cause is arthritis, accidents and falls. More serious causes are from illnesses such as the influenza, polio and meningitis.
Prevention/Solution
Frequent stretching such as rolling your neck from side to side can prevent your neck from becoming stiff while you are sitting at your desk at work. Massage and acupuncture can also help target specific muscles that have become knotted and tight. If you play vigorous sports, you might want to take ample time off so your muscles can heal. If you have been in an accident, you should follow the doctor's orders and find out about rehabilitation so you return to your previous state of mobility. Stiff necks are common, but sometimes all your neck needs is time and relaxation to return to normal.
Warning
The cold weather can affect your muscles and cause them to restrict even more, which can further tighten your neck. Also, if you don't have a proper pillow to support your neck, you will most likely continue to experience a stiff neck when you wake up. When you have a stiff neck along with swollen glands, a fever, nausea or headache, it's best to visit a doctor to rule out any serious illnesses such as meningitis.
Tags: your neck, neck stiffness, from side, from side side, side side