Stiff neck

Proven content

A stiff neck is a symptom we’ve probably all experienced. This is a reflex reaction that can be triggered when the meninges are irritated. The causes of this ailment are very different, they can be trivial or very serious. The stiffness of the neck can be tested by passively bending the head forward and, under physiological conditions, freely touching the sternum with the chin, which in the condition meets resistance and causes severe pain.

Neck stiffness – definition

A stiff neck is a very common symptom of a meningeal. Involuntary positioning of the head and impaired mobility of the neck occur in the event of severe irritation of the meninges in the course of meningitis and encephalitis, tumors of the posterior cranial fossa and cervical spinal cord sections. Often, the stiffness of the neck is the merit of the patient himself, who takes the wrong position even during sleep. This problem can also occur in people who, due to their profession, spend a lot of time in front of the computer. Also, various types of conditions that indicate muscle strain (especially in athletes) are the cause of neck stiffness. It is important not to ignore these types of ailments, as they can be caused by other, more serious, and health-threatening causes. The symptoms of a stiff neck are most often characterized by pain and difficulty in moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the head to the side. Therefore, there is often a situation where you need to turn your whole body to look sideways or backwards.

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Neck stiffness as a meningeal symptom

To test whether neck stiffness is a mening effect, place the patient flat on his back. Then an attempt should be made to draw the patient’s chin towards the chest. The meningeal symptom is positive when it is not possible to bring the chin closer to the patient’s chest due to stiffness. The number of fingers of the examiner is used to assess the distance between the patient’s chin and sternum, thus determining the severity of this symptom. In severe cases, the head may involuntarily tilt backwards (opisthotonos). However, the inability to perform this activity does not always indicate pathology. Sometimes patients are unable to bend their chin due to past illnesses. The examination of the neck stiffness as a meningeal symptom is the starting point for further patient diagnosis. Coexistence of other symptoms such as high temperature, headache, vomiting or photophobia suggests meningitis. In such cases, there is an absolute indication for a medical appointment.

In addition, a positive sign of neck stiffness indicates:

1. subarachnoid bleeding,
2. proliferative ailments in the area of ​​the brain and meninges,
3. stroke that causes meningeal irritation.

Causes of a stiff neck

The main cause of neck stiffness is excessive soft tissue tension and contraction of the levator scapula that connects the cervical spine to the shoulder together. It is controlled by the third and fourth nerve roots. The levator strains excessively when we repeat a certain activity every day or often, e.g. excessive stress increasing muscle tension; bad body posture, e.g. when watching TV; prolonged exposure to unnatural positions, such as holding the phone between your ear and shoulder, and repeatedly performing activities that require turning your head, usually to one side.

A stiff neck symptom may be present in the following conditions:

1. rheumatoid arthritis – changes in the cervical region appear in the course of the disease. They can lead to the destruction of the disc cartilage or even its loss. Symptoms such as stiffness and neck pain appear suddenly. In addition, pain may radiate to the lower limb and cause sensory disturbances;
2. rheumatic polymyalgia – is a disease that occurs in people over 50, and its typical symptoms are pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles. Stiffness usually starts in the morning and lasts for at least half an hour. In addition, arthritis and high temperature, depression and weight loss are present;
3. ankylosing spondylitis – is a chronic inflammatory ailment characterized by pain in the sacro-lumbar region. The disease occurs mainly in young people (adults) and is alleviated by exercise. ZZSK can also affect other sections of the spine, for example, leading to limited mobility of the cervical section. The stiff neck makes activities such as driving a car much more difficult or even impossible;
4. disorders of the intervertebral discs (e.g. their incorrect movement).

A stiff neck can also occur as a consequence of an injury to this area. Especially if the neck is exposed to sudden forward or backward movements during an injury, such as in a car accident. Then, the ligaments and tendons are strained, which in turn causes stiffness of the neck. The pain does not always appear immediately, it may be delayed. Neck mobility is restricted. Neck stiffness as a non-specific symptom may also be accompanied by:

1. stroke
2. Parkinson’s disease (due to high muscle tension),
3. torticollis,
4. cervical dystonia
5. infections around the neck, e.g. a throat infection;
6. lumbar puncture.

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Stiff neck – symptoms

Symptoms of a stiff neck usually last for a few days to 2 weeks. The severity of the symptoms can vary from mild pain and a slight restriction of mobility to very severe pain that completely restricts mobility. Even with mild symptoms, physiotherapeutic treatment is indicated to relax the muscles and to do stretching and strengthening exercises, and to improve posture and work ergonomics. This is important in preventing and minimizing relapses.

Neck stiffness – management

Neck stiffness caused by excessive muscle and tissue tension can be relieved by the following measures:

1. Stretching – gentle stretching of the neck muscles is recommended, of course, if the patient tolerates it well. Stretching not only eases the unpleasant stiffness of the neck, but also helps restore natural movement. This exercise should always be performed in the physiotherapist’s office, under his watchful eye.

2. Rest – a one or two-day rest is recommended, which will allow the muscles to release excessive tension. Of course, it should not be too long, so as not to weaken the muscles and thus disturb the stability of the neck and head.

3. Massage. To do this, use the Neck, Back, Shoulder, Neck Electrostimulator or Neck and Back Shiatsu Massager. Both devices reduce pain and help you relax and unwind.

4. Cold or warm compresses – the use of cold packs of ice (cold pack) relieves the stiffness of the neck by reducing inflammation. In turn, applying heat to the neck area stimulates blood flow, which regenerates and relaxes the muscles. Whether heat or cold is used depends on the choice of the patient. Buy Visiomed thermotherapy gel compress now, which can be used both as a warm and cold compress. It is also worth trying Thermolka Cannaderm warming patches, which reduce muscle and joint pain, including neck stiffness. On the other hand, the special Visiomed KINECARE VM-GB6 compress for the neck, neck and shoulder has an ergonomic shape adapted to the upper parts of the body.

5. Active exercises – also help to relieve neck stiffness, provided they are done several times a day. Thanks to this, they support the circulation of oxygen in the tissues and thus stimulate the regeneration process. They also improve the range of motion.

6. Use of prescription anti-inflammatory preparations – leads to a reduction in inflammation.