A stiff neck is usually characterized by soreness and difficulty moving the neck. While certainly annoying, it is usually not cause for panic, with most episodes of acute neck stiffness and pain subsiding relatively quickly. In other cases, however, it could signal the need for a thorough medical evaluation. We look at some of the common reasons for a stiff neck, as well as at treatment options.

Causes of a Stiff Neck

Common conditions that can cause a stiff neck and pain are:

Poor Posture

Such as slouching while viewing the computer monitor, looking downward at a mobile phone for prolonged periods (sometimes referred to as “text neck”), and so on.

Neck Strain

Such as the uncomfortable positioning of the neck while sleeping with the head on a pillow.

Neck Injury/Trauma

Such as whiplash.

Common Infections

A virus infection of the throat can lead to lymph node (gland) swelling and neck pain.

Rare Infections

Such as tuberculosis of the neck, infection of the spine bones in the neck (osteomyelitis and septic discitis), and meningitis (often accompanied by neck stiffness).

Degenerative Disc Disease

Such as Cervical Herniated Disc, Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease, and Cervical Osteoarthritis

  • Neck pain can also come from conditions directly affecting the muscles of the neck, such as fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatic
  • A stiff neck headache can be a result of stress and tension.
  • Age is also known to play a role in neck disc problems.

Stiff Neck Treatment

Treating a stiff neck typically begins with conservative treatment. If no relief is experienced, more drastic/invasive measures will be taken. Some common treatment strategies include:

  • Rest,
  • Heat or cold applications,
  • Traction, soft-collar traction,
  • Physical therapy (ultrasound, massage, manipulation),
  • Local injections of cortisone or anesthetics,
  • Topical anesthetic creams, topical pain-relief patches,
  • Muscle relaxants,
  • Analgesics, and
  • Surgical procedures.

A New Approach

Dr. Andrew Smith, of The Head and Neck Centers of Excellence, realized that patients were jumping from one form of therapy to another in search of a resolution to their pain. However, the essential components that caused their symptoms were not being addressed. The result was that these patients continued to suffer because no one was able to find the appropriate relieve for their symptoms.  It became his focus to assist these patients, and after years of research and perfecting his treatment, he introduced the groundbreaking A.S. Remodeling Protocol®, which enabled him to successfully treat cases where other therapies have failed. The Hand & Neck Centers of Excellence have since become the recognized leading authority in the non-surgical treatment of neck pain.

Why The Head And Neck Centers Of Excellence?

The Head and Neck Centers of Excellence, with their revolutionary non-surgical approach, have addressed the way in which chronic neck stiffness and pain, headaches, and jaw pain are treated. With our help, you can experience significant pain reduction within as little as just a few visits Contact us today to find out if you are a candidate for our exclusive A.S. Remodeling Protocol®.