Symptoms of Stiff Neck and Causes

Most of us know what a stiff neck feels like, tender, sore and hard to move, but when do symptoms of a stiff neck need medical care?

Although stiff neck causes may be of a minor nature...

...such as stress and tension, a tight trapezius muscle...

...exercise muscle strain, poor sleeping posture, jaw clenching, or a back muscle spasm, caused by...

• a sneeze or cough
• lifting heavy objects
• incorrect sitting posture
• muscle overuse, or injury
• dehydration

...there are causes that can be significantly more serious.

According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine and National Institute on Health...

...someone with the symptoms of a stiff neck should seek immediate help (by calling an emergency number such as 911) if they have...

...the possible signs and symptoms of meningitis - a stiff neck and headache, and fever, and if the neck is so stiff that it is difficult to tuck the chin to the chest. Also, if...

...the stiff neck causes are from a neck injury from a fall, an accident, or a blow to the neck.

MedlinePlus also indicates that a health care provider should be consulted when...

• symptoms of a stiff neck do not disappear in one week, with self care
• stiff neck and swollen glands, or a lump in the neck are present
• pain does not go away with the recommended dose of over the counter pain medication
• a stiff neck is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing
• pain is worse when laying down, or the pain makes it hard to sleep
• extremely uncomfortable or severe neck pain is present
• in addition to neck pain, control over urine or stool (incontinence) is present

Even if you don't have any of the above stiff neck symptoms, but just don't feel right, the pain becomes worse...

...or you have dizziness, or chronic stiff neck - it is certainly wise to schedule a doctor's visit.

This website is written by a patient NOT a practitioner. When medical conditions and concerns arise a qualified health care provider should be consulted.

Stiff Neck Shoulder Pain, Arm or Back Pain

I know from my own experience that it is possible to have symptoms of a stiff neck and shoulder pain, a stiff neck and arm pain, or a stiff neck and back pain, without there being a serious cause, however...

...if you experience these symptoms, you should consider an evaluation just to make sure that a more serious medical condition is not present.

If the problem is simple in nature, a physician may suggest rest and ice therapy or heat therapy...

...along with gentle neck stretching exercise, as a stiff neck treatment to relieve pain.

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