Stiff Neck Treatment

Stiff neck is a medical condition characterized by tightness or rigidity in the muscle group, which control the neck movements. Neck stiffness can range from simple stiffness accompanied by mild discomfort to severe rigidness accompanied by immense pain. At times, the pain can be severe enough to limit the movement of neck, hence causing utter discomfort to the individual. Owing to the pain and discomfort associated with this condition, you may ideally have to consult a medical professional and seek proper treatment to get rid of the problem.

Causes and Symptoms

A person may suffer from stiff neck due to various reasons. Simple activities such as talking on the phone for prolonged duration or sleeping without proper support to neck, can lead to stiffness in the neck. Rigorous physical activities which involve the movement of head and neck are also known to cause stiff neck. Even stress can lead to tightening of muscles in the neck, and eventually leading to stiffness. At times, stiff neck is also associated with headache. More severe causes of neck stiffness include medical conditions such as neck sprain, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical arthritis, encephalitis and meningitis.

Predominant symptoms of neck stiffness include difficulty in the movement of head and neck. The condition doesn't just make the movement difficult, but also triggers enormous pain when the person attempts to turn around, bend the neck or indulge in any physical activity. Other than these symptoms, the symptoms of underlying medical conditions, such as meningitis and rheumatoid arthritis, can also help in determining stiffness in neck. Being aware about the various symptoms of stiff neck can help you in diagnosing the problem and initiating stiff neck treatment at the earliest.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Stiff Neck

Neck stiffness diagnosis include certain tests, X rays, CT scans and MRI in order to determine the underlying cause of the precarious condition. The doctor may also evaluate the medical history of the patient, including the events preceding the moment stiffness was triggered. Depending on the seriousness of the issue, the doctor may also recommend blood test and spinal taps to find the cause of stiff neck. Based on the diagnosis and tests, the doctor will recommend any of the various treatment options given below.

In case of stiff neck, over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are effective in alleviating the pain. Stiff neck remedies at home include applying heat or cold to the affected area, to ease up the pain associated with the ailment. Massage is also known to alleviate the pain associated with the ailment. Improper support to neck while sleeping, is one of the most common causes of stiff neck, and hence the best treatment for stiff neck is switching the pillow the person uses at night. However, if the pain persists for a week or more, it is recommended to consult a doctor, as there is a probability that the pain in the neck is actually a misdiagnosed symptom of meningitis.

One of the most prominent cause of stiff neck, pinched nerve in the neck can be treated by using a muscle relaxant and a strong pain reliever prescribed by the doctor. If any damage to the nerve is detected, you would be referred to a neurosurgeon for further treatment. You may also be asked to wear a cervical collar to restrict undesirable movement of neck, which may further worsen the condition. If stress is the main cause of stiff neck, practicing stress management can help in easing the problem. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics may also be administered as a part of stiff neck pain treatment. As the last resort of treatment, the person may have to undergo surgery in order to treat the injuries caused to the neck muscles or relieve the pressure on the neck.

Although, it's a harmless condition associated with the muscles in the neck, one should not take it lightly, especially when the pain persists for long duration. One has to also take into consideration the side effects of stiff neck treatment, which range from allergic reactions to paralysis caused due to surgery.