3 Reasons Behind Your Stiff Neck
Many of us wake up with stiff necks. More often than we want to admit! And when you experience a stiff neck, the pain and limited range of motion tend to make daily activities quite difficult. These symptoms can last a few days to several weeks. Which may be followed by severe headaches, upper-shoulder pain, and/or excruciating pain radiating down your arms. Sometimes there are more serious causes behind your discomfort and pain. However, that pain tends to be chronic and can last for years!
Below are the potential reasons you might be suffering from a stiff neck:
1. Strained Muscles Can Cause a Stiff Neck
Any form of physical activity can have you placing your neck in odd positions for an extended period. This can make the neck muscles feel fatigued and begin to spasm.
For instance, if at work you keep a telephone cradled in the crook of your shoulder. Then at night, you lay on your pillow at an odd angle. Sometimes, we even lug around an extra heavy pocketbook or bag. Shockingly, it’s even common to strain your neck while watching watch television, if your TV is not eye level. However, a typical cause for neck strain is called (text neck). Text neck causes pain and stiffness from spending too much time staring down at your smartphone or laptop computer.
2. Cervical Spine Disorder
Your cervical spine encases each of the neck’s discs, joints, nerves, bones, and muscles. The cervical spinal cord runs directly through the center of your (vertebrae) bones.
Any of these parts tend to wear down over time or due to injury, which can lead to neck stiffness and/or chronic pain. In some severe cases may cause neurological problems. Some more common cervical spine disorders include:
- Cervical Osteoarthritis:
Over the years your facet joints located in the back develop arthritis which tends to be extremely painful! Often referred to as spondylosis, facet arthritis encroaches on the Spinal Nerve’s Root and sometimes creeping into your spinal cord. In conjunction with different kinds of spinal degeneration like Degenerative Disc Disease. Symptoms of this disease may include tingling and/or pain in arms and shoulders.
Also see, What You Need to Know About Cervical Arthritis
- Cervical Disc Issues:
Your cervical disc is composed of soft tissue which provides added cushion to the spine’s vertebrae. Throughout time, a disc or two in the neck may become degenerate or herniated. Similar to facet arthritis, (Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease) CDDD can lead to cervical stiffness and pain. In addition to that may cause numbness, tingling, and in more severe cases, walking difficulties.
Cervical spine problems need to first be diagnosed by a licensed physician. Though your symptoms may seem insignificant, it’s better safe than sorry. So, seek the assistance of a professional ASAP! Also, look into local exercise programs in your area or physical therapy. This is the best medicine for neck pain and stiffness! Plus, it helps prevent your ailment from worsening as well.
3. Rare Infection Causing a Stiff Neck
In rare cases, a stiff neck may be caused by an infection and is considered a serious medical condition. For instance, spinal meningitis could be the cause of your neck stiffness, due to the inflamed and infected meninges. These are protective membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. If you’re experiencing headaches, fever, vomiting, nausea, or any other sign of an infection, aside from your neck stiffness, seek medical help as soon as possible.
If your stiff neck worsens or does not subside within a few days, it’s important to seek medical attention. For a spine specialist in your area, call 888-409-8006. Offices conveniently located throughout South Florida.