Kessel Wellness Center
Contact Us Today!
(212) 683-6666 • lkesselfb@gmail.com
Contact Us Today!
(212) 683-6666 • lkesselfb@gmail.com
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How Do You Treat Neck Stiffness?
Stiffness of the neck is one of the most common muscular problems which most of us have already encountered. It is characterized by soreness, pain and difficulty in moving the neck. This pain may radiate to the back, shoulders and even on the arms. Stiffness of the neck may last for more than 2 days to a week which may cause extreme anxiety as well as severe limitation of movement.
Neck stiffness may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or as a result of trauma, but most cases of stiffness may heal after a week without any complications at all. The most common causes of stiffness of the neck are:
Sleeping in a position that strains the levator scapula muscle. This muscle is located at the back and at the side of the neck. This muscle connects the cervical spine to the shoulder.
Any type of sports injury that also strains or sprains the levator scapula muscle.
Poor posture in your daily activities like viewing a computer monitor, reading a book or driving a car.
Any activity that makes you hold the neck for an abnormal position for a long time. Activities like swimming, cradling a phone and many more.
There are also illnesses that may have stiffness of the neck as symptoms like meningitis, encephalitis, herniated discs or osteoarthritis. A medical professional is the best resource for the ideal treatment for stiffness of the neck. If you suffer from neck stiffness that does not heal, consult a professional immediately.
The initial treatment for stiffness of the neck muscles is to apply cold compresses. Apply this cold in 20 minute intervals during the initial 24 hours of the injury. Heat is applied after the first day; you may use hot towels or a hot water bottle. You may also try taking a warm bath or a warm shower. As you shower, massage the area gently with long firm strokes to stimulate the blood flow to the area.
Massage greatly helps neck muscles heal; you may try applying medicated ointment or liniment which applies heat to soothe sprained muscles. Apply the liniment in using long firm strokes; you may repeat this treatment as often as you want. Over-the-counter medications are also great for pain like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Pain relievers must be taken on a full stomach to prevent gastric upset.
After a week, your range of motion on your neck should return to normal. Keep in mind that you can prevent this irritating muscular condition from happening again when you follow simple rules. Sleep in a comfortable position that cradles the rest of the head, neck and shoulders to prevent stiffness of the neck. Do not overexert your neck in strenuous activities. Avoid staying in one position that could possibly strain your neck. Maintain good posture when using the computer, driving, watching television and reading. Do not abuse your neck muscles, if they feel sore, stop your activity and take a rest; continue your activity after the soreness is relieved.
Neck stiffness may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or as a result of trauma, but most cases of stiffness may heal after a week without any complications at all. The most common causes of stiffness of the neck are:
Sleeping in a position that strains the levator scapula muscle. This muscle is located at the back and at the side of the neck. This muscle connects the cervical spine to the shoulder.
Any type of sports injury that also strains or sprains the levator scapula muscle.
Poor posture in your daily activities like viewing a computer monitor, reading a book or driving a car.
Any activity that makes you hold the neck for an abnormal position for a long time. Activities like swimming, cradling a phone and many more.
There are also illnesses that may have stiffness of the neck as symptoms like meningitis, encephalitis, herniated discs or osteoarthritis. A medical professional is the best resource for the ideal treatment for stiffness of the neck. If you suffer from neck stiffness that does not heal, consult a professional immediately.
The initial treatment for stiffness of the neck muscles is to apply cold compresses. Apply this cold in 20 minute intervals during the initial 24 hours of the injury. Heat is applied after the first day; you may use hot towels or a hot water bottle. You may also try taking a warm bath or a warm shower. As you shower, massage the area gently with long firm strokes to stimulate the blood flow to the area.
Massage greatly helps neck muscles heal; you may try applying medicated ointment or liniment which applies heat to soothe sprained muscles. Apply the liniment in using long firm strokes; you may repeat this treatment as often as you want. Over-the-counter medications are also great for pain like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Pain relievers must be taken on a full stomach to prevent gastric upset.
After a week, your range of motion on your neck should return to normal. Keep in mind that you can prevent this irritating muscular condition from happening again when you follow simple rules. Sleep in a comfortable position that cradles the rest of the head, neck and shoulders to prevent stiffness of the neck. Do not overexert your neck in strenuous activities. Avoid staying in one position that could possibly strain your neck. Maintain good posture when using the computer, driving, watching television and reading. Do not abuse your neck muscles, if they feel sore, stop your activity and take a rest; continue your activity after the soreness is relieved.