Stiff neck

A stiff neck, often referred to as a stiff neck, is a mostly painful restriction of movement in the neck and neck area. It can either be a hardening of the muscles or a disc problem. Depending on the trigger, the symptoms can be treated in many ways.

What is a stiff neck?

Medical professionals understand a stiff neck to be a restriction of movement that focuses on the neck and neck area. The complex of complaints is also known as cervical syndrome. It creates a general feeling of stiffness in the neck area and makes it difficult for those affected to turn their heads.

The stiff neck is usually accompanied by pain and the resulting relieving posture. Dizziness, visual disturbances and ringing in the ears can also be among the accompanying symptoms, as well as difficulty swallowing and a burning or pulling sensation in the chest or shoulder.

It is not uncommon for the symptoms to occur spontaneously and cannot always be traced back to a specific trigger. In mild cases, the symptoms disappear on their own after a few days. If severe symptoms are left untreated, this can lead to significant restrictions in daily life.

causes

People who work a lot on the computer often have stiff necks. Here it is usually a bad posture that leads to painful muscle tension. It is similar when carrying heavy bags incorrectly or when sitting in drafts, which can harden the muscles.

Sleeping positions that inadvertently apply strong or uneven pressure on the neck muscles can also lead to a stiff neck when you wake up, as can untrained muscles and general problems in the neck and shoulder region.

Under certain circumstances, however, it is also serious damage to the vertebrae or intervertebral discs that cause the symptoms. Unusual or jerky movements such as whiplash can block the vertebrae and cause severe pain. If the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine are damaged, this also manifests itself in a stiff neck.

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Diseases with this symptom

• Cervical spine syndrome
• Whiplash
• Meningism

• Meningitis
• disc prolapse
• Scoliosis

• arthrosis
• Spondylosis
• Muscle hardening

Diagnosis & course

A stiff neck can usually be diagnosed by the person affected, as the symptoms are clear. The cause can only be determined through a comprehensive medical examination. During this, a conversation takes place in which harmless causes can be determined or excluded.

If the doctor suspects a serious trigger, he will order an X-ray examination of the cervical spine or a computed tomography. The resulting images provide precise information about the condition of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. If a stiff neck is due to drafts or slight tension, the symptoms usually subside on their own.

In more severe cases, it can lead to painful and protracted inflammation and a further reduction in mobility in the neck and neck area. A medical examination is therefore urgently recommended if the symptoms persist for several days.

Complications

A stiff neck has different causes, which have different complications. For example, the stiffness is caused by whiplash, which usually heals again without any complications. The pain becomes chronic in only about 10 percent and can lead to impairment of quality of life and working life.

Meningitis can also typically cause a stiff neck. In some cases, the causative pathogen can spread over the entire organism and thus lead to sepsis. If left untreated, this usually leads to death, as the condition can lead to septic shock, a drop in blood pressure and an increased pulse.

This leads to an insufficient supply of important organs such as the kidneys or lungs with blood, which can then fail. In addition, the pathogen can spread to surrounding tissue and thus infect the brain (encephalitis). This can lead to paralysis and epileptic seizures, even coma and death, if left untreated. Additionally, pus can build up in the brain, creating an abscess that has similar symptoms.

Progressive osteoporosis can also cause neck stiffness. It is easy to break, so those affected have to be extra careful, which severely affects the quality of life. This can result in depression. In addition, those affected are mostly in need of care.

When should you go to the doctor?

A stiff neck should be examined by a specialist as soon as it prevents or restricts the everyday and necessary rotational movements. If neck, throat or shoulder pain also occurs, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause of the symptoms. Before doing this, self-measures such as massages or light stretching exercises can be used to alleviate the discomfort. If these measures do not bring the desired effect, a doctor is recommended. A stiff neck after an accident suggests whiplash.

The family doctor or an orthopedic surgeon can clarify possible injuries and treat them professionally. A stiff neck associated with shoulder and neck pain should be treated by a physical therapist. If you suspect jaw problems, we recommend going to the dentist or orthodontist.

Patients with chronic bone disease should see a doctor if the stiff neck has appeared suddenly and is associated with pain or general discomfort. This is especially true if there are additional complaints along the spine. The stiff neck is often due to a vertebral disease or a disorder of the intervertebral discs, both of which must be treated immediately.

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Treatment & Therapy

If a stiff neck occurs due to muscle tension, the person affected can often treat the symptoms themselves. Hot baths and professional massages in the neck, neck and shoulder area quickly provide relief.

A visit to the sauna and warm compresses can also have a positive effect on the healing process. Since stress and fears can also be responsible for the restriction of movement, it is advisable to use relaxation techniques and to ensure a rapid reduction in stress. If the pain is more severe, a doctor should be consulted. This can administer drugs with pain reliever, muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects. An injection directly into the affected area can also improve the situation soon.

If the attending physician determines whiplash trauma, rest and medication are prescribed, as is light physiotherapy. A herniated disc in the neck and neck area may have to be treated surgically. This always applies when the affected intervertebral discs are severely damaged. In this case it is exchanged for an artificial disc.

Vertebral stiffening using screws and metal plates is also possible; however, this method is used almost exclusively in older patients.

Outlook & forecast

Stress, overexertion, physical as well as psychological problems can affect the mobility of the neck apparatus. Severe neck pain and headaches are the result. If there is no accident or other injury to the cervical spine (cervical spine), the doctor should be consulted. This finds out the cause of the stiff neck and initiates targeted countermeasures.

Whiplash or problems of the cervical spine are treated differently than muscle or nerve tension, which successfully subside after a short time and with the correct therapy method. Depending on the degree of discomfort, an anti-inflammatory drug is recommended for gentle manual therapy. Heat packs also provide relief in the long term and help you to move more.

If a stiff neck is not treated at all or treated incorrectly, acute sequelae up to permanent damage can occur. These include circulatory and sensory disorders, muscles that shorten and the entire musculoskeletal system can be impaired. The pain can radiate down the back and into the hands. In that case come i.a. operational procedures to use.

Only the timely analysis by the doctor ensures the basis for the mobility of the neck muscles and a symptom-free life. In addition to physiotherapy, exercise units and relaxation exercises are prescribed for the home. This relieves stress, stimulates the metabolic process and allows the tense muscles to relax.

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prevention

A stiff neck can be prevented in many cases. If the muscles are strengthened, they are less sensitive and can withstand greater loads. Moderate sport and sufficient exercise can be helpful here.

In order to ensure the important relaxation of the neck muscles, stretching and stretching exercises are recommended. This particularly applies to activities that are carried out while sitting or standing. If you work sitting down, you should pay attention to your posture and move more often in order to compensate for unfavorable loads as quickly as possible.

Courses with suitable exercises for neck, neck and shoulder problems can also be prescribed by the doctor if necessary. An active and stress-free everyday life can prevent many painful complaints and maintain full freedom of movement over the long term.

You can do that yourself

Various self-help measures can be used for a stiff neck. Heat applications such as heat patches, red light or ointments that promote blood circulation can be helpful, as heat loosens tense muscles. Overloading should be avoided as well as excessive rest in the form of bed rest.

Light muscle stretching exercises counteract a stiff neck. By stretching, the shortened or tense muscles are lengthened again and pain is relieved. The neck is simply stretched back, forward, and to the side. Each individual stretch should last at least 15 seconds. The exercises should be continued and increased regularly. It is recommended to work in a spine-friendly sitting position. This includes, among other things, an ergonomic workplace and regular exercise and relaxation breaks. People with a stiff neck should avoid drafts and moisture. In addition, the neck and neck should be protected from the cold.

A stiff neck with tense muscles can be loosened with a massage, which you can also do yourself. Warm and moist wraps with linseed are also recommended. The wrap should work for about 30 minutes. Essential oils can also help against a stiff neck. It makes sense to have a good mattress and to compensate for the curvature of the neck in a lying position. Stress should as far as possible be avoided, reduced or balanced. If the problem persists, a visit to a doctor is advisable.