Stiff neck

Stiff Neck

Stiff neck (pronunciation: /stɪf nɛk/) is a common medical condition characterized by difficulty in moving or turning the neck due to discomfort or pain.

Etymology

The term "stiff neck" is derived from the Old English words "stif" meaning rigid, and "hnecca" meaning neck.

Definition

A stiff neck is typically identified by soreness and difficulty in moving the neck, especially when trying to turn the head to the side. It may also be accompanied by a headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, and/or arm pain, and can be caused by various factors such as sleeping in a wrong position, prolonged periods in a poor posture, carrying heavy objects, or as a symptom of more serious conditions like meningitis or cervical spine disorders.

Causes

Stiff neck can be caused by various factors including:

• Muscle strain or sprain: This is the most common cause of a stiff neck. It can result from activities and behaviors such as poor posture, sleeping with the neck in an awkward position, or turning the head side to side repeatedly.
• Cervical spine disorders: Conditions such as cervical herniated disc, cervical stenosis, or cervical degenerative disc disease can cause a stiff neck.
• Infections: Certain infections can cause stiffness in the neck. One serious infection that causes a stiff neck is meningitis.
• Injuries: Accidents or falls that cause whiplash can lead to a stiff neck.

Treatment

Treatment for a stiff neck typically involves:

• Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can help relieve stiffness and improve neck flexibility.
• Heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the neck can help relieve pain and stiffness.

In cases where the stiff neck is caused by a more serious condition, such as meningitis or a cervical spine disorder, additional treatments may be necessary.

Related Terms

• Whiplash
• Cervical spondylosis
• Torticollis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Stiff neck
• Wikipedia's article - Stiff neck

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