Sometimes, a stiff neck is a symptom of meningitis , which can be serious. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are coverings on the brain and spinal cord. A virus, bacteria, or fungi may cause meningitis. Viral meningitis can get better on its own, but bacterial and fungal meningitis can be life-threatening.
Some symptoms of meningitis include:. The best way to relieve a stiff neck depends on the cause. When the stiffness is minor, some of the following home treatments may help:. Using an ice pack can help relieve inflammation and swelling after a minor strain. The ice can have a numbing effect, temporarily relieving any pain. This treatment is usually most effective within the first 48 hours of an injury, when there tends to be the most significant swelling.
Use a first aid ice pack or cover a bag of ice or frozen peas with a cloth to avoid frostbite. Apply the ice for up to 20 minutes at a time, taking 20—minute breaks. Some people alternate using ice and heat on a muscle strain. Using heating pads or a taking hot bath can help relax tense muscles and provide relief.
If applying ice, heat, or both does not relieve the pain of a stiff neck, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs may help. Some examples include ibuprofen and naproxen, which can reduce swelling and relieve pain. If a person has a health condition and is taking other medications, they should ask a doctor before using NSAIDs. Stretch the neck muscles by gently and slowly moving the head from side to side.
Roll the shoulders forward and backward. Stop if the stretches cause pain. Sometimes, a mattress that is too firm or not supportive enough can cause neck pain. A pillow that is the incorrect size or firmness may also cause a stiff neck. The head, neck, and back should be in an aligned position during sleep. The pillows that a person uses should suit their sleeping position.
A firmer, larger pillow may work well for side sleepers. Back sleepers may need a flatter pillow that supports the head and neck without forcing them into a forward position. Slouching can gradually pull the neck muscles and cause stiffness and pain. A person should focus on keeping the shoulders, neck, and back in a straight line throughout the day.
Wearing a posture-correcting device may help, as can setting reminders and alarms on a cell phone or computer. Several examples are illustrated in above. See What Causes Neck Spasms? This is not a complete list of conditions that can cause a stiff neck. While rare, several other possibilities exist, such as an infection or tumor.
A stiff neck can vary in intensity, ranging anywhere from an annoying discomfort to extremely painful, sharp, and limiting. Typically, attempting to turn a stiff neck to a particular side or direction will eventually result in so much pain that the motion must be stopped. For example, if the head cannot be significantly turned in one direction without excruciating pain, driving will likely need to be avoided until symptoms improve. Wearing a cervical collar to immobilize a stiff neck is not advised.
Rather, an individual with a stiff neck should try to stick to normal activity levels if possible, especially after the first day or two. If a stiff neck has not shown improvement after a week, it should be checked by a doctor. Also, regardless of how long it has lasted, a stiff neck accompanied by any red flag symptoms—such as a fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, or unexplained sleepiness—should be seen by a medical professional immediately.
What Causes Neck and Shoulder Pain? You are here Conditions Neck Pain. It should be noted that a stiff neck is not always present with meningitis, and other symptoms could include nausea, heightened sensitivity to light or loud noises, or confusion, among others. Meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. Other conditions that would rarely cause stiff neck but require immediate medical attention include:.
See Osteomyelitis, a Spinal Infection. See Types of Spinal Tumors. This is not a complete list, as many conditions could cause the neck tissues to swell or spasm, resulting in painful, restricted movement. See What Causes Neck Spasms? Stiff Neck Symptoms and Causes Animation. Stiff Neck Remedies Based on Cause. You are here Conditions Neck Pain. When Is a Stiff Neck Serious?
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