3 Reasons You May Have a Stiff Neck

Nowadays, most people have to work for more than 9 hours at the office. Due to the pandemic situation, many people also have to work from home but there is no change in the number of working hours. Continuous working hours, stress, numerous physical tasks, and tension can cause a stiff neck. 

The symptoms of a stiff neck can vary from person to person. They can be mild to severe, but treatment is a must in any case. Many people avoid mild neck pain during their young age. This will worsen the problem of a stiff neck and you might suffer from permanent damage.

What are the Major Reasons for a Stiff Neck?

The stiff neck is the most irritating situation for the office employees. It does not allow working with good mental focus and also affects your routine badly. Many people do not know the reasons for a stiff neck. Once the reason is known, you can get the right treatment for a stiff neck. This blog will show the major reasons for stiff neck. 

#1. Cervical Spine Disorders

The disorders in the cervical spine can be a reason for a stiff neck. There are 3 parts in the cervical spine. They include vertebrae, spinal cord, and discs of the neck. Misalignment in any of these parts can cause neck pain or tensed muscles. There are various cervical spine disorders such as under: 

• Herniated Discs

The most common disorder of the cervical spine is herniated discs. In this condition, one can feel intense pain in the nerve roots of the neck disc. Besides, one can also feel pain in the arms. Severe pain and irritation can cause herniated discs. 

• Facet Joint Disorder

This is another reason for a stiff neck. Facet joints wear out in this condition. They wear out mainly due to osteoarthritis. Your spinal structure can damage and cause a stiff neck. People with facet joint disorder cannot do normal tasks easily. They also feel pain and irritation in the neck. 

• Cervical Osteoarthritis

Cervical osteoarthritis is a common problem in the old age group. In this condition, people suffer from muscle spasms and stiffness in the neck. Osteoarthritis cause blocked nerve pathways in the spine. 

#2. Strain in the Muscles

Stiff neck occurs due to sitting in one position for long hours. Neck muscles are very delicate and can get tired because of excess pressure. Many activities can cause muscle strain.

They include talking on mobile phone for a long time, wrong sleeping position, carrying heavy objects and so on. Apart from that, you can get strain in the muscles due to playing games for a long time on the computer and watching TV for long hours. 

There are several other reasons for muscle strain such as under:

• Any task in which you have to turn your head and neck often. These tasks include swimming, working on PC, and so on. 
• Poor body posture makes your neck muscles tensed and stiff. 
• Watching TV or movie on a PC for a long time can also cause neck stiffness.
• Increasing stress can also cause neck stiffness
• Hard and cheap quality pillows and mattresses are other reasons for stiff neck. 

#3. Neck Injuries

Injuries occurring from accidents and falls can also cause stiffness in the neck. Apart from the jerks in the neck can also make it stiff and tense. Doing constant physical work can put strain on neck ligaments. Strain can cause pain, irritation, and stiffness in the neck. 

Effective Remedies to Cure Stiff Neck

Stiff neck is a very serious problem. If you do not treat it at the right time, it can cause severe damage to your neck muscles and spinal cord. There are several remedies to cure stiff neck such as:

• Medical Treatment

Stiff neck can last even for a long time. If you get a stiff neck for more than 1 week, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Right medical treatment will cure stiff neck and remove tension from the neck. 

• Apply Ice Packs

This is probably the oldest method of curing pain. You can place ice packs on the neck for about 72 hours to remove stiffness. Ice packs will remove pain and irritation and give a soothing touch to your neck. You can also use a heating pad or take a hot shower to cure stiff neck. 

• Good Quality Pillows

Choose a high-quality pillow and mattress to remove stiffness in the neck. 

• Shoulder Massage

If you have intense pain in the neck, get a shoulder massage. This will release tension from the neck. You will get more flexibility in the neck muscles with the regular massage. 

• Neck Stretching Exercises

Stretching your neck and doing neck stretches will cure stiffness in the neck. You must move your head up and down and sideways to cure a stiff neck.