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What Are the Causes of a Stiff Neck?

Most people have experienced a stiff neck at some point in their life. However, it usually only lasts a day or two before going away. For some, however, a stiff neck can be a long-term condition that limits mobility and makes it difficult to complete daily tasks. However, before you can seek treatment, it's important to know the various causes of a stiff neck and to determine if you require medical attention.

  1. Sleeping Improperly

    • The very act of sleeping in a strange position can cause your neck to be stiff upon awaking. A muscle spasm could set in, or you may just strain the muscle a bit. Using a pillow that is either too bulky, too flat or not supportive enough can also contribute to this problem. Sleeping somewhere besides your bed is also a contributor to a stiff neck.

    Head Jutting

    • Holding your head at an odd angle all day can certainly contribute to a stiff neck. For instance, if you sit at a computer all the time, you'll likely jut your head forward, placing undue strain on your neck. Poor posture can also contribute to this, as can talking on the phone all day, with the handset pressed between your shoulder and ear. Even during your downtime you can sit in a position that causes a stiff neck, like reading in bed with your head bent toward your chest.

    Meningitis

    • Nowadays, meningitis is very rare and unlikely to be the cause of your stiff neck, but it's important to know this disease is a possible cause. If your stiff neck came on with a fever and a really bad headache, you might wish to see a medical professional.

    Whiplash

    • If you were in a car accident recently, you might have suffered whiplash, which can cause a stiff neck, especially a day or two following the accident.

    Cold or Flu Symptoms

    • If you have a cold, the flu or a sinus infection, you can end up with a stiff neck. People tend to hold their bodies differently than they would normally when they are ill, meaning a stiff and sore neck is more likely to occur.

    Stress

    • Stress can cause all sorts of bodily harm, but it can be directly felt in the way you hold tension in your body. The neck, shoulders and back are all primary locations for tense and sore muscles. And most often, tense and sore muscles tend to stiffen up over time.

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