The phrase “pain in the neck” is funny and sometimes accurate. A stiff neck is a common problem, affecting about 10% of the population at any given time. There are many reasons for neck pain, making it difficult to determine the exact cause.
If you wake up with a stiff neck, you’re likely experiencing a muscle spasm, or contraction. That’s known as a muscle strain. A neck sprain affects the ligaments, or tough tissues that connect and stabilize your bones. Tendinitis — inflammation in the tissue that attaches muscle to bone and controls movement — is another contributing factor for neck pain.
Symptoms of a stiff neck include:
- Tight muscles or muscle spasms
- Inability to move your head, or a decreased range of motion
- Pain that continues to get worse when you hold your head in one position for a long time
Stiff neck prevention
Many times, you can prevent a stiff neck with some lifestyle changes and ergonomic workplace tools. Prevention may also mean breaking some bad habits, like poor posture. In addition, regular exercise can strengthen your muscles and make them less likely to be strained or injured.
Also, not smoking or quitting smoking can help prevent neck pain. Quitting can be difficult. Talk to your doctor to create a quit-smoking plan that is right for you.
Create an ergonomic workplace
Many people work at a computer desk for eight hours each day. This can contribute to a stiff neck, as well as other ailments. Here are some ways to prevent a stiff neck at work:
- Adjust your chair into a comfortable position with your feet flat on the floor and your knees a bit lower than your hips.
- Use ergonomic posture while sitting, with your back straight and your arms level to the desk.
- Adjust your computer so that it’s at eye level.
- Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse.
- Stand up to stretch and move every hour.
Limit how long you look at a smartphone
Constantly looking down at your phone pulls on your neck muscles and puts a constant strain on them. If you have to use your smartphone often, try some of these tips to reduce your neck strain:
- Hold your phone at eye level.
- Don’t hold your phone between your shoulder and your ear.
- Use earbuds or headphones.
- Take a break from your phone hourly.
- After using your phone, stretch to relax your muscles.
Don’t drive for long periods at a time
Just like sitting at your desk all day, sitting behind the wheel of your car can affect your neck. If you have to drive for long periods, here are some tips for preventing a stiff neck:
- Take breaks to stand up and stretch.
- Set an alarm to remind you to check your posture while driving.
- Set your seat in a position that provides you the most support and puts you in good posture.
- Don’t text and drive. It’s illegal, dangerous, and bad for your neck to be repetitively looking up and down from your phone to the road.
Stretch
Periodically stopping to stretch is a great way to help prevent getting a stiff neck. Stretches include:
- Roll your shoulders back and forth.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together several times.
- Slowly move your ear to your shoulder on each side.
- Slowly turn your head from side to side.
Change your sleep position
The position you sleep in at night can also affect your neck. Sleeping on your side or your back puts less strain on your neck than sleeping on your stomach. When you sleep on your stomach, you’re forcing your neck to strain for long periods of time and this can cause pain and stiffness.
If you sleep on your side for all or part of the night, you can buy a pillow with neck support.
Stiff neck remedies
If you have a painful, stiff neck, you can try several remedies to reduce the pain and lessen the stiffness. Many of these remedies can also be used for prevention.Apply heat or ice
Apply ice for 20 minutes a few times a day to help relieve neck inflammation. You can also alternate between applying ice and heat. Taking a warm bath or shower or using a heating pad may also help.Take OTC pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers like the following can help reduce the pain:
- ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
MIMI (Multi ion mask insert)
- Can be worn with any facemask and provides additional heavy-duty protection.
- Adult & Youth Sizes Available
Stretch but avoid sudden movements
Stretching can help relieve the pain and stiffness, and prevent it in the future. It’s important to stretch gently and slowly. Sudden movements can cause more inflammation, pain, and a more serious injury. Apply a heating pad or take a warm shower before stretching.
Stretches include:
- Roll your shoulders backward and then forward in a circle.
- Press your shoulder blades together and hold the position for a few seconds, then repeat.
- Slowly turn your head from side to side.
Get a massage
Massage by a trained practitioner can help to loosen and stretch your neck and back muscles.Try acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific pressure points on your body. While more scientific research is needed to identify proven benefits, acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in Eastern medicine. Visit only a certified practitioner with sterile needles.Consider chiropractic care
A licensed chiropractor can manipulate muscles and joints to provide pain relief. This type of therapy can be uncomfortable or painful to some. You can discuss your comfort with a doctor.Limit physical activity
If your neck stiffness and pain started after performing physical activity, you should limit that activity until the stiffness resolves. However, you should limit heavy lifting and activities that may aggravate your neck muscles any time you have neck pain.Reduce stress
Stress can cause you to tense the muscles in your neck. Reducing stress can help treat and prevent neck pain and stiffness. You may choose to reduce stress in a variety of ways, including:
- listening to music
- meditation
- taking a vacation or break, even if it’s just for a few hours away from the office or a stressful environment
- doing something you enjoy
Exercise regularly
Exercise can help strengthen your muscles to prevent injuries. Exercise can also help you to improve your posture to relieve and prevent neck stiffness. It’s also a great way to relieve stress that may be causing your stiff neck.Adjust your sleep environment
Adjusting your sleep environment can help relieve a stiff neck. Ways to change your sleep environment include:
- getting a firmer mattress
- using a neck pillow
- sleeping only on your back or side
- relaxing before going to sleep
- wearing a mouth guard if you’re grinding your teeth at night
