About the condition

What is a stiff neck?

Within the cervical spine (neck) there are a range of structures, including bones (vertebrae), joints, discs, ligaments, nerves and muscle. These act to support and stabilise the spine. A stiff neck is determined by soreness and a reduced ability to move your neck. Diagnosis can be common for most of us due to poor posture in front of a computer, and it can be a symptom of an underlying spinal condition.

Causes

What are the causes?

The cause of a stiff neck greatly varies in reason and severity. Any movement or activity which may overstretch, overextend or strain the neck can trigger stiffness;

Common causes of a stiff neck include:

Though the onset/diagnosis of a stiff neck can be immediately determined after an obvious cause, it may still be difficult to pinpoint in some cases.

Poor posture–poor seated posture/slouching(especially for prolonged periods) or awkward sleeping positions
Trauma– e.g., motor vehicle accidents.
Falls– usually from a significant height, or even a seated position.
High Impact Activities– e.g., contact sports, violent activity
Repetitive movements– sudden or excessive movement, e.g. rotating, bending, etc.
Poor mental health– high levels of stress or anxiety triggering tension
Spinal conditions– stiff neck can be a symptom of a differential diagnosis fromother spinal conditions, some includingherniated discs,spondylosis,stenosis, etc.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Neck pain – can be dull/sore to sharp/severe Referred pain felt down hands, neck, back or arms Pain with movement, especially turning the head
Referred pain felt down hands, neck, back or arms
Pain with movement, especially turning the head
Stiffness/tenderness in the neck and back of head
Muscle spasms
Reduced reflexes, control and range of movement
Inflammation/swelling in the affected area
Dizziness and/or headaches
Nerve pain (tingling sensations)
Differential/co-morbid diagnosis of otherspinal injuries/conditions

Treatment

Treatment for a stiff neck

If you have a stiff neck, it is important that a GP or physiotherapist rule out a differential diagnoses as the underlying cause for the stiffness. You may be referred for CT, X-ray or MRI scans to determine the location and extent of the injury.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in reducing pain and other symptoms of a stiff neck. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, driving and strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use neck support or a suitable pillow.

Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
Restoring range of movement
Postural improvement
Shockwave Therapy
Dry needling
Taping
A unique home exercise program
Graded Exposure to load program

Stiff Neck Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is a stiff neck?

What are the causes?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for a stiff neck

Treating Stiff Neck in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly