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This is a common condition which is characterized by neck muscle soreness and pain. It is accompanied by headache, shoulder pain and sometimes arm pain.
The person finds it difficulty to rotate his or her neck.
Pain may appear after waking up in morning or in later part of the day after doing strenuous work.
It can go off naturally in a weeks time. But for faster recovery and prevention of recurrence it is always important to get relieved from pain and then improving flexibility and strength of neck muscles.
Common causes:
Sleeping in awkward position
Poor sitting posture for e.g.- sitting in front of computer or looking downward at a mobile phone for longer time.
Sudden impact that pushes the neck sideways or fall
Lot of stress or anxiety
Holding neck in abnormal position like talking over phone keeping it between neck and shoulder
Uncommon causes:
:Cervical herniated disc
Degenerative disc disease
Cervical arthritis
Symptoms:
Pain- it may vary in intensity
Annoying discomfort
Pain during movement
Treatment:
Rest: It is advised to take rest for a day or two so that it allows injured or inflamed tissue to heal. This will help to reduce stiffness and possible muscle spasm.
Ice therapy: Ice helps to reduce inflammation.
Gentle stretching exercise: It helps to ease the stiffness.
Prevention:
Strengthening neck muscles helps to prevent risk of developing stiff neck. Physio team of Curis 360 physiotherapy and fitness clinic develops exercise therapy program for clients which will help them keep their muscles strong.
Flexibility exercises if done regularly prevents spasm of neck muscles.
Posture training helps prevent stiff neck by minimizing stress on neck. A better ergonomically designed workplace will help in reducing pain and discomfort.