What happens when you have a stiff neck?

What happens when you have a stiff neck?

A stiff neck, which can limit your ability to move your neck or head, can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as driving or turning to say hello. Often, a stiff neck is accompanied by neck pain, headache, or pain in the arms and shoulders. There are many causes of a stiff neck that can cause minor discomfort to severe pain.

Can a whiplash injury cause a stiff neck?

Sudden impact, whiplash, or strenuous activity can cause injury that results in a stiff neck. When the head is suddenly or forcefully pushed to the side, the neck becomes more susceptible to muscle injuries or sprains. Depending on the severity of the injury or symptoms, medical intervention may be needed.

What causes pain in the back of the neck?

Stiff Neck Symptoms and Causes Animation By far the most common cause of a stiff neck is a muscle strain or soft tissue sprain. In particular, the levator scapulae muscle is susceptible to injury. Located at the back and side of the neck, the levator scapulae muscle connects the neck’s cervical spine with the shoulder.

What causes the muscles in the neck to tighten?

Several examples of cervical spine disorders that can cause neck muscles to painfully spasm or tighten include: Sometimes neck stiffness is a reaction to an underlying disorder of the cervical spine. Several examples are illustrated in above. Cervical herniated disc.

What causes a stiff neck after a car accident?

Stiffness in the neck will result after any type of injury to the cervical spine. Whiplash from situations such as motor vehicle accidents can cause significant trauma to the neck, but traumatic causes are varied and are not limited to car accidents.

How can I avoid neck pain while driving?

Avoid eyestrain. Driving with poor vision can lead to eyestrain and cause you to crane your neck forward, which puts pressure on your neck muscles. If you’re straining to see while driving, you need to get your vision checked. It sounds obvious, but make sure your windshield is clean to help you see clearly.

Why does my neck hurt all the time?

Stress and tension on the neck and upper body can result in uncomfortable stiffness, aches, and pains that hinder all kinds of daily activity. You should read below to recognize other symptoms associated with neck stiffness to prevent future damage and receive appropriate care.

What to do if you have a stiff neck?

Take a break. If you start to get a stiff neck, are feeling neck pain, or better yet want to prevent it, pull into the next rest stop. Do some stretching and walk off the kinks. If you’re like most Americans, you spend a lot of time behind the wheel.