Neck stiffness is a common condition that can occur in individuals of all age groups. This complaint can limit daily movements and cause pain and discomfort. Due to changes in desk job styles and the increase in working hours, it has become one of today’s common problems.

What is Neck Stiffness?
It is typically a painful condition that arises upon waking in the morning, significantly limiting neck movements and causing a feeling of tightness in the neck muscles. Neck rotation becomes extremely difficult. Severe pain occurs when trying to turn the neck. Sometimes neck stiffness is accompanied by pain in the head, shoulders, or arms. A person with neck stiffness often turns their entire body as a block to look sideways instead of just moving their neck.

The levator scapula muscle is highly significant in neck stiffness. This muscle connects the cervical spine of the neck with the shoulder area located at the back and side of the neck. It is controlled by the 3rd and 4th cervical nerves (C3-C4). Therefore, any problem in these nerves can lead to neck stiffness.

What Causes Neck Stiffness?
Although the causes can vary depending on the profession, many different factors can lead to neck stiffness. The most common causes include:

• Certain professions that affect body posture over time
• Sedentary desk work; sitting in one position for a long time and making sudden movements
• Prolonged use of computers, tablets, and mobile phones
• Long-distance driving without breaks
• Carrying heavy bags on one shoulder or doing strenuous housework
• Sudden movements during sleep
• Infections like the common cold
• Long phone conversations
• Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cervical hernia, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and nerve compressions
• Sleeping with an improperly firm or high pillow
• Sleeping on hard or unsuitable surfaces like couches
• Sleeping in an incorrect position
• Sudden cooling after sweating, exposure to wind, or air-conditioned environments
• Carrying loads directly on the shoulders

The levator scapula muscle is more sensitive than other muscles. The most common cause of neck stiffness is trauma, strain, or injury to this muscle. Factors that may lead to such trauma include:

• Sleeping with the neck in an awkward or incorrect position
• Traumas from sports injuries, falls, or sudden movements that push the head sideways
• Poor posture while sitting in front of a computer, tablet, or phone for extended periods
• Excessive stress causing muscle tension
• Holding objects between the neck and shoulder for a long time (e.g., a phone or food tray)

What Are the Symptoms of Neck Stiffness?

• Pain: This is the most common complaint. A person with neck stiffness typically cannot turn their head in one direction and experiences limiting pain. The pain may be sharp or radiating. Sharp pain feels like a stabbing sensation at a specific point, while radiating pain follows the path of a nerve and spreads to the shoulders or arms. Nerve pain is often felt as a burning sensation.
• Tingling, numbness, weakness: These symptoms are usually felt in one arm. Complaints may extend beyond the neck to the shoulders, arms, and fingers.
• Headache: Muscle tension in the neck can cause trauma or irritation in the muscles or nerves connected to the head, leading to tension-type headaches.

How Does Neck Stiffness Heal?
Since neck stiffness generally results from muscle injury, treatment should focus on muscle relaxation.

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and muscle relaxants can be used.
• Rest is essential as it allows the tissue to heal. For at least two days, one should avoid physical activities such as driving or walking that require neck movement.
• Due to the potential for rapid muscle weakening, rest for the neck muscles should be limited to a few days.
• Hot and cold applications: Pain is most intense during the first 24–48 hours. Hot compresses increase blood flow, while cold reduces inflammation. These should be applied alternately.
• Gentle exercises and stretching should be done.

The above measures can be helpful during the acute phase of neck stiffness.

For frequently recurring neck stiffness:

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation to strengthen the neck muscles
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to relieve pain by applying electrical impulses through small electrodes placed near the painful area
• Short-term immobilization: Using a soft neck collar for short periods (2–3 hours intervals) can support the neck

When Should You See a Doctor for Neck Stiffness?
If the pain persists or recurs frequently, you should consult a doctor. Additionally, if symptoms like nausea or fever accompany the pain, medical attention is essential. For chronic or recurring neck stiffness, a doctor should also be consulted.