In this article, we tell you all about the most common causes and complaints of a stiff neck. You will also read what the possible consequences of (repeated) neck pain are and how a chiropractor can help you with this.
What is a stiff neck?
A stiff neck is often characterised by pain and difficulty moving and turning the head. You may find it difficult to look to the side, up or down without experiencing pain. In addition, a stiff neck is often accompanied by headaches, shoulder pain or even upper back pain. This is because the muscles around your neck, such as the trapezius and levator scapulae, become tense.
A stiff neck can be quite a hindrance in your daily life. Whether you wake up in pain or develop a stiff neck during the day, it can limit your freedom of movement and often causes discomfort. In this blog, we discuss the most common causes of a stiff neck and elaborate on what a chiropractor can do for you if you repeatedly suffer from a stiff neck.
Causes of a stiff neck
There are several causes that can play a role in the development of a stiff neck. Below, we list the most common factors that can lead to tension and stiffness in the neck muscles:
Poor posture/posture
One of the most common causes of a stiff neck is poor posture. This can happen when you sit bent over for long periods of time, such as when working at a computer or looking at your phone. In today's society, we spend a lot of time behind these screens, which is why we see more and more people in our practice whose posture has changed alarmingly due to computer or phone use. This 'hunched' posture puts extra strain on the neck muscles, which can eventually lead to (permanent) muscle tension, cramping and stiffness. If poor (working) posture is the cause of your stiff neck, consider making ergonomic adjustments to your workplace. This could mean adjusting your desk chair, placing a monitor at eye level, or using a laptop stand to maintain better posture. Your chiropractor will pay close attention to your posture/posture. At The Family Chiropractor For example, at your first appointment we always start with a digital posture analysis, because the importance of your posture is almost impossible to overestimate.
Stress
Stress and anxiety can also contribute to a stiff neck, and are often a factor forgotten when looking for the cause of neck pain. When you are stressed, your muscles often contract as a natural response of the body. This can lead to persistent muscle tension in the neck, which in turn results in stiffness.
Neck injury
This is, of course, a bit of an open question, but of course an injury to the neck can also contribute to a stiff neck. A whiplash, an injury that can occur in a car accident, for example, is a good example of a neck injury that can lead to both acute and permanent neck stiffness. This is because the sudden movement of the head overloads the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
Long-term inactivity
Sitting still for long periods without regular movement, such as during a long journey, can lead to stiffness in the neck. This is because the muscles become inactive and therefore less flexible.
Muscle inflammation
Muscle inflammation occurs when muscles are damaged or overworked, and the body responds with an inflammatory process. In the neck, this can be particularly painful and limiting, as this area is in constant motion and involved in daily activities such as turning, bending and supporting the head. We have written a separate blog on muscle inflammation in the neck.
Wrong sleeping position
Sleeping in an uncomfortable position or with a pillow that does not provide proper support can cause you to wake up in the morning with a stiff neck. This is because the neck muscles can become cramped in an unusual position at night. Since we get a lot of questions about neck pain and sleep, we have written a separate paragraph below about a stiff neck after sleeping.
Neck pain after sleeping
Chiropractic care for a stiff neck
Chiropractic care is an effective and natural way to treat a stiff neck. Chiropractors specialise in restoring the correct position of the spine, which can help relieve tension and stiffness in the neck muscles. A chiropractor can help with a stiff neck through:
Pain relief: Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the nerves and significantly reduce pain.
Posture improvement: Regular appointments with a chiropractor help improve your posture and stature. As a result, the vertebrae of the neck regain the correct position, which puts less pressure on the nerves and can reduce all kinds of complaints (in both the neck and other parts of your body!).
Improved mobility: Chiropractic treatments help restore freedom of movement in the neck (and in the rest of your body), allowing your neck to move more freely and become more flexible. Improved flexibility not only helps you move more freely and pain-free, but is also incredibly important in sports performance, for example.
Non-invasive, natural approach: chiropractic is a natural, non-invasive treatment method that does not require drugs or surgery. In the case of herniated discs, for example, surgery can often be avoided by chiropractic, and it also does not require drugs that can cause side effects
Prevention: Regular chiropractic care can help keep the neck and spine balanced, which can prevent future (neck) problems and other complaints.
Do you want to get rid of your stiff neck?
A stiff neck can cause a lot of discomfort, but with proper care and attention, you can quickly find relief. Whether the stiffness is caused by poor posture, stress or an injury, chiropractic care offers an effective and natural solution to relieve pain and restore mobility. By visiting a chiropractor, you can not only find quick relief for your pain, but also learn how to prevent a stiff neck in the future as well as work on your overall health!
Do not hesitate to contact up and discover today how chiropractic care can help you move freely and without pain again!
