neck stiffness

A stiff neck refers to a tightness or rigidity in the muscles supporting the neck. Nuchal rigidity refers to a stiffness that prevents bending of the neck and limits movement of the neck. Neck stiffness can be simply a mild discomfort and slight problem in moving the neck. Or it can be severe pain and the inability to move or bend the neck at all.

The muscles and bones of the neck have to support the weight of the head and every turn the head makes. Neck stiffness can occur by itself or with neck pain. Neck pain may come from any structure of the neck. This includes the vertebrae and muscles of the upper back, the blood vessels of the neck, and lymph nodes in the neck.

Any type of injury or illness can result in a stiff neck. A person with a stiff neck may move the neck more slowly and carefully. This can lead to painful muscles spasms. Neck stiffness can also lead to strained ligaments and pain that travels from the neck into the back and arms.

The cause of neck stiffness can vary greatly. Some of the causes of neck stiffness include:

sleeping on a pillow the wrong way
a sudden turn of the neck
stress, which can cause the neck muscles to tighten and become stiff
injury, such as a whiplash as a result of a car accident
cervical arthritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the upper spine and possibly other parts of the body
encephalitis, a serious inflammation affecting the brain.
meningitis, a viral or bacterial infection affecting the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding into the space surrounding the brain
ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammation and inability to move some of the upper vertebrae, often caused by arthritis
neck sprain, which may be accompanied by pain, slight swelling, and restricted range of motion
rheumatoid arthritis
torticollis, a deformity of the neck caused by a shortening of the neck muscles. This condition causes the head to tilt to the affected side with the chin pointing to the other side.