Stiff neck pain is characterized as soreness in the neck, which limits a person’s normal range of motion. Soreness in the neck can vary in severity and can be caused by some common illnesses and others that result in emergencies.

A neck sprain occurs when a physical trauma causes a hard or abnormal motion of the neck. Symptoms that typical accompany neck sprains include: stiffness with a limited range of motion, pain that worsens of movement and headaches. A person can experience numbness or tingling in your arms or your hands if the nerves are affected. Stiff neck pain from a neck sprain is not considered to be serious and typically heals with bed rest and immobilization of the neck, usually with a soft collar, within four to six weeks.

Stiff neck pain that accompanies a gradual degeneration of the spine is known as cervical spondylosis. This is very common as people get older but it can also occur as a result of neck injuries, prior surgery or arthritis. The symptoms of cervical spondylosis include stiffness, numbness and tingling in your shoulders, weakness of arms, neck pain and continual headaches. This disease is usually controlled with muscle relaxants, physical therapy as well as over the counter pain medications.

Another more serious illness involving stiff neck pain is meningitis, which is an infection that results in the inflammation of the meninges, or membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. These mengines also provide protection to the central nervous system. Common symptoms of meningitis are: terrible headaches, stiff neck, high fever, nausea, sleepiness, difficulty with concentration and sensitivity to light. The origins of meningitis can be related to viruses, bacteria or fungi. The most common form of meningitis is viral meningitis, which will improve with bed rest, pain relievers and an increase of fluids. The more dangerous meningitis is bacterial meningitis. This is considered to be a life threatening infection that requires a person to e immediately hospitalized.

Other conditions that cause stiff neck pain can also be the result of a brain aneurysm, which is the bulging of the brain artery wall; cancer, including spinal tumors; fibromyalgia, which is a chronic condition causing pain, stiffness and tenderness; migraine headaches;  osteomyelitis, inflammation of the spinal bones; and infections, such as influenza. Osteoarthritis, which is characterized by degeneration of cartilage bone in the joints; and rheumatoid arthritis, which is symbolized by joint inflammation are musculoskeletal causes of stiff neck pain.

While a stiff neck pain can be caused by diseases and conditions of the shoulders, jaw, upper arms or head, a person should take all precautionary measures to prevent any neck injuries and receive the proper treatment as soon as possible if an illness is inflicted. Stiff necks are usually caused by strains that occur to the neck and shoulder muscles. It is imperative to treat your body with the utmost respectand do everything you can to protect it to the best of your ability.

Filed under: Causes

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