Stress can lead to a stiff neck.
The neck and its surrounding tendons and nerves are a delicate part of the body, and even daily casual activities can cause serious problems. If your neck is hurting and/or if it is difficult to move it, you may have what is commonly known as a stiff neck.
About Stiff Neck
Stiff neck can be a stand-alone pain that is a nuisance for a few days, or it can be an injury, a chronic discomfort or a symptom of a larger issue. A stiff neck occurs when the muscles in your neck have experienced tension or sudden impact. Stiff necks also are linked to herniated disks, fibromyalgia, arthritis and, to a lesser degree, meningitis.
Causes of Stiff Neck
Sitting at your desk the wrong way, repeating a position with your head down over a long period of time, and lifting too heavy a weight can all contribute to a stiff neck. Stress can manifest itself in tension in your neck muscles. A back injury or whiplash also can lead to a stiff neck. Also consider your television watching habits and your sleep habits. Those who sleep in uncomfortable positions with an unsuitable pillow can be subjecting themselves to the risk of a stiff neck. Sitting too forward while watching television puts strain on the smaller muscles in your neck.
Your Treatment Options
If you wake up with a stiff neck, take Advil or Tylenol. Within the first two or three days of neck pain, you also can apply an ice pack or cool compress. After a few days, use a heating pad. If you believe stress is the cause, work on relaxing through massage, yoga, a hot bath, and even aromatherapy or acupuncture. If the pain is moderate to severe and persists despite icing and heating the area, see a doctor, who may run a series of tests. He also may prescribe muscle relaxers to ease the tension.
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