Stiff neck (acute torticollis)

Causes of a stiff neck

In the most common cases, muscle tension is the cause of a stiff neck (medically: acute torticollis). This muscle tension can be triggered by a wide range of factors:

• Poor physical posture: Due to an awkward sleeping position, poor posture at work, constant repetitive movement patterns or abnormal strain on the spine.
  
• Physical strain and stress: Physical strain and long-term stress can trigger neck pain over a prolonged period of time.
  
• Environmental factors: Acute neck pain often occurs as a result of a draught or a cool breeze. In the hot summer months, an air-conditioning system that blows cold air in the neck area is often the cause.
• Illnesses & injuries: In rare cases, neck pain can also occur as a side effect of an illness or as a consequence of an injury. This includes, for instance, a visual impairment, intervertebral disc damage, strokes or tumours.
  

Symptoms of neck tension

Due to tension in the muscles, pain in the neck and head area often occurs and can spread into the shoulders. Those affected are thus significantly limited in their movement because of the acute pain. Symptoms such as tiredness, visual impairments, nausea or dizziness can also occur in a small number of cases. In rare cases, the pain can radiate from the neck through the shoulder into the arm. When this occurs, intervertebral disc damage is usually present.

How long does a stiff neck last?

Doctors distinguish between acute and chronic neck pain:

• Acute neck pain: Symptoms last for a few days to a maximum of two weeks and subside by themselves without medical treatment.
• Chronic neck pain: In rare cases, pain and symptoms can last several months.

What helps a stiff neck?

If tense muscles in the shoulders and neck are causing stiffness, you can help yourself in most cases. The aim is to stimulate blood flow in the neck and thus ease the tension. The following measures can offer you relief:

• Heat: Warm the painful muscles with traditional home remedies such as hot water bottles and compresses, or with heat patches or an infrared lamp.
• Movement: Light activities help to relax the muscles and promote blood flow in the neck again. At the same time, the main cause of a poor or one-sided posture can be eliminated.
• Massage: Massages are an effective way to alleviate tension. The muscles are activated and blood flow is promoted. They relax the muscles and promote blood circulation. You can easily massage your neck yourself or you can visit a professional masseuse or consult a physiotherapist. 
  
• Pain relief: Simple pain relief from the medicine cabinet alleviates the symptoms and inhibits inflammation. It helps by stopping you cramping up any more and preventing the neck pain from spreading further.

When should you go to the doctor?

If the stiff neck lasts longer than a week, you should consult a doctor. After the necessary X-ray images have been taken at the practice, physiotherapists and chiropractors can initiate treatment with appropriate muscle relaxation exercises. After three to four weeks, patients generally do not require any further treatment.

If the pain has not subsided in this time, magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) may be indicated, for example to identify whether a patient has a herniated disc or other structural changes. Neurologists can identify the cause of the pain through a neurological examination and, if necessary, special measurements of nerve function in the facial skull and upper extremities.

In the case of damage to the intervertebral discs, local pain management with steroid injections in the damaged areas often provides the desired relief. In the event of long-term, chronic pain, surgery may be considered later, depending on the findings: In the case of damage to an intervertebral disc, the use of an artificial intervertebral disc is an option, while in the case of inflammatory changes to the bone, spinal fusion may be considered.

Prevention of neck pain

To prevent neck pain and tension in the long term, it is important to know what causes them. It is thus a case of identifying and avoiding triggers.

Identify triggers:

• Avoid cold temperatures and draughts
• Reduce stress
• Test eyesight
• Change sleeping position (replace pillows or mattress)
• Set up workplace ergonomically so that it is easy on the spine

Exercises to prevent neck pain:

Targeted exercising and relaxation of the neck muscles helps to prevent neck pain in the future. In everyday life, small breaks can be used to stretch and lengthen the muscles. Regular exercise is also a good way to strengthen your muscles while also improving your physical well-being and helping to reduce stress.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about stiff neck