When your neck feels stiff or you feel difficulty in moving, it often results from sudden strain or an underlying issue with muscles, joints, or nerves. This is a common problem and not difficult to treat.
Symptoms
Limited range of motion (difficulty turning head left/right or up/down)
Pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
Muscle spasms
Headache
Tingling or numbness in arms (if nerves are affected)
Tenderness when touching neck muscles
Common
Sleeping in an awkward position
Poor posture (for example, leaning over a phone/computer)
Sudden jerky movement or overuse)
Degeneration of neck joints due to aging
Disc herniation pressing on a nerve
From a car accident or sudden impact
Neck muscles contract, causing the head to twist to one side
Rarely, throat or lymph node infections may cause neck stiffness
Home remedies
Use a cold pack to reduce inflammation
Try slow, gentle neck movements to sides and up, down
Avoid any painful motion
Use a thin pillow
Gentle massage of neck and shoulder muscles can ease tension
Sit upright while working; avoid slouching
Rest without over-immobilizing the neck
Sujok Therapy
Stimulate the highlighted point on hand (see figure) and apply long seeds or green peas seeds. Keep them till you are comfortable or for five to six hours. You can apply red colour on that area.
(Rajshree Vora is an obesity consultant, dietitian and nutritionist, Sujok therapist, counsellor, and yoga therapist. You can write to her at enquiry@rajshreeyoga.com)
