What is stiff neck?
The common torticollis is a pseudo-pathological condition characterized by limited mobility (or a blockage) of the neck, always accompanied by acute and intense cervical pain.
The common torticollis is an extremely frequent and painful disorder due to a contraction of the lateral neck muscles. Fortunately, the painful condition is transient, ie it tends to resolve itself within a few days or within a couple of weeks of symptom onset. However, recurrences are not lacking.
Causes
The stiff neck has a multifactorial origin, that is it can be favored by different and heterogeneous causes.
The main defendants of the common torticollis are:
- Taking incorrect postures for long periods
- Taking a wrong position during sleep
- Air currents
- Sudden and sudden movements of the neck
In addition to the causes listed above, viral infections, inflammations and cervical spine injuries (eg herniated discs) can also induce stiff neck.
There is also a congenital variant of torticollis - which has nothing to do with the common torticollis - caused by a retraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle or by bone malformations of the cervical vertebrae, originating during the intrauterine life. To learn more, consult the article: types of torticollis
Symptoms
The patient suffering from torticollis complains of a marked difficulty to flex, rotate or lengthen the neck; every slightest movement of this area produces acute, penetrating and unbearable local pain.
The clinical picture of the common torticollis is characterized by:
- Brachialgia: painful condition of the neck which also radiates arm level
- Cervicalgia: general musculoskeletal neck pain
- Stiffness of the cervical muscles
- Inability / impossibility to move, move or roll the neck
Stiff neck: drug therapy
Treatment for torticollis must be established according to the cause. Normally, neck pain can be resolved by simple therapy with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The most used for this purpose are:
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen)
- Muscle relaxants (diazepam, Ciclobenzaprina)
- Corticosteroids (eg prednisone, methylprednisolone)
Sometimes, the pain perceived at the level of the cervical spine is particularly intense, therefore, the patient needs an orthopedic collar to speed healing and mitigate the symptoms.
Different discourse must be posed for the torticollis resulting from serious injuries, depending for example on a cervical herniation. In such circumstances, the only possibility to remove the stiff neck is to treat the underlying hernia by targeted surgery (discectomy) or another specific treatment established by the doctor.
Non-pharmacological remedies
It is not always necessary to use medications to treat stiff neck. Sometimes, minor neck pain can be quickly resolved by putting simple steps into practice.
How is it possible to reduce the pain caused by the stiff neck?
- Hot compresses on the painful neck give immediate relief, especially when the stiff neck depends on a contraction of the cervical muscles.
- The stiff neck due to inflammation can be temporarily relieved by cryotherapy, or cold therapy. For this purpose, it is advisable to place an ice bag wrapped in a soft cloth on the neck. To obtain the maximum therapeutic effectiveness of the ice, it is recommended to remove the cold bag every 15-20 minutes, spacing with pauses of equal duration.
- Avoid excessive rest. Contrary to what one might think, an excess of rest favors the stiffness of the joints and muscles, already weakened by the stiff neck. Rather, it is advisable to take a restful position for 30 minutes; after which it is good to try out a walk or do a light physiotherapy exercise, specific for a stiff neck.
- Rest on a suitable mattress, which should not be too soft.
- Correct any incorrect life habits, such as incorrect posture
- To relax. Stress and anxiety can sharpen the stiff neck, as tensions are discharged on the spine.
- Prefer solid chairs, so that the neck and the back are supported.
- Perform the exercises for cervical pain correctly, in order to mobilize the cervical vertebrae and dissolve the tensions accumulated during the day.
Prevention
Despite being the cause of acute and pungent pain, the common torticollis - per se - does not constitute a real pathology.
But how is it possible to prevent a stiff neck?
- Assume correct positions during night rest. It is advisable not to sleep in the prone position, rather prefer the "fetal" position, ie from the side, with the knees bent towards the chest
- Avoid, as far as possible, temperature changes, or at least repair yourself whenever you leave the house (especially in the winter months). Let us briefly recall that air currents are one of the most etiological factors involved in torticollis
- Avoid sudden and violent movements of the neck
- Perform a sporting activity regularly
- Avoid heavy physical exertion with overloading, especially in case of predisposition to torticollis and cervical pain
