Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Persistent Neck Stiffness?
Question: I don't know if I should be concerned or not. my neck has felt really stiff for the past week, but it's weird because it feels heavy and restricted but I have full range of motion. should I be worried?
Brief Answer:
No need to worry much more than necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Neck stiffness without any other symptoms such pain and/or numbness in arms, is primarily related to muscles origin.
Simple conditions such muscles strain, whiplash in case of minor trauma, bad sleeping position etc. can cause such symptoms.
So, if you have no other symptoms besides neck stiffness and there is no restriction of movements, you shouldn't worry much more than necessary.
Simple solutions such applying heat locally, wearing a soft neck collar for few days should improve symptoms.
If symptoms persist after these measures, you should be evaluated by your primary care Doctor about conditions such cervical arthritis.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
No need to worry much more than necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Neck stiffness without any other symptoms such pain and/or numbness in arms, is primarily related to muscles origin.
Simple conditions such muscles strain, whiplash in case of minor trauma, bad sleeping position etc. can cause such symptoms.
So, if you have no other symptoms besides neck stiffness and there is no restriction of movements, you shouldn't worry much more than necessary.
Simple solutions such applying heat locally, wearing a soft neck collar for few days should improve symptoms.
If symptoms persist after these measures, you should be evaluated by your primary care Doctor about conditions such cervical arthritis.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
thank you. yes i don't have any restriction but I do have a numb, tingling feeling on one side of my face.
Brief Answer:
It is probably temporary too.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
If the numb area of face is located near the neck, it could be related to muscles stiffness by compression on nerves.
If no relation between face and neck (upper part of face numbness), this could be related to other issues such anxiety, vitamins deficiency, local trauma etc.
I think, this problem will subside too, as the neck stiffness improves.
However, if these symptoms persist more than a week or two, consider medical examination and eventually medical tests in order to evaluate better your condition.
Hope this helps.
Greetings.
It is probably temporary too.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
If the numb area of face is located near the neck, it could be related to muscles stiffness by compression on nerves.
If no relation between face and neck (upper part of face numbness), this could be related to other issues such anxiety, vitamins deficiency, local trauma etc.
I think, this problem will subside too, as the neck stiffness improves.
However, if these symptoms persist more than a week or two, consider medical examination and eventually medical tests in order to evaluate better your condition.
Hope this helps.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
