Stiff Neck, Is Included in Serious Conditions

Has your neck ever felt so stiff that it was difficult to move? This condition is called torticollis. Torticollis generally experienced by people in old age. A stiff neck can be a non-serious condition, or vice versa, a symptom of a serious illness that cannot be ignored. In general, stiffness or even pain in the neck occurs in the head to shoulder area. Networks in this area include:

• Muscles and neck ligaments that bind the cervical vertebrae together.
• Pads (discs) that separate the vertebrae in the neck, function to absorb pressure from shaking movements.
• The cervical spine and bones.

Recognizing the Condition of Stiff Necks

To find out if your stiff neck is a serious condition or not, consider the following differences.

Stiff Neck, which is a non-serious condition

In non-serious conditions, stiff neck is caused by minor tension in the soft tissues of the neck. This tension can occur if you:
• Move the neck suddenly which causes neck muscles and ligaments to be injured.
• Stress can also trigger tension in the muscles that start from the back of the head, radiating to the back of the shoulder.
• Use the computer for a long time with a bad sitting position.
• Carrying heavy and unbalanced loads.
• Sleeping in an awkward and uncomfortable position.
• Bad posture. Acute torticollis will generally heal within 24-48 hours, but sometimes it can continue for up to a week. Torticollis can be treated in the following ways.
• Sleep using a low pillow with a good sleeping position.
• To reduce pain, compress with cold water in the first 2-3 days of a stiff neck condition. After that, replace with warm water compresses.
• Perform neck movements slowly, such as looking down, looking up, look at the right and left sides, and circular movements from right to left and vice versa.
• Use pain relief gels, such as ibuprofen gel. The use of gel is recommended rather than taking drugs in tablet form. Use according to instructions for use of the drug.
If after trying to treat a stiff neck at home there are no signs of improving or even getting worse, check your condition to the doctor to get treatment that is more appropriate to the cause.

Stiff Neck which Is a Serious Condition

A stiff neck can be a serious condition if it is prolonged and is accompanied by other symptoms such as the following:
• High fever.
• Weight decreased dramatically.
• Decreased nerve coordination function, such as difficulty walking.
• Defecate constantly.
In serious conditions, a stiff neck can be caused by diseases such as:

Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) of the brain and spinal cord due to viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Some of the symptoms can be:
• Stiff neck.
• Sudden fever.
• Difficult to concentrate.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Decreased appetite.
• Light sensitive.
• Sleepy fast.
To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to have an examination that includes a blood test, cerebrospinal fluid, and examination with imaging, such as a CT scan. Cervical spondylosis is an osteoarthritis problem that occurs in the neck, mainly related to ligaments and pads (discs). This condition generally attacks the elderly. Symptoms can include:
• Neck stiffness and pain, sometimes there is a cracking sound or "click" on the neck.
• Spasms in the neck muscles.
• Headache.
• The sensation of tingling and weakness of the arms or legs.
• Impaired balance due to weakened arms, hands, and legs.
• Difficulty sleeping and feeling tired.
How to handle it can be with physical therapy and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by a doctor. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the small joints which results in thinning of the bones and changes in joint shape. Inflammation occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, so in addition to attacking the joints it can also attack the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart. Symptoms include:
• In the morning feel stiffness and pain in the joints, including stiff neck.
• Fever.
• Swollen joints.
• Fatigue and weight loss.
Treat with adequate rest, especially when you feel pain. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs and joint damage inhibitors must be adjusted by a doctor's prescription. If needed, surgery can be done to repair damaged joints or muscles.

If you experience prolonged stiff neck, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor to get a complete diagnosis and help needed.