What can you do for a stiff neck that hurts?

If you have minor neck pain or stiffness, take these simple steps to relieve it:

1. Apply ice for the first few days.
2. Take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3. Take a few days off from sports, activities that aggravate your symptoms, and heavy lifting.
4. Exercise your neck every day.
5. Use good posture.

What does a pulled muscle in your neck feel like?

What does a torn neck muscle feel like? A torn neck muscle may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain in the neck area. You may have a limited range of motion or feel a dull, achy pain in the neck area. Other common symptoms of a torn neck muscle include localized swelling, soreness, “knots”, stiffness, or weakness.

Can a torn rotator cuff cause neck pain?

The rotator cuff develops wear and tear with age, and can be easily injured. When this happens, we compensate by using different muscles to pick things up or reach for them. “This may cause both shoulder and neck pain,” says Dr.

Is there a virus that causes stiff neck?

Along with fever and a headache, a stiff neck is a common symptom of meningitis. Other infections. In addition to fever, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, a stiff neck can be a sign of a simple viral infection, such as the flu.

What could be the cause of a stiff neck?

Most often, a stiff neck is caused by strain on the soft tissues of your neck, but it can be a symptom of many problems and shouldn’t be ignored. Injury. If you had an accident that caused your head to jerk around violently, you may have injured the muscles and perhaps the ligaments in your neck, which can lead to stiffness.

What causes a stiff neck all of a sudden?

Stiffness usually occurs when the neck muscles are overused, stretched too far, or strained. This can cause pain ranging from mild to severe that can make it difficult to move the head or use the neck muscles. The most common causes of a stiff neck include: Sleeping in an awkward position can cause a stiff neck.