When is a stiff neck serious?

A stiff neck can be annoying, but it is usually not cause for panic. In rare cases, however, it could signal the need for a prompt medical evaluation. This post contains some ways to know when a stiff neck might be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition

Red flag symptoms that can accompany a stiff neck

If a stiff neck is the result of a condition other than a strain or sprain, often times other symptoms will also be present. In such cases, typically at least one other symptom will develop with or before the stiff, painful neck occurs.

Below are “red flag” symptoms that could indicate a potentially serious underlying medical condition is causing the stiff neck:

• Fever, which likely signals an infection is being fought
• Headache, especially if it seems different from previous headaches in terms of duration, intensity, or accompanying symptoms
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or unexplained drowsiness
• Change in mental state, which could include confusion or mood swings
• Coordination issues, such as dizziness or problems walking or writing
• Weight loss that is not part of a diet change

These symptoms should motivate the individual to seek immediate medical attention, but they do not necessarily mean a serious condition or medical emergency is present.

Most common serious conditions with stiff neck

• Infection. While meningitis is the most common infection that could cause a stiff neck, numerous other infections could also result in a painful stiff neck.
• Tumor. A brain tumor, especially if it is located in the cerebellum, can cause a stiff neck. A tumor in the cervical spine, such as from cancer, could also cause the neck to become sore and/or stiff.
• Cervical dystonia. This neurological disorder, also known as a form of torticollis, can cause neck muscles to spasm uncontrollably. The head could be turned or stuck in various positions outside of normal alignment.

This is not a complete list, as many conditions could cause the neck tissues to swell or spasm, resulting in painful, restricted movement.

Can chiropractors treat neck pain

Chiropractic neck adjustments, called cervical manipulation, loosen up the joints of the cervical vertebrae in the neck. This can reduce pain caused by pinched nerves, muscle spasms, strains and other contributing factors.

Most neck pain is associated with poor posture combined with age-related wear and tear.

Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the neck and place the vertebrae back into alignment, combatting the effects of posture and other factors.

​Sometimes, neck pain isn’t just local. Discomfort from causes such as pinched nerves can radiate throughout the shoulder and down the arm. Chiropractors can help relieve these pains by repositioning the bones, relaxing the muscles and reducing the pressure on nerves.

In conjunction with your chiropractic treatment plan, continual stretching and home exercises can ensure your neck pain stays at bay. Soft tissue massage can also loosen muscle knots in the neck and shoulders to relieve pain.

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References

1.Bacterial meningitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website. https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html . Updated January 25, 2017. Accessed February 13, 2017.