Page 89 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: HEAD, BACK, AND LIMB PROBLEMS 87

Sore or stiff neck

A painful or stiff neck is usually due to a muscle strain or spasm,
WARNING
caused by poor posture or a minor injury. You may suffer from a
stiff neck and shoulders if you sit hunched over a computer for Seek immediate medical help if:
long periods, or you may wake with a stiff neck if you sleep ● You have a sore or stiff neck with
any or all of the following symptoms:
awkwardly. Pain may also be felt in your head, shoulders, arms, or
fever, vomiting, headache, dislike
upper back and may be worse when you turn your head or look up of bright light, and a rash (see p.150)
or down. Pain and stiffness can also be due to a “whiplash injury,”
arthritis in the spine, or an underlying illness or injury.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
● You have a sore or stiff neck after an injury Neck exercise The following exercise will
● You have tingling, numbness, or weakness help loosen a stiff neck.
in an arm or hand; weight loss; or fever ● Stand straight, or sit on the edge of a chair looking
straight ahead. Drop your head to one side, toward
your shoulder. Keep your shoulder down.
● Hold for a few seconds, then raise your head
What you can do yourself again. Repeat on the other side.
● Repeat the exercise 5 times on each side, about
A stiff and sore neck due to muscle strain or poor
posture should begin to ease within 2–3 days 3 times a day. Exercise to the point of discomfort,
using these home treatments. but don’t try to exercise through pain.
● Gradually increase the range of movement. Stop at
● Continue with normal activities as far as the once, however, if the pain gets worse or if it begins
pain allows. If the pain is bad, however, you may to move into your arm or hand.
need to rest your neck for the first day or two.
● A padded collar may help support your neck.
You can make a collar by rolling up a hand towel DRUG REMEDIES
and putting it into one leg of a pair of pantyhose,
then gently securing it around your neck. Only Analgesics will help relieve the discomfort
wear a collar for a short period, and don’t wear of a stiff or sore neck and will help you keep your
it at night. neck mobile. Take acetaminophen (see p.177), or
ibuprofen (see p.185), which may be more effective.
● Start gentle neck exercises as soon as you are
able to do so (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right).

● Take an analgesic (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● To relieve a muscle spasm, stand under a warm Seek further medical advice
shower, or place a covered hot-water bottle or Arrange to see your doctor if:
a heating pad on the back of your neck, for 15
minutes every few hours. ● The soreness or stiffness is getting worse
● The problem has not eased after 2 days
● Use a supportive pillow in bed. Alternatively,
make a neck-support pillow by tying a scarf or
bandage around the middle of a pillow to form a
butterfly shape. Rest your head on the narrow part.