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Updated August 06, 2015.
A stiff neck can be brought on by any number of things, from muscle strain to herniated disc or even an infection. Â The good news is that most cases of stiff neck are not serious. Â Still a stiff neck can hurt - as well as disrupt your plans. So why make it worse? Â Or why bring it on in the first place if you don't have to? Â Â From simple lifestyle fixes to appropriate medical responses, here are 7 things to stop doing if you want to prevent or manage a stiff neck.
This lifestyle fix is particularly relevant to students, who these days, tend to be bogged down with some very heavy books. One alternative to heavy text books may be to rent the digital version for the semester.   Lugging computers around can be difficult as well.  Perhaps it's time for an Ipad?More »
At the very least, alternate shoulders routinely so that you affect your posture and muscles as equally as you can. Â Otherwise, you're likely to create a lot of extra tension in your trapezius muscle on the side to which you most often wear your accessory. Â Favoring one shoulder over the other in this way may also affect your spinal alignment.
Similar to wearing a shoulder bag, the 1-shoulder phone hold can create uneven tension in your neck and shoulder muscles. Â This, in turn, may make your stiff neck worse, or set the stage for a new one.
Stress often comes from what is known as the "fight or flight" response to a triggering event, where our initial reaction is to either get away from a percieved threat or to obliterate it in order to feel safe again.  But in the 21st century, it is not always possible to display a physical or emotional expression of our reactions.  This denial of expression may lead you to hold it all inside, or express it in inappropriate ways.  Either can cause chronic stress in the muscles, which can have an immobilizing effect (until the stress is released therapeutically.) Â
For great tips on dealing with stress the 21st century way, check out About.com's Stress Management site.
Work breaks in which you actually do some exercises -- perhaps a few neck stretches or upper body strengtheners - can give your static muscles a break, and therefore may help to keep stiffness at bay.  Lack of movement for prolonged periods of time is a risk factor for work related musculoskeletal disorders.  Another way to address static posture at work is to consciously change positions at least every 20 minutes.More »
All of us are subject to the force of gravity, which tends to compress our spines. Over time, you may find that it seems like your posture is sagging  - and that you have less energy and sparkle. Â
But it doesn't stop there. Â As your body posture becomes more and more compressed, it loses the capacity to support the weight of your head. Â Your neck may take the brunt of this lost postural support, because of its location between your head and your upper back. Â A possible fix is to engage with an exercise program specifically designed to develop posture support.More »
As I mentioned above, cases of stiff neck generally are nothing to worry about, but if pain and discomfort persists it's best to get it checked. Â Your doctor can rule out any serious underlying problems by looking for "Red Flags." Â If an underlying health issue is causing your stiff neck, the sooner you can get it diagnosed and treated, most likely, the better your prognosis will be.
Updated August 06, 2015.
A stiff neck can be brought on by any number of things, from muscle strain to herniated disc or even an infection. Â The good news is that most cases of stiff neck are not serious. Â Still a stiff neck can hurt - as well as disrupt your plans. So why make it worse? Â Or why bring it on in the first place if you don't have to? Â Â From simple lifestyle fixes to appropriate medical responses, here are 7 things to stop doing if you want to prevent or manage a stiff neck.
1. Stop loading up your backpack.
This lifestyle fix is particularly relevant to students, who these days, tend to be bogged down with some very heavy books. One alternative to heavy text books may be to rent the digital version for the semester.   Lugging computers around can be difficult as well.  Perhaps it's time for an Ipad?More »
2. Stop wearing a shoulder bag over one shoulder.
At the very least, alternate shoulders routinely so that you affect your posture and muscles as equally as you can. Â Otherwise, you're likely to create a lot of extra tension in your trapezius muscle on the side to which you most often wear your accessory. Â Favoring one shoulder over the other in this way may also affect your spinal alignment.
3. Stop cradling your phone with your shoulder.
Similar to wearing a shoulder bag, the 1-shoulder phone hold can create uneven tension in your neck and shoulder muscles. Â This, in turn, may make your stiff neck worse, or set the stage for a new one.
4. Stop stressing out - or in.
Stress often comes from what is known as the "fight or flight" response to a triggering event, where our initial reaction is to either get away from a percieved threat or to obliterate it in order to feel safe again.  But in the 21st century, it is not always possible to display a physical or emotional expression of our reactions.  This denial of expression may lead you to hold it all inside, or express it in inappropriate ways.  Either can cause chronic stress in the muscles, which can have an immobilizing effect (until the stress is released therapeutically.) Â
For great tips on dealing with stress the 21st century way, check out About.com's Stress Management site.
5. Stop dissing movement breaks throughout your work day.
Work breaks in which you actually do some exercises -- perhaps a few neck stretches or upper body strengtheners - can give your static muscles a break, and therefore may help to keep stiffness at bay.  Lack of movement for prolonged periods of time is a risk factor for work related musculoskeletal disorders.  Another way to address static posture at work is to consciously change positions at least every 20 minutes.More »
6. Stop ignoring your posture.
All of us are subject to the force of gravity, which tends to compress our spines. Over time, you may find that it seems like your posture is sagging  - and that you have less energy and sparkle. Â
But it doesn't stop there. Â As your body posture becomes more and more compressed, it loses the capacity to support the weight of your head. Â Your neck may take the brunt of this lost postural support, because of its location between your head and your upper back. Â A possible fix is to engage with an exercise program specifically designed to develop posture support.More »
7. Stop ignoring the doctor's office.
If you have a stiff neck along with a fever, this could be a sign you need immediate medical attention.  Both are symptoms of infection, so when they appear together, the odds you've contracted something are higher.  Some infections, such as meningitis, can be quite serious.  In fact, if not treated early, certain types of meningitis can lead to death or severe damage, including hearing loss.  Headaches, nausea, vomiting, night sweats and/or the inability to fall or stay asleep are other symptoms that might prompt you to seek medical attention.8. Stop thinking it's okay when it isn't.
As I mentioned above, cases of stiff neck generally are nothing to worry about, but if pain and discomfort persists it's best to get it checked. Â Your doctor can rule out any serious underlying problems by looking for "Red Flags." Â If an underlying health issue is causing your stiff neck, the sooner you can get it diagnosed and treated, most likely, the better your prognosis will be.