How Long Does a Stiff Neck Last and When To See a Doctor

It can be alarming when you wake up with a stiff neck. It can limit your range of motion, make it painful to move your head, and even impact your mood. It’s critical to figure out when to expect it to go away and when you need medical help.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of a stiff neck, how long it usually lasts, and what to do if the pain persists. We’ll also offer some expert advice about when to see a doctor, so you can ensure you get the best possible treatment. If you’ve been dealing with a stiff neck, this article will help you understand the issue and make the right decision for your health.

Related: Rehab Columbus Ohio

What Is a Stiff Neck and What Causes It?

A stiff neck is common when the muscles become overly tight, as this can limit movement and cause pain. The severity of the condition can vary from minor discomfort to severe pain that can impede daily activities. The most common causes of a stiff neck are repetitive motions, poor posture, injuries, arthritis, and other diseases. Sleeping in an uncomfortable position or exerting too much pressure on your neck for extended periods can also lead to a stiff neck.

How Long Does a Stiff Neck Last?

The severity of the injury is one of the most important factors when determining how long a stiff neck will last. Minor injuries may only cause discomfort for a few days, while more serious ones may last for weeks or months.

Age can also affect how long a stiff neck lasts, as older individuals tend to have poorer circulation, slowing the healing process. As a result, older adults may take longer to recover from their stiff necks than younger people.

Individuals with certain pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may also take longer to recover from their stiff necks than those without these conditions. Individuals taking certain medications may take longer to heal due to the effects of those medications on their bodies.

In most cases, a stiff neck should last no more than two weeks and improve within 24 hours with rest and home remedies such as using a neck and shoulder heating pad and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is important to note that if the symptoms worsen or do not improve after two weeks, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as this could indicate more serious underlying issues that need to be addressed by a doctor.

When To See a Doctor

If you experience severe pain or pain that lasts longer than two weeks, you should seek medical attention right away, as this could indicate something more serious than just stiffness in your neck. Early diagnosis and professional care are critical whenever you have prolonged pain.

If you experience weakness in your neck, shoulders, or arms after suffering from a stiff neck, this could indicate nerve damage, which requires urgent medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. This situation could be a medical emergency if you feel any numbness and tingling in your arms or legs. Early detection of these issues can improve your ability to recover.

If you experience inflammation in your neck after symptoms of stiffness, this could indicate an infection requiring urgent medical attention, so seek professional advice. If you experience any fever while suffering from stiffness, this could indicate an infection that requires urgent medical attention.

Final Note

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stiff neck and when to seek medical attention is crucial. A stiff neck should not usually last longer than two weeks and should start to improve within 24 hours. Treating a stiff neck with home remedies such as hot or cold compresses, NSAIDs, neck exercises and stretches, rest, and sleep is paramount to recovery. If the pain persists or you experience other symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, tingling, inflammation, or fever, seek medical attention as soon as possible.