Is your neck stiff?

Neck pain or a stiff neck is characterised by stiffness or pain when turning or moving the head or neck. Neck stiffness is a common problem which usually gets better after a few days or weeks.

The neck contains muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the cervical spine.   These work together to support the head and allow it to move in many directions. A stiff neck may become painful when a person tries to move their neck or head.

A stiff neck often occurs when one of the muscles becomes strained or tense.  Common causes of neck pain or stiffness are:

  • Sleeping awkwardly.
  • Sitting or slouching for long periods, such as at a desk.
  • Looking down at an object (such as a mobile phone) repeatedly.
  • Experiencing a fall.
  • Sustaining a sports injury.
  • Having tense neck muscles due to stress or pressure.

Neck Rotation

A stiff neck is one of the conditions that will benefit from stretching. While keeping the back straight and shoulders still, gradually turn the head to the left as far as it can naturally go without increasing pain. Once the head has reached its rotation limit, hold the stretch for 5 seconds before bringing it back to neutral position.

A stiff neck, along with stiff shoulders it is one of the most common triggers for booking a massage. The reason is that massaging in the neck muscles may alleviate the tension and improve the blood flow to your neck.

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    Similar massage stokes Yes Yes
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    Athlete orientated including -      Focus on improving athletic performance -      Incorporates stretching -      Assessing injury risk -      Rehabilitation after injury Yes No
    Knowledge of sport -     Able to deliver specific pre-exercise treatment for any given sport -     Able to deliver specific post-exercise treatment for any given sport -     Able to deliver specific treatment during intense training for any given sport Yes No
     

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    When a toddler falls his mother will instinctively rub the sore spot to make it better.  Likewise, an office worker with stiff shoulders will probably try to knead them.  Because from an early age we have learnt the touch of a hand will ease pain. There are two type of pain:

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