Each of us had experienced uncomfortable neck stiffness at some point in our lives. Sometimes it is bearable, can be ignored for the most part. But other days, it’s throbbing, aching, and burning that you would be in tears if you turn your head around. The pain and stiffness often grow, ruining your plans for a healthy and beautiful day.

Now, you may be left wondering—what is causing your neck stiffness? You can better understand the source of your neck pain by visiting our neck pain chiropractor in Oklahoma City.

Five Possible Reasons Behind a Stiff Neck

Understanding the cause of your neck stiffness and pain is so important. Being able to explain the real root of your symptoms can also help you manage your situation better. Here are some of the possible causes of neck stiffness. 

1. Poor Sitting and Standing Posture

Poor posture can cause adverse health effects, including neck pain. If you have a serious habit of slouching, you can trace your neck problem right back to your posture. This is why you should listen to anyone who keeps on nagging you to sit up or stand up straight. Long hours of slouching on your couch can strain your ligaments and muscles, resulting in neck injury over time.

In addition, neck strain can add extra pounds of pressure to your spine and increase your risk of spinal misalignment. You can trust our neck pain chiropractor in Oklahoma City to correct this neck issue.

2. Whiplash

Whiplash is an injury to the neck. This injury can stem from a motor or any car accident that may cause your head to lurch in a sudden backward and forward motion forcibly. After a whiplash injury, you may feel stiffness or pain in your neck that will make it difficult to move your head from one side to another.

Symptoms of whiplash may vary from person to person. Others feel their symptoms soon after the accident, while some experience symptoms years later. Common long-term effects of whiplash include:

• Chronic stiffness and pain in the neck
• Jaw pain
• Lower and upper back pain
• Sleeping problems
• Chronic headache
• Numbness in the hands, legs, and arms
• Eye problems such as eye strain and blurry vision
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Memory problems
• Concentration problem

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and neck pain, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

3. Infections

Both viral and bacterial infections that grow in the throat can result in the inflammation of the surrounding neck muscles. Some of the most common infections that can cause neck stiffness and pain include:

• Flu and cold – Both flu and cold can result in swollen lymph nodes in the neck area. Aside from neck pain, flu and cold can cause body aches, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
• Tonsilitis – this is an inflammation of the tonsils. Symptoms of tonsilitis include sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and neck stiffness.
• Meningitis – This is a serious infection that causes inflammation on the protective membranes covering the spinal cord and the brain. It is caused by either a bacterial or viral infection. Some of the symptoms of meningitis include fever, extreme sensitivity to light, headache, neck pain, and mood problems.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle

Have you ever thought that long hours of sitting down in your workstation without breaks can cause serious neck pain and stiffness?

Your body can experience heightened stress, especially when you aren’t physically active. This is why staying static for too long without any active movements is never encouraged. When consulting with our neck pain chiropractor in Oklahoma City, some patients admit that their sedentary lifestyle fuels their neck problems. 

So, how do you avoid living sedentarily if your work requires you to sit on your desk for too long?

• Take breaks in between work to do some neck and shoulder stretches or exercises. Keep any exercise equipment nearby. This may include resistance bands, hand weights, exercise mats, or push-up chairs.
• Get up for food and drinks. The simple act of preparing your meal can force you to move your body around actively.
• Take conference calls while walking outside. This tip is attainable if you live in a quiet neighborhood and if your call does not require you to switch on your camera. A walk outside does not only let you breathe fresh air, but it can also help release the pressure from your neck, back, and shoulder region.

5. Tension Headache

Tension headache is one of the most common types of headaches. It can cause mild to severe pain on your scalp, forehead, and neck. Neck pain and stiffness typically occur before the throbbing headache takes over.

The common causes of a tension headache include:

• Stress
• Unhealthy food
• Inactive lifestyle
• Staring at a phone, television, or computer screen for a prolonged period
• Cold temperatures
• Poor posture
• Lack of sleep
• Smoking
• Less water intake

See a Specific Chiropractor in Oklahoma City Today!

There’s no reason to extend your suffering. With the help of Dr. Alvin, our neck pain chiropractor in Oklahoma City, you’ll find a natural relief for the unwanted stiffness on your neck.

Specific chiropractic technique is one of the most effective secrets in enjoying a better quality of life without relying on invasive methods. This technique focuses on restoring and maintaining your spinal alignment.

Specific chiropractic care is available here at Venturis Chiropractic & Acupuncture. Our gentle and precise spinal adjustment procedure will restore the proper communication between your brain and body and fix any interference in between. This care also allows your neck and entire spine to regain optimal health naturally.

Let’s trace back the source of your neck pain to begin your recovery journey! Visit us to retain your neck’s full function and to live pain-free. Set an appointment with Dr. Alvin through this form or call our office at (405) 848-7246.

To schedule a consultation with Venturis Chiropractic & Acupuncture, call (405) 848-7246, or just click the button below.