A stiff feeling in the neck refers to any difficulties with head motion. It’s often accompanied by headaches and soreness in the neck, shoulders, and upper arms. While some cases are minor, a stiff neck can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions. Our PRP therapy Los Angeles experts at Interventional Pain Doctors can help patients identify the root cause of their stiff neck and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
Poor Posture
Posture has a major impact on our skeletal development. Having poor posture puts excessive stress on the neck, which leads to stiffness over time. Our Los Angeles pain management specialists recommend not hunching over a computer or cell phone for extended periods, as this is a common way people put a strain on their necks.
Injuries
An injury to the neck, such as whiplash from a car accident, can cause stiffness and pain. The sudden jarring motion can damage the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Our PRP therapy Los Angeles experts will commonly use PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy as a common treatment option for traumatic neck injuries. PRP injections speed up recovery time and will reduce inflammation and pain in the neck.
Sleeping Positions
Sleeping in an awkward position or using an unsupportive pillow can cause stiffness and pain in the neck. People should avoid sleeping on their stomachs, and instead sleep on their back or side. Implementing a medium-firm sleeping pillow can also help with keeping the spine neutral and reduce tension when sleeping.
Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve refers to anytime a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissue, due to injury or swelling. Pinched nerves in the neck can cause stiffness and pain, along with numbness and tingling down the arms and hands. Physical therapy can often help alleviate pinched nerve pain, as it stretches and strengthens the surrounding tissue.
Consult With Our PRP Therapy Los Angeles Experts
Understanding the common reasons for a stiff neck is important for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and treat patients. If a patient’s neck stiffness and pain will not go away on their own, they should consult with our PRP Therapy Los Angeles team to determine which treatment options would work best for their condition. To learn more about our treatments, please visit our website.