What to do when I have a Stiff neck?

[berlinpogs]

What to do when I have a Stiff neck? How about Stiff neck with head ache?

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[pudding_bowl]

Almost all neck pains that come to see me - especially with a stiff neck I give the following exercises.
Cx Retrations:
Neck Exercise Cervical Exercise - Bodyzone.com
And lateral neck stretches:
Physical Therapy Corner: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome — The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma scroll down to "Stretching the side of the neck"

If it's causing you significant pain then you should be seeing a therapist. but if you are just feeling stiff then gentle stretching like those I'v mentioned will be ok

Have a good day

[physiofixme]

Yep good stretches as mentioned below. Just have a think about the cause of your neck stiffness too - could be postural so may need to address this.

[pudding_bowl]

The restractions are good with posture. But thats a very valid point. Think of when the neck gets stiff - is it at work. do you have a desk job.
How do you sit in your chair - are you slouched?
In all the necks I see almost all of them are hugely related to posture, correcting posture by sitting up straight with the bottom at the back of your chair, adding a lumbar roll can help also, and ensuring you take breaks from whatever you are doing to go for a walk or run through some neck range of motion exercises is a good idea.

[therapynut]

Have you tried ultrasound? It's very reliable for muscle spasm and trigger point pain which is likely the cause of your related headache. Home use ultrasound can be used as soon as you have the stiffness or pain. There are a few versions - Sonic Relief comes to mind as a safe and effective brand.

[roycar]

cervicogenic headache?

the uppermost two vertebrae in your neck are often responsible for aches felt around the back of the head. you may need some mobilisation of these joints if there is some sort of movement dysfunction. this could in turn be leading to the muscle tightness further down the neck. i'd go to see a physio who is experienced in treating the neck and in particular the upeer cervical spine.

the stretches already shown are great, heat, as in a hot water bottle can be very effective also but if its a problem with the neck joints these muscle problems will persist until the root of the problem is addressed.