Stiff Neck

[fumbler1983]

I have had a stiff neck for a little over a month now and it wont go away. Does anyone know what could be causing this? I have tried to change the way I sleep, how many pillows I use, and even where I sleep. Nothing is helping. I am also having lower back pain that seems to closely relate to my neck. If I do something to strain my lower back, like lifting, my neck gets really bad.

[dot.hawkes]

Do you have full side to side movement of your neck, if not you may need some form of treatment to free it.

[chimpydoodle]

Have you changed jobs in the past month? Or moved desks at work? Sitting in a draft under air con might be casuing it or if you doing more computer based work it is possible you are not sitting correctly. try adjusting the height of your monitor on the pc or adjust your chair?

[fumbler1983]

I can move my neck from side to side but it is painful. Just recently actually the pain had changed a little and now instead of just like stiff neck pain I get like intense shooting pains when I move it from side to side. I have also changed jobs within the past month but I went from sitting at a desk all day, staring at a computer, to being on my feet half the time and watching hospital cameras the rest of the time.

[beejaybee]

Try some VOLTAROL cream. There`s not many creams you can use on the neck, but this you can & it`s very good. Had the same problem on holiday a few years back & it eased my neck.

[Litchick]

I have always found a chiropractor to be a wonder in curing all neck/shoulder/back ills. Good luck.

[mazzywoo]

yes, I agree with Litchick. I work as a receptionist for a chiropractic clinic and we see people every day who have probs like yours fumbler 1983. If you see a chiro, they might suggest some gentle spinal manipulation and maybe a special type of pillow to support your neck. The trouble is with the spine if you get probs in one area it can alter your posture and affect other bits as well. Also, a chiropractor will tell you if he/she can't help and will then recommend that you see your doc. I think it's well worth you trying chiropractic for this . Good luck xx

[Green Moss]

I also get a lot of stiff necks & shoulders but these only started over the past 3/4 years & they come & go. I also have lower back pain (I'm 47) but put a lot of this down to age-I've also had 3 children. I find that keeping my neck & shoulders covered whilst I'm sleeping helps, if they're exposed at all (even if it's warm) I always get a stiff neck or shoulders. I also exercise regularly which seems to help sometimes. Why not try a massage-local colleges often offer v. cheap ones by students.

[Matheous-2]

Might be worth trying one of those horse-shoe shaped pillow on sale at most airports, al though you can get them probably in Boots, plus luggage shops....