Causes of long-term neck stiffness in Grandville, MI

You wake up in the morning and move your head, and it hits you: your neck is stiff again. Many people in Grandville, Michigan, have probably had neck stiffness for a day or two, but neck stiffness that’s lasted for over a week is probably linked to something more serious than sleeping in an odd position. Here are three issues that can cause long-term neck stiffness: 

1.   Poor head and neck posture

You may not think that poor head and neck posture is serious enough to cause neck stiffness for over a week. However, this posture issue is actually an increasingly common issue in the U.S. The root of the problem is that most people spend hours every day looking down at their phone, tablet or computer screen. This act causes the head to tilt forward, and this position places a lot of strain on the neck muscles, especially when it’s held for hours at a time. The high strain placed on these muscles can cause neck pain and stiffness, and these symptoms aren’t likely to go away since you’re using this posture every day. 

2.   Arthritis

Neck pain and stiffness that lasts longer than a week can also be caused by osteoarthritis. The cervical spine is the name for the vertebrae in your neck, and each of these vertebrae has a joint called the facet joint. Over time, these joints can wear out and become stiff and painful, and this age-related wearing is called osteoarthritis. Since it’s a progressive condition, osteoarthritis is likely to cause pain, stiffness and other symptoms for long periods of time, but there are treatment options that can help reduce these symptoms. 

3.   Neck injuries

Another issue that can lead to long-term neck stiffness is an injury to the neck. For example, whiplash is a common auto accident injury that affects the neck, and it can cause pain and stiffness in your neck. Also, playing high-impact sports like football or rugby can lead to a sports injury in the neck. Repetitive head movements you use on the job can also be a daily source of neck stiffness.  

Fight back against neck stiffness and pain with help from Advent Physical Therapy

No matter what the source of your neck stiffness and pain is, our team at Advent Physical Therapy can help. We have a clinic that’s conveniently located in Grandville, and we invite you to come in for a free screening to determine what’s causing your neck issue. Our team can also create a personalized therapy plan for you that includes techniques like: 

• Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy
• Ergonomic recommendations
• Manual therapy
• McKenzie Method

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment if you’re ready to get our help for a neck issue.