No matter how you might have gotten your stiff neck, there's no denying that it's a literal pain. It makes it hard to see, hard to reach things around you, and in general, it's just plain uncomfortable. Rather than having a free range of motion, a hurting neck forces you to turn your entire body and work with the neck's limited options. That is, until it's back to normal and you've regained the entirety of its span. A day that can never come soon enough.

In short, no one likes a stiff neck.

But aside from being an inconvenience, is there a chance it can also be a warning sign? Sure there are nights you simply slept wrong or days you turned your head too quickly. And in these instances, you likely know what you did, and when you did it. No matter how dumb it might have been. In these cases there's no surprise to your hurting neck – anger, perhaps, but definitely a lack of shock. Days when you are surprised to be with a hurting neck, however, might be more of a cause for concern.

Why Is Your Neck Hurting?

There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to a sore neck. Meningitis, growths (whether cancerous or benign), whiplash, spine-related diseases, serious strains or injuries, and more can all be diagnosed from ongoing neck pain. It's an underlying symptom from all of the above. By hurting, your body is working to let you know that something is wrong. That might be from a buildup of symptoms, or muscles that are simply working too hard and are being forced to diminish their responsibilities.

This is why it's important to talk with your doctor if you have ongoing neck issues. Whether it be intermittent pain that can't be described, or a neck that's constantly stiff. You can also keep track of when or how severe your side effects have been to give them a better understanding of what you might be experiencing.

While there are plenty of causes to a stiff neck that are not severe, it's important to rule out cases that are far more dangerous.

Stiff Neck Treatments

With your doctor's approval, there can be different treatment options to loosen tight muscles. Methods that are not only effective, but safe and efficient. After getting their go-ahead (or if you're sure the pain was caused by something minor), consider scheduling a massage, or booking an appointment with a chiropractor to get yourself back in alignment, as well as to help relax uptight muscles.

Your fix also might be as simple as getting a new pillow. By adding support, you can work to reduce nightly strain that's placed on the neck. It also might just be a good idea to relax; muscles can loosen themselves up with just a little time to heal.

If you're worried about your stiff neck, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare professional. Especially if you're sore on an ongoing basis, or can't pinpoint the source of your pain. These can be a sign of something more serious, and having it checked out sooner rather than later can give you some peace of mind. However, if your neck pain is ruled to be nothing of danger, you can take simple steps to start feeling better on a regular basis. Sudden weather changes, poor posture, long-term typing, and more can all cause regular neck aches. But by looking at the cause and effect from all angles, you can create a routine that cures, eliminates future pains, and acts as a body healthy alternative.