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A stiff neck refers to a condition where the muscles in the neck feel tight, sore, and difficult to move.

What are the causes of a stiff neck?

A Stiff Neck can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, tension, or injury. Some common causes of a stiff neck include:

1. Muscle Strain: Overuse or sudden movements that strain the neck muscles can lead to stiffness.
2. Poor Posture: Maintaining an improper posture, especially for extended periods, can contribute to neck stiffness.
3. Sleeping Position: Sleeping in an awkward or uncomfortable position, or using a pillow that doesn’t support the neck properly, may result in stiffness.
4. Neck Injury: Accidents or injuries, such as whiplash from a car accident, can cause neck stiffness.
5. Stress and Tension: Emotional stress and tension can contribute to muscle tension and stiffness in the neck.
6. Text Neck: Spending extended periods looking down at electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablets, can strain the neck and lead to stiffness.
7. Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, cervical spine disorders, or infections, can also cause a stiff neck.

How do I fix a stiff neck?

Do not despair, there are many ways to help resolve a stiff neck.

• Stretch – Visit a physiotherapist or chiropractor and they can show you the best stretches for a stiff neck.
• Massage Therapy – Book an appointment with a registered massage therapist who can help release the knots and help with relaxing the tight muscles.
• Use a heating pad to get some relief from the pain. A hot shower helps as well.
• Manual Therapy – See a physiotherapist who can use manual therapy techniques to release and mobilize the joint.
• Dry-needling – A physiotherapist who does dry-needling can make a difference in resolving your stiff neck.
• Sleeping Position – Your physiotherapist can educate you on modifying your sleeping position so that your stiff neck does not become a recurring problem.

How do I book an appointment with a Physiotherapist near me?

Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor at one of our eight locations.

• Physiotherapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
• Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
• Physiotherapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
• Mississauga Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga
• Downtown Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy King West
• Uptown Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
• Physiotherapy Clinic Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay
• Physiotherapy Clinics Mississauga – Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills