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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Medical Symptoms > Neck Stiffness: Symptoms & Signs

Neck Stiffness

Alternate Names : Stiff Neck

Neck Stiffness | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms of neck stiffness can vary greatly. Symptoms may be mild, causing a slight problem in moving or turning the head and neck. Or the symptoms may be severe, causing great difficulty in moving, turning, or bending the neck.

If the neck stiffness is due to a major injury or head trauma or if there is severe nuchal rigidity, emergency treatment may be needed.

The healthcare provider will want to know more about the person's symptoms, such as:

  • When did the symptoms start and how long they have lasted?
  • Have the symptoms become worse since they started?
  • Where is the neck pain located?
  • Did any injury occur before the stiffness started?
  • Were there any symptoms before the neck stiffness started?
  • Are there any other symptoms now, such as vomiting, headache, fever, or decreased sensation or movement in other parts of the body?
  • Is there a history of high blood pressure, head injury, blood clots or aneurysm, recent infection, or recent dental work?
  • Is there any swelling in the hands or any tender joints?
  • Is there pain and tenderness in the neck?
  • Are the symptoms worse at certain times of the day?

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    Neck Stiffness: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Neck Stiffness: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 07/05/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006