What Is a Stiff Neck?
A stiff neck is characterised by restricted movement in the neck, often making it difficult to turn the head fully in different directions.
This stiffness commonly occurs when the joints or muscles of the neck become tight or irritated. It may develop after sleeping in an awkward position, prolonged desk work, long periods of driving or sudden movements of the neck.
While a stiff neck can sometimes cause discomfort, the main issue is usually reduced mobility and tightness in the surrounding muscles.
Common Symptoms
A stiff neck may cause:
- Difficulty turning the head from side to side
- Tightness in the neck muscles
- Reduced range of movement
- Mild discomfort when moving the neck
- Muscle tension in the shoulders or upper back
How We Help
At The Bromley Physiotherapy and Injury Rehab Clinic, we assess neck mobility, muscle tightness and movement patterns to determine what is limiting movement.
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy to improve joint mobility
- Soft tissue techniques to release muscle tension
- Gentle mobility exercises
- Advice to improve posture and daily movement habits
Our aim is to restore normal neck movement and help prevent stiffness from returning.
