Most episodes of neck pain are due to muscle strain or soft tissue sprain (ligaments, tendons), but it can also be caused by a sudden force (whiplash). These types of neck pain often improve with time and non-surgical care such as medication and chiropractic manipulation. But if neck pain continues or worsens, there is often a specific condition that requires treatment, such as cervical degenerative disc diseasecervical herniated disc, cervical stenosis, or cervical arthritis.

A neck strain/sprain occurs when one or more neck muscles, ligaments or tendons are injured. Most minor neck strains heal in a relatively short amount of time.

Strengthening exercises for the neck can help support the spine and make posture easier to hold and the occurrence of pain to be less frequent.

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Neck Stretches

Neck stretches and flexibility exercises can expand the range of motion and elasticity in the cervical spine area to help relieve stiffness and pain.

Occipital neuralgia is caused when either the C2 or C3 nerve root gets pinched as it leaves the spine.

Neck exercises, over-the-counter medications, and heat/cold therapy are a few common self-care strategies for treating chronic neck stiffness.
There are several factors that may result in a stiff neck. Knowing the specific cause of a stiff neck can help to inform what treatment strategy will be most effective.
Various surgical procedures are available to help alleviate neck pain. Typically, these surgeries involve decompressing a spinal nerve and/or the spinal cord to help maintain neurological function.

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