Chronic cervical (neck) stiffness may be caused by cervical lordosis (straightening of the cervical spine), scoliosis (the curving of the spine), and cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis). All of which can lead to muscle tightness, muscle spasms, and occasional headaches. The best treatment plan includes neck stretching exercises and the use of moist heating pads for 20 minute treatments, repeated four times per day and as needed.  Dry heat is okay but moist heat is better because the moist heat helps relax the muscles. Using ice compresses will help reduce the severity of headaches by reducing the amount of blood flow to the brain (vasoconstriction) for 20 minute treatments and repeated four times per day and as needed. The best medications to use for relief are NSAIDS (Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen). These medications are helpful in treating inflammation, headaches, and arthritis. Narcotics are not recommended. To treat muscle spasms that are relieved by neck stretching and moist heating pads, antispasmodic (muscle relaxers) are useful. Please consult with your primary care physician for a prescription of Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Methocarbamol (Robaxin), Chlorzoxazone (Lorzone), Lioresal (Baclofen), Metaxalone (Skelaxin), or Tizanidine (Zanaflex). The CDC has placed a Blackbox warning on Carisoprodol (Somas) and it no longer recommended for use.

Chronic Cervical Stiffness

References:

John Hopkins Medicine. (2019). Neck Pain and Problems. Retrieved from    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/neck-pain-and-problems

Seesuk, P. (2019). X-ray image of c spine spondylosis , X-ray image of nomophobia , text neck syndrome. [Illustration].