![Neck stiffness](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Neck_stiffness.jpg)
Neck stiffness, stiff neck and nuchal rigidity are terms often used interchangeably to describe the medical condition when one experiences discomfort or pain when trying to turn, move, or flex the
neck. Possible causes include
muscle strain
A strain is an acute or chronic soft tissue injury that occurs to a muscle, tendon, or both. The equivalent injury to a ligament is a sprain. Generally, the muscle or tendon overstretches and partially tears, under more physical stress th ...
or
sprain,
cervical spine disorders,
meningitis, and
subarachnoid hemorrhage.
[
Nuchal rigidity due to irritation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord is one of the main symptoms of meningitis.
]
See also
* Neck pain
Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck pain at some point in their lives.
Neck pain, although felt in the neck, can be caused by numerous other spinal problems. Neck pain may arise ...
* Acquired torticollis
References
Human head and neck
{{Med-sign-stub