Shoulder
Stiff Neck

A stiff neck is a common condition where the neck muscles become tight, sore, or difficult to move. In athletes, it often develops from muscle strain, poor posture, contact injuries, overuse, or sleeping in an awkward position.

  • Neck stiffness
  • Soreness or tightness
  • Pain turning the head
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Muscle spasms
  • Headaches
  • Shoulder tightness
  • Tight or locked-up neck
  • Sharp pain with movement
  • Difficulty turning the head
  • Neck feels sore or tense
  • Stiffness after activity or waking up
  • Muscle strain
  • Contact sports collisions
  • Poor posture
  • Overuse
  • Sudden neck movement
  • Sleeping in an awkward position
  • Heavy lifting
  • Trouble turning your head fully
  • Neck tightness after sports or lifting
  • Pain looking side to side
  • Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
  • Symptoms improving with light movement

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

  1. 1Rest briefly from painful activity
  2. 2Apply ice or heat as tolerated
  3. 3Begin gentle neck movement
  4. 4Stretch lightly
  5. 5Maintain good posture
  6. 6Avoid sudden neck motions
  • Severe neck pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness in the arms
  • Fever with neck stiffness
  • Loss of balance
  • Severe headaches
  • Symptoms worsening over time
  • Stretch consistently
  • Improve posture
  • Warm up before activity
  • Strengthen neck and upper back muscles
  • Avoid overtraining
  • Return to activity gradually

For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.

Tracks symptoms over time (not a diagnosis).