Does a stiff neck mean there is a problem with my cervical spine?

A netizen asked: I find myself often suffering from stiff neck, stiff and painful neck, and my head can only be slightly tilted to the side but cannot be turned.

Although it can be cured in two or three days with hot compress or massage, I am still a little worried. If I keep getting stiff neck like this, could it be cervical spondylosis?

In fact, stiff neck is very common. It may be a sign of cervical spondylosis, but it may also be caused by improper sleeping posture, an inappropriate pillow, or a cold neck. You can make a preliminary judgment by yourself.

First, check your sleeping posture and pillow height. If you like to sleep with your head tilted, or your pillow is too high or too low, your neck will be over-deflected, which will cause muscle fatigue over time, leading to neck stiffness and stiff neck.

Generally speaking, it is recommended for adults to lie sideways or flat on their backs, and it is not recommended to lie prone. When choosing a pillow, a pillow with a height of 8 to 12 cm is more suitable, which is approximately the height of one's fist.

Secondly, if the neck is exposed to cold air from an air conditioner for a long time, it will cause blood stagnation, making the neck stiff and painful.

If it falls into either of these two situations, don't be too nervous. Correcting your habits, avoiding triggers, and applying appropriate local hot compresses can provide relief.

If the above factors are excluded, it should be taken seriously, as it is likely a precursor to cervical spondylosis. Repeated stiff necks indicate that the cervical muscles may be damaged, and you need to go to the rehabilitation department or orthopedic department of a regular hospital for treatment as soon as possible.