Can you have a stiff neck for years?

Occasionally when the underlying cause is more serious, the symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Here are some potential causes of stiff neck, and when it may be something more serious. See When Is a Stiff Neck Serious? A stiff neck is commonly caused by a neck muscle strain or soft tissue sprain.

What do I do if my neck pain doesn’t go away?

Neck pain that continues longer than several weeks usually will still respond to exercise, stretching, physical therapy, massage and watchful waiting, but steroid injections or even surgery are occasionally indicated.

How long is too long for neck pain?

Acute neck pain usually goes away within about one to two weeks. In some people it comes back again in certain situations, such as after work or intensive sports. If the symptoms last longer than three months, it’s considered to be chronic neck pain.

Why do I have a permanent stiff neck?

Causes of a stiff neck. Stiffness usually occurs when the neck muscles are overused, stretched too far, or strained. This can cause pain ranging from mild to severe that can make it difficult to move the head or use the neck muscles.

Can you fix chronic neck pain?

Check with your doctor to see if your chronic neck pain might be better managed with physical therapy. Improving the neck’s strength and flexibility may help better support the cervical spine and reduce pain.

What is chronic neck pain?

Chronic neck pain can range from an achy annoyance to shock-like pain that goes into the arm and becomes debilitating. Neck pain is typically classified as chronic when it persists or regularly recurs for at least 3 months.

When should I be worried about neck pain?

Most neck pain doesn’t mean there’s a serious problem to worry about. However, you should always get your symptoms checked out if: It’s connected with numbness, weakness or persistent pins and needles in your arm. You’ve had any trauma such as a whiplash injury.

When should I be concerned about neck pain?

Seek medical care if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm.

How long does it take for neck pain to go away?

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Neck pain caused by muscle tension or strain usually goes away on its own within a few days and needs only conservative treatment at the most. Neck pain that continues longer than several weeks usually will still respond to exercise, stretching, physical therapy, massage and watchful waiting,

What causes a stiff neck and sore neck?

A brain tumor, especially if it is located in the cerebellum, can cause a stiff neck. A tumor in the cervical spine, such as from cancer, could also cause the neck to become sore and/or stiff. Cervical dystonia. This neurological disorder, also known as a form of torticollis, can cause neck muscles to spasm uncontrollably.

Can stress cause neck pain not to go away?

So, if you have had lingering neck pain and are someone who is under a lot of stress – could be from your job, spouse, kids, etc. – I can say with almost certainty that that stress is playing a big role in your neck pain not going away.

How can I prevent neck pain from coming back?

Practice good posture, especially if you sit at a computer all day. Keep your back supported, and make sure that your computer monitor is at eye level. Call your doctor if you have neck pain that: Call 911 or your local emergency number or have someone drive you to the emergency room if you have severe neck pain that’s associated with: