Stiff neck

A feeling of soreness or pain in the neck when moving it or turning the head from side to side.

Self-care

Gentle stretching, heat or ice, and massage might help. So might medicines available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

When to seek immediate medical care

See a health care professional right away for:

• Traumatic injury, such as from car crashes, diving accidents or falls.
• Muscle weakness.
• Fever.

When to make a doctor's appointment

Make an appointment to see a health care professional if the stiffness:

• Gets worse even with self-care.
• Doesn't go away after several weeks of self-care.
• Causes pain that travels down the arms or legs.
• Comes with headache, weakness, numbness or tingling.