## Overview Cervical stiffness is a clinical sign of reduced willingness or ability to flex, extend, or bend the neck. It has many possible causes, including muscle spasm, facet osteoarthritis, pain from other regions, dental issues, or simply lack of conditioning. It is not a diagnosis by itself. ## Causes See individual entries for muscle spasm, osteoarthritis, and segmental restriction. Systemic illness or neurologic disease can also produce stiffness. ## Diagnosis History, physical and neurologic examination, and motion palpation. Imaging is added when structural disease is suspected. ## Treatment Directed at the underlying cause once identified. Supportive measures include anti-inflammatories and gradual mobilization. ## Recovery and Prognosis Depends entirely on the cause. Most musculoskeletal stiffness improves with appropriate care. ## Prevention Consistent warm-up, balanced work, and prompt attention to early discomfort.
reluctance to bend or flex the neck; reduced range of motion; resistance under saddle; possible pain on palpation
## Overview Cervical stiffness is a clinical sign of reduced willingness or ability to flex, extend, or bend the neck. It has many possible causes, including muscle spasm, facet osteoarthritis, pain from other regions, dental issues, or simply lack of conditioning. It is not a diagnosis by itself. ## Causes See individual entries for muscle spasm, osteoarthritis, and segmental restriction. Systemic illness or neurologic disease can also produce stiffness. ## Diagnosis History, physical and neurologic examination, and motion palpation. Imaging is added when structural disease is suspected. ## Treatment Directed at the underlying cause once identified. Supportive measures include anti-inflammatories and gradual mobilization. ## Recovery and Prognosis Depends entirely on the cause. Most musculoskeletal stiffness improves with appropriate care. ## Prevention Consistent warm-up, balanced work, and prompt attention to early discomfort.
reluctance to bend or flex the neck; reduced range of motion; resistance under saddle; possible pain on palpation