Figuring out how long your stiff neck may last isn’t always easy. The issue that’s causing your stiffness can determine how long it lasts. Also, each neck problem affects each person differently.
However, it’s possible to learn how long a stiff neck typically lasts. One medical source reveals that neck stiffness commonly lasts for between 24 hours and a few weeks. Physical therapists can help you find treatment for your stiff neck, and one commonly used treatment technique is therapeutic exercises. Some exercises that your therapist may use to address your stiff neck include the:
1. Neck extension stretch
Purpose: This stretch is designed to relieve tension in muscles in the front of your neck and reduce how long your stiff neck lasts.
How to perform the neck extension stretch:
- Sit in a stable chair with your back straight and your head centered over your shoulders.
- Slowly tilt your head backward until you feel a moderate stretch in the front of your neck.
- Hold this stretch for five to 10 seconds.
- Return your head to the starting position.
- Repeat this stretch until you’ve completed it three to six times.
2. Neck flexion stretch
Purpose: Another stretch that can help decrease how long your stiff neck lasts is the neck flexion stretch, which targets the muscles in the back of your neck.
How to perform the neck flexion stretch:
- Sit as upright as possible in a stable chair. Try to start with your head centered over your shoulders.
- Slowly tilt your head forward until you feel a moderate stretch in the back of your neck. Your goal should be to try to touch your chin to your chest.
- Hold the stretch for five to 10 seconds.
- Slowly return your head to the upright position.
- Rest for a few seconds, and then repeat the stretch until you’ve done three to six repetitions.
3. Lateral neck flexion stretch
Purpose: This stretch is intended to stretch the muscles on the sides of your neck and limit how long your stiff neck lasts.
How to perform the lateral neck flexion stretch:
- Find a stable chair to sit in.
- Sit with a straight back and your head directly over your shoulders.
- Slowly tilt your head to the left until you feel a moderate stretch in the right side of your neck.
- Hold this stretch for five to 10 seconds.
- Slowly return your head to the neutral position, and then tilt it to the left.
- Hold this stretch for five to 10 seconds.
- Take a brief rest with your head in the neutral position.
- Continue stretching each side of your neck until you’ve targeted both sides three to six times.
Find more treatment options that can reduce how long your stiff neck lasts at Panther PT
Want to find even more ways to decrease how long your stiff neck lasts? Our Panther Physical Therapy team is keen to help you treat this issue effectively and rapidly. We can do a free screening on your neck to pinpoint the source of your stiffness and pain. Then, our specialists can build you a customized therapy plan designed to:
- Decrease your stiffness and pain.
- Improve neck flexibility.
- Reduce the chances of future neck issues.
You can even sign up for an at-home care or virtual therapy session with our team and treat your neck issue from home.
Contact our team today for more information about how we can help treat your neck problem or to schedule your initial appointment.