Wry neck (acute stiff neck)
I woke up and cannot turn my neck. What happened?
Sudden, painful neck stiffness, often on waking, with the head held to one side. It is common and usually settles well.
What it feels like
A sudden painful stiff neck, often noticed on waking or after a quick movement, with the head held tilted or turned to one side and sharp pain trying to turn it the other way.
What is actually happening
Acute wry neck is usually caused by a small joint or the surrounding muscles in the neck becoming irritated and protective, which locks movement. It is common and not a sign of serious damage.
When to see a doctor urgently
See a doctor urgently if the stiff neck follows a fall, crash or other injury, comes with fever, headache, vomiting or sensitivity to light, or with numbness, weakness or pins and needles in the arms. A child with a stiff neck and fever or a recent throat infection should be seen by a doctor the same day.
How it is assessed
Assessment includes how it started, a screen for the warning signs above, which movements are restricted, and a neurological screen if there are arm symptoms.
How it is treated
The Neck Pain clinical practice guideline recommends, for neck pain with movement loss, manipulation or mobilisation of the upper back and neck, gentle range-of-motion exercise, and advice to stay active. Treatment usually restores movement gradually with gentle hands-on treatment and exercises you continue at home.
What to do first
Keep the neck moving gently within comfort rather than holding it still, use heat, and have it assessed if it is not easing within a few days.
Where this is assessed
- Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres Yonge & Eglinton · Mon/Wed/Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Book at Athlete's Care
- Push Pounds Sports Medicine Downtown Toronto · Tue/Thu · 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM Call Push Pounds to book
- Country Lane Physio Home office & virtual · Sat · By appointment only Message me to book
References
This page is based on the following clinical practice guidelines and research.