Got a Crick in the Neck? Here’s What to Do About It

A crick in the neck (also called a “crook” in the neck) is a common ailment that refers to neck stiffness. It can be uncomfortable or painful and make it difficult to turn your head. And it can happen to anyone, whether you slept awkwardly or sat at the computer for too long.

But you don’t have to deal with discomfort for too long. At-home treatments usually help resolve a crick in the neck. Small lifestyle changes might help you avoid one altogether.

What is a crick in the neck?

A crick in the neck is a broad term for neck stiffness or pain that can hinder your range of motion. And it usually happens suddenly. For example, you might wake up with tense neck muscles that make it hard to turn your head from side to side. Or you might have trouble looking over your shoulder or sitting at your desk for prolonged periods.

Typically, it’s not serious, and symptoms will subside in a few days or weeks. But a crick in the neck isn’t an official medical diagnosis. So, it can refer to several kinds of neck problems that may have various underlying causes. Those causes will help you figure out the best treatment.

What are the symptoms of a crick in the neck?

If you have a crick in the neck, you may have stiffness without pain. But most often, you’ll have both. You may find it more challenging to turn your head to one side, and you’ll compensate by turning your shoulders or entire body.

Here are the most common symptoms:

• Neck stiffness

• Limited or reduced mobility that makes it hard to move your neck or turn your head

• Neck or shoulder pain that’s more noticeable with movement

• Muscle knots or spasms

• Feeling like your neck needs to pop

• Popping sounds when moving your neck

• Difficulty sitting at your desk for prolonged periods due to fatigue and pain

What causes a crick in the neck?

Injury to the neck muscles, tendons, or ligaments is the most common cause of a crick in the neck. This acute, nonspecific neck pain or stiffness isn’t caused by a health condition. These musculoskeletal problems are usually the cause.

Muscle strain

A muscle strain occurs when you overstretch a muscle, which damages or tears muscle fibers. This injury is the most common culprit behind a crick in the neck.

Muscle strain often involves the levator scapulae that runs along the outside of your neck to the shoulders. This muscle allows you to lift or shrug your shoulders. It also helps you flex your neck muscles to tilt your head.

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• Exercises for neck pain: Try targeted stretches and strengthening exercises to ease neck pain and stiffness.

• Not sure how to sleep with neck pain? These sleep positions may reduce neck pain and help you get comfortable.

• Proper posture can help prevent neck pain. Consider these tips to improve your posture.

A cervical or neck muscle strain may be triggered by:

• Holding your head in an awkward position for extended periods

• Maintaining poor posture — like slouching — at your desk

• Looking down at your phone for long periods causing “text neck”

• Sleeping in an awkward position

• Lifting heavy objects or other activities that cause overuse injuries while working, exercising, or playing sports

Neck sprain

The ligaments in your neck keep your cervical spinal column stable. When they are damaged, it causes a neck sprain, which can give you a crick in the neck. Impact injuries or sudden, forceful movements can lead to a neck sprain. Most people will feel the most pain and stiffness a day or two after the injury. You can get a neck sprain from:

• A fall

• Trauma, such as whiplash from a car accident

• Sudden movements that turn or twist your neck

• Sports, such as football, basketball, and wrestling

• Repetitive movements that stress your neck, such as during horseback riding or painting overhead

Musculoskeletal health conditions

In some cases, a crick in the neck may result from specific underlying conditions that cause cervical pain, muscle spasms, and stiffness. The following are less common causes of a crick in the neck:

• Cervical herniated disc: When a cervical disc bulges, it puts pressure on the nerves. A cervical herniated disc causes neck pain, along with tingling and numbness down your arm.
  

  

• Cervical disc degeneration: This often happens to people 40 and older. In cervical disc degeneration, the fluid in the cervical disc deteriorates, resulting in less space between the vertebrae and neck pain and stiffness.
  

  

• Cervical spondylosis: Arthritis of the cervical spine causes pain and stiffness. This is also known as cervical osteoarthritis.

Mental health concerns

Your mental health may also be a factor in stiff, achy neck muscles. It’s likely because psychological stressors make you tighten your neck and shoulder muscles, triggering muscle knots or spasms. Certain stressors can also raise your attention to the perception of physical pain. According to a recent study, the following mental health concerns can contribute to neck pain:

• Long-term stress

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Lack of social support 

10 treatments for a crick in the neck

In most cases, your crick in the neck should go away in 1 to 2 weeks. The following treatment options may help you heal faster.

1. Rest

It’s important to avoid activities that can irritate your neck. Examples include lifting, high-impact exercises, and certain sports, like tennis, golf, or contact sports. A break will help limit inflammation and allow your tense muscles to relax. After 2 to 3 weeks, you can slowly return to your regular activity.

Unless a healthcare professional says otherwise, you should avoid wearing cervical collars. A review showed that long-term use makes cervical muscles stiffer and weaker.

2. Practice gentle exercises and stretches

Rest doesn’t mean you have to avoid all physical activity. Gentle neck stretches and strengthening exercises help lessen neck pain and stiffness. And studies show they may also prevent a future occurrence. Try including these neck exercises in your daily routine.

3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers

You can take a short course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease pain and inflammation. These include ibuprofen, such as Advil and Motrin, and naproxen sodium, such as Aleve. Tylenol will lessen pain but doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Try ice or heat therapy

Ice and heat can help you soothe sore neck muscles at home. Apply an ice pack for the first 48 to 72 hours to help limit inflammation. After that, use a heating pad on the stiff and sore muscles to help boost circulation and improve movement.

5. Adjust your sleeping position as needed

The right sleeping positions for neck pain take the stress off your neck. A 2019 review found that sleeping on your side is the best position to ease neck pain. If shoulder pain makes side sleeping uncomfortable, lying on your back is the next best option. Sleeping on your stomach isn’t recommended.

6. Sleep on a supportive mattress and pillow

A medium-firm mattress with a supportive pillow can help your neck heal and prevent future problems. Your pillow should keep your neck and spine aligned. Memory foam or latex pillows may ease neck pain and promote deeper sleep. You can also roll up a small towel and place it in the arch of your neck for added support.

7. Evaluate your workstation

An ergonomic workstation can help prevent a crick in the neck and other aches and pains. Make sure your desk, computer, and other office equipment are properly set up. This will reduce the likelihood of holding your neck in awkward positions for long periods. Stand up and take frequent breaks to keep your muscles loose and avoid pain while sitting at your desk.

8. Manage stress

Learn how to manage stress in healthy ways, such as exercising, listening to music, or talking to a friend or therapist. Regular massages — especially when combined with exercise — may soothe neck pain. It can help you relax and feel less anxious.

9. See a physical therapist

You can also see a physical therapist for evaluation and hands-on treatment. They can use trigger point release, acupressure or acupuncture, and other methods to relieve a crick in the neck. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), for example, may help you regain a full, pain-free neck range of motion.

10. Try a muscle relaxer as a last resort

Your doctor or other healthcare professional may prescribe a muscle relaxer to help loosen muscle knots and tight neck muscles. Some examples include Valium, Flexeril, or Soma. They can be useful in helping with pain for some, but there isn’t strong research to back them up. Muscle relaxers should only be taken for a short period. They also have side effects to be aware of, which include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth.

When should you see a healthcare professional for a crick in the neck?

If your neck pain and stiffness doesn’t go away or improve after 1 week of at-home treatment, call your primary care provider for a checkup. If your crick in the neck doesn’t start to improve or gets worse in 24 hours, call your primary care provider to discuss. 

In the following cases, you should get medical help right away for neck stiffness or pain:

• After an injury, including a car accident, fall, or blow to the head

• Pain or numbness down your arms that causes weakness

• Difficulty with fine motor skills, including handwriting, grasping objects, or using a zipper

• Continuous and persistent severe pain

• Pain that wakes you up at night

• Neck stiffness accompanied by fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or sleepiness

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Written by:

Kim Grundy, PT

Kim Grundy, PT, is a licensed physical therapist and an experienced writer and editor. She worked at an outpatient orthopedic facility, where she treated patients with chronic conditions and post-surgical athletes working towards recovery.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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