Where is the location of a stiff neck?

The affected area of a stiff neck is mainly located in the cervical spine.

A stiff neck refers to acute pain and restricted movement in the neck and shoulder area upon waking in the morning. Clinically, a stiff neck is currently believed to be primarily associated with conditions such as acute inflammation of the cervical facet joints or myofascial inflammation in the neck and shoulder muscles. Improper sleeping posture during sleep—such as using a pillow that is too high, too low, or too firm—may place the neck in an excessively extended or flexed position, leading to muscle spasms, strain, or even muscle pulls or sprains. This may result in symptoms such as limited neck movement and muscle stiffness.

Once a stiff neck occurs, one should promptly visit the orthopedics department at a hospital. It's important to cooperate with the doctor in completing relevant examinations such as X-ray or MRI to determine the severity of the condition. Patients may receive acupuncture or massage therapy as directed by a physician to help improve local blood circulation. If pain is severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or celecoxib capsules may be taken according to medical advice.