What causes neck stiffness and dizziness in the back of the neck?
Mar 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, neck stiffness and dizziness may be caused by muscle tension and fatigue, poor posture, anemia, cervical spondylosis, hypertension, and other factors. Symptomatic management such as general treatment and medication may be needed. It is recommended to maintain a correct sitting posture during work or study, and to rotate the neck and stretch the shoulder muscles periodically to help relieve symptoms.
Generally, stiffness and dizziness in the back of the neck may be caused by muscle tension and fatigue, poor posture, anemia, cervical spondylosis, hypertension, and other factors. Symptomatic treatment such as general therapy and medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Muscle Tension and Fatigue
Maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods, such as looking down at a phone or computer for extended durations, or overusing the neck muscles may lead to neck muscle tension and fatigue, causing symptoms such as stiffness and dizziness in the back of the neck, possibly accompanied by neck pain and shoulder discomfort. It is recommended to take appropriate breaks, avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods, and apply a warm towel to the neck to promote blood circulation and relax the muscles.
2. Poor Posture
Incorrect sitting, standing, or sleeping postures, such as prolonged head-down positions or inappropriate pillow height, may cause uneven stress on the neck muscles and cervical spine, leading to symptoms such as neck stiffness and dizziness. Accompanying symptoms may include neck pain, shoulder discomfort, and arm numbness. It is recommended to improve posture, maintain correct sitting, standing, and sleeping positions, and perform regular neck relaxation exercises.
3. Anemia
Poor nutrition, excessive blood loss, or impaired blood production can lead to anemia. In cases of anemia, the reduced number of red blood cells or decreased hemoglobin levels impairs the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, causing dysfunction in the brain and neck muscles due to insufficient oxygen supply, manifesting as dizziness and weakness in the neck muscles. Accompanying symptoms may include pale complexion, fatigue, and palpitations. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets, iron(II) fumarate tablets, and ammonium ferric citrate vitamin B1 syrup II to alleviate symptoms.
4. Cervical Spondylosis
Long-term strain and degeneration of the cervical spine may lead to cervical spondylosis. In such cases, protrusion of the cervical intervertebral discs or bone spurs may compress nerve roots or the vertebral artery, causing neck muscle spasms and circulatory disturbances, resulting in neck stiffness and dizziness. Symptoms may be accompanied by neck pain, arm numbness, and unsteady gait. It is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as aceclofenac tablets, Jingfukang granules, and mecobalamin tablets for treatment.
5. Hypertension
Hypertension is mainly caused by genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and diseases. When blood pressure rises suddenly, the burden on cerebral blood vessels increases, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply and causing dizziness. At the same time, hypertension may also affect blood circulation in the neck muscles, causing muscle tension and pain. It is recommended to follow medical instructions and use medications such as metoprolol tartrate tablets, bisoprolol fumarate tablets, and verapamil hydrochloride tablets to alleviate symptoms.
It is recommended to maintain proper sitting posture during work and study, and to rotate the neck and stretch the shoulder muscles periodically, which can help relieve symptoms.
