Can you go running with a stiff neck?

Generally, wry neck refers to acute muscle spasms and pain in the neck caused by improper sleeping posture, exposure to cold, or similar factors. Whether one can go running after experiencing wry neck depends on the severity of the condition and individual physical response. If there is noticeable discomfort, it is recommended to pause running and rest appropriately. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If symptoms are mild, with only slight soreness in the neck and no significant restriction when turning the head left and right or bending it forward and backward, and if the neck does not require excessive effort or large movements during running and there are no other bodily discomforts, low-intensity, short-duration running may be acceptable. Keep the head stable during running, avoiding sudden head turns or低头movements. Opt for jogging or brisk walking, and stop immediately if neck pain worsens during the activity.

If symptoms are severe, with intense neck pain that significantly increases when moving or bending the neck, or even accompanied by dizziness and radiating pain in the shoulders and back, running is not recommended. The bouncing motion during running may further tense the neck muscles, aggravate muscle spasms, and any postural adjustments during running could lead to additional neck strain, prolonging recovery from wry neck.

Before running after an episode of wry neck, gently move the neck to assess the level of pain and range of motion limitations. During running, maintain a neutral head position and avoid wearing heavy head accessories or headphones that may increase neck strain. After running, stretch the neck muscles promptly to relieve tension. If symptoms persist, apply heat therapy or gentle massage to improve comfort; avoid strenuous exercise if symptoms are severe, and prioritize rest for the neck. In daily life, pay attention to sleeping posture and choose a pillow with appropriate height to reduce the likelihood of developing wry neck.