There are many causes for a stiff neck. These may include:

MECHANICAL:

• Postural (wrong sleeping posture, uncomfortable pillow).

• Whiplash injury (injury caused by over extension of the neck).

• Neck strain, neck sprain

• Disc prolapse (vertebral column injury).

• Neck muscle disorders.

• Torticollis (condition in which head is tilted toward one side and the chin is elevated and turned towards the opposite side).

• Diseases of the spinal cord.

INFLAMMATORY:

• Infections (for example meningitis, encephalitis, polio).

• Rheumatoid arthritis.

• Spondylitis.

METABOLIC:

• Bone diseases e.g. Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia.

NEOPLASTIC (cancerous conditions):

• Cerebral tumors

REFERRED PAIN FROM OTHER AREAS:

• Teeth.

• Throat.

• Ear.

• Angina pain.

• Headache.

CONGENITAL (by birth):

• Congenital cervical rib.

• Bone deformities.