Stiff neck

[JLou]

For the past week I've had an awful stiff neck. I think it's what's making me feel more lightheaded than normal, if I'm looking down it feels as if it's pulling all my back too. Just feels so tight and uncomfortable..

Anyone get this?

[Roma26]

I havebeen having problems with stiff neck and spasms for a couple of months now....going to physical therapy and it's helping some but I notice when I am under stress or upset it gets worse.

[Will2015abc]

JlouiseS I get this as a symptom and it has been confirmed as a symptom of anxiety. It's the muscles and tendons coming from the neck into the head - they literally tighten to the point where it hurts and u feel wobbly and the pain and stiffness can b so irritating. What helps me is a heat pack on my neck and it can do wonders. I know they say cold packs are good but the heat is comforting and can relax the muscles. Works a charm for me. Hope this helps. 

[JLou in reply to Will2015abc]

Does it make you feel off balanced/lightheaded at all? 

[Agora1 in reply to JLou]

JLouise,  the tight neck does make you off balanced/lightheaded.  All my stress/anxiety are compensated by  tightening my neck muscles when I'm afraid.   I agree with Will in that heat works best in relaxing those tight muscles.  A little trick is to put heat on your neck and shoulders and you will immediately feel  your shoulders come away from the ears.  Then you know it's working    ahhhh

[Will2015abc in reply to JLou]

Yes definately it's all part of the tightening. Think of the muscles as a an elastic band that tighten and pull everything when highly anxious or stressed (even when u think I aren't!). And yes it can be very frightening when u don't know what is happening. Heat pack and sit for a while - can work wonders. 

[JLou]

Thankyou guys.

I've really noticed that after I've been walking about doing things for the day, and I come to sit down or lay down is when I feel the most off balance, it's a weird feeling, like I've got a pulse inside my entire body?