According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH, neck stiffness and soreness can occur simultaneously, causing reduced neck or cervical spine active range of motion. Neck stiffness can be caused by traumatic injuries, poor posture or everyday activities, such as sleeping or working at a desk. Certain medical conditions can also cause neck stiffness and pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause neck stiffness and pain. According to MayoClinic.com, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the spinal and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and reduced spinal joint range of motion. Ankylosing spondylitis also causes pain and inflammation in other parts of the body. Common signs and symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis include spinal pain and stiffness, reduced ability to expand the chest, stooping, fatigue, anorexia or loss of appetite, weight loss and inflammation of the eyes and bowel. Several possible complications are associated with ankylosing spondylitis, including difficulty walking or standing, difficulty breathing, eye inflammation and heart problems, such as aortitis or inflammation of the aorta--the body's largest artery. MayoClinic.com notes that ankylosing spondylitis treatments can help prevent the complications associated with this disease.
Tetanus
Tetanus can cause neck stiffness and pain. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases--a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and health professionals about the causes, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases--states that tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by a bacterial infection that targets a person's nervous system. Tetanus bacteria enter the body through a cut or wound. Common signs and symptoms associated with tetanus include jaw muscle stiffness, neck stiffness, difficulty swallowing, abdominal muscle rigidity, generalized muscle spasms, sweating and fever. According to the NFID, tetanus-related symptoms usually manifest about seven days after tetanus bacteria invade the body, although symptoms can appear as early as three days or as late as three weeks following infection. The NFID states that vaccination is the only way to prevent tetanus.
Meningitis
Meningitis can cause neck stiffness and pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke--a division of the National Institutes of Health--meningitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by either bacterial or viral infections. Meningitis can also be caused by chemical irritation, drug allergies, fungi and tumors. The NIH states that common signs and symptoms associated with meningitis include meningismus or a stiff, sore neck, severe headache, photophobia or light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, changes in mental status and fever and chills. According to the NINDS, meningitis-related symptoms can appear suddenly. The prognosis for a person with meningitis depends on the cause and the severity of the infection. Bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately to ward off neurological damage. Viral meningitis is usually not serious, and symptoms typically disappear within two weeks without any residual or lasting effects.
