You may notice stiffness in your neck or shoulders if you’re desk-bound and sitting in bent positions with tensed muscles for long periods. This tension can also cause headaches.

Recovering from a stiff neck can take patience, McNeely says. A muscle tear, for example, can take four to six weeks to heal and you'll need to be gentle on your body during that time.

Massage the neck: A gentle massage may reduce stiffness and relieve tension in the neck area. "Since most stiff neck symptoms occur from muscle strain, muscle massage is ideal," says Doherty.

Awkward neck positions, muscle strain, and poor sleep posture are all causes of stiffness when sleeping. If your pillow isn't supporting your neck and head properly, it could be to blame.

“Gentle stretches that target the neck and shoulder muscles can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness,” Hinds says. Simple exercises like neck tilts, rotations, and shoulder shrugs can be ...

The best neck massagers for every need, from chronic tension sufferers to occasional stress relievers, offering deep tissue ...

Neck pain, a prevalent issue, often stems from daily habits like poor posture and inactivity. Improper lifting and excess ...

By Dana Santas, CNN (CNN) — When your shoulders feel stiff, stretching might seem like the obvious answer. But in many cases, stretching is just a temporary fix rather than a real solution ...

Stop stretching your shoulders! Here’s what actually works for stiff muscles By CNN Newsource Published March 12, 2025 10:51 AM By Dana Santas, CNN ...