How Winter Sports Can Cause Stiffness and Soreness in the Neck Muscles

Causes and Remedies for Neck Injuries Sustained from Winter Activities

This winter season, long days on the slopes or at the rink can take a toll on your body. Aches, pains, and muscles strains are all normal injuries to sustain after a day full of winter activities. Stiffness and soreness in the neck muscles is a common minor injury that can be experienced. However, it is still important to understand stiff neck causes, prevention strategies, and treatment methods.

The Main Causes of Stiffness and Soreness in the Neck Muscles  

More than 80% of the population experiences some sort of neck pain in their lifetime. It is a commonly occurring issue but can be exacerbated by winter sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, or even sledding. Increased movement or stress put upon your neck and shoulders can increase the likelihood of neck soreness or even a sprain.

Many different things can cause stiffness and soreness in the neck muscles. They include:

• Change in Temperature: The cold temperatures that accompany winter can cause your muscles to tighten and lose flexibility. This can cause stiffness and soreness before you even leave the house for your winter activity; this stiffness can make injuries more likely. For this reason, it’s important to warm up and stretch before beginning any rigorous outdoor activity.

• Lack of Exercise: A lack of exercise due to the cold weather can negatively affect your muscles. If you don’t enjoy traditional winter sports and activities, look for an exercise you enjoy doing inside. This can prevent losses in strength, flexibility, and endurance that often happen during the winter.

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly forced backward in a whip-like motion and can be sustained skiing or snowboarding. If your head is quickly forced back during a fall, it could result in whiplash, and stiffness and soreness in the neck muscles. This injury can also occur in other winter sports like ice hockey.

• A Herniated Disc: This condition is usually seen in older patients, but can occur in younger individuals if a neck injury occurs where there is a sharp twisting motion, as may happen during a fall. Discs act as the cushion between the vertebrae, and if they become dislodged it can cause pain, muscle strains, or even a stiff neck headache.   

Treatment Options

There are some simple treatments you can use to help relieve your neck stiffness or soreness. Some can be done at home while others require you to seek out a physician.

Some home remedies you can use to help relieve neck stiffness or soreness are:

• Resting your neck: If you sustained a mild injury, rest might be enough to resolve your soreness. It is best to consult your physician if you are unsure about the severity of your injury.

• Medication: Over the counter medications may be helpful for muscle inflammation and swelling, unless there is a medical reason to avoid them. Taking the recommended amount in addition to resting can help your neck soreness considerably. Be sure to consult your family doctor before beginning any new medication.

• Stretching: This is another way to keep the flexibility of your neck at a normal level. Simple stretches such as rolling your shoulders and rolling your neck side to side (carefully!) can help with soreness.

Neck soreness and stiffness might also be a symptom of a more severe type of injury. If the injury is sustained while skiing or playing ice hockey, it could be a symptom of something more serious. It is important to seek out a physician for an expert medical opinion.

If a more serious injury has occurred, there are various treatment options available, which can include:

• Wearing a neck brace to reduce movement and help the neck muscles heal

• Physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute has a nationally recognized team that specializes in spinal injuries and are willing to provide you with the best care. Please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.