Differential Diagnosis for Neck Tightness
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Muscle strain: This is the most common cause of neck tightness, often resulting from poor posture, overuse, or trauma to the neck muscles.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cervical spondylosis: A condition characterized by wear and tear on the discs and joints in the neck, leading to stiffness and tightness.
- Tension headache: Often presents with neck tightness due to muscle tension in the neck and scalp.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition that can cause widespread muscle pain and stiffness, including neck tightness.
- Stress and anxiety: Can cause muscle tension, leading to feelings of neck tightness.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cervical spine fracture or instability: A serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent further injury or paralysis.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can cause neck stiffness and tightness.
- Cervical artery dissection: A tear in the lining of one of the arteries in the neck, which can lead to a stroke if not promptly treated.
- Spinal epidural abscess: A collection of pus that forms in the space surrounding the spinal cord, requiring urgent medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Polymyalgia rheumatica: An inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, including neck tightness, typically in people over 50.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and stiffness in the neck joints.
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, potentially causing neck tightness and stiffness.
- Cervical dystonia: A rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the neck, leading to abnormal postures and tightness.