Tightness of the neck muscles is a very common problem, sometimes it has an obvious and dramatic cause such as from a whiplash in a motor vehicle accident or sudden hyperextentension (bends too far) during contact sport. Sometimes it is hard to work out why it gets stiff and sore. The cause of your neck stiffness and pain maybe chronic poor posture (see posture post) from working hours infront of a computer or staring straight ahead driving long distances.
Stress is a very common cause too, it seems to be hard wired in us that when we feel under threat, even if we are not actually physically in danger (as part of the flight/fright reaction), our necks instinctively guard themselves in a self protective rigid way.
Our neck muscles like the muscles in other parts of the body need to be regularly stretched because they won’t stretch themselves, this contributes to stiffness too (never stretch quickly nor around in circles). It is possible that your pillow is past it, maybe it was not that suitable for you even when you bought it. Considering how much of your life is spent with your head resting upon it, it is wise to investigate whether your pillow is supporting the natural curve in your neck or not.
A less obvious yet still common cause of neck stiffness is the effect of your neck of being exposed to cold drafts and wind, not just outside in the weather but even inside your vehicle with the window down. Sitting beneath an overhead fan can stiffen your neck. Air conditioning blowing gently sideways can track down the wall you are sitting up against and stiffen your neck too. Air conditioning drafts happen in buses and trains also not just inside buildings. While we are young this is less likely to really bother us but as we age we become more sensitive to weather conditions. It is easy to test this theory, just go outside with a scarf or a high necked sweater on a windy day and see if your neck feels better for it.
Riding motor bikes and scooters even if you never crash can be hard on your neck because of the weight of the helmet, especially when leaning forward. Surfers are no stranger to stiff neck either, paddling out looking upwards and frontwards will stiffen the neck too.
Adopting and maintaining good posture can be challenging if you are not used to it, if there is a better way of going about your business posturally, it can help manage or prevent neck pain. If lop-sided neck posture is just a fact of life during your work and play, like when golfing or working overhead as tradesmen often do, you need a strategy to manage your neck’s comfort and flexability.
Massage is great for a stiff, sore neck, even a short one will help. A massaged neck stretches more easily too. If you think massage or other therapies like osteopathy and chiropractic are inconvenient or too expensive for you using regular Self Massage and stretching becomes increasingly important in protecting your neck. Whatever you do, look after your neck, you only get one.