Journal · the Crigan Massaggi blog

Stiff neck with the first cold: what happens and what can help

If the first cold mornings leave you with a stiff neck or make it hard to turn your head, the cause is often in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, which tighten and stay tense. In Turin the neck massage is given by Mihail Crigan, sports massage practitioner, at the Crigan Massaggi studio at Via Monginevro 76/F, in Borgo San Paolo: 60 minutes for 60 €, by appointment.

By Mihail Crigan, sports massage practitioner in Turin · Updated on

4,9 out of 5 on Google · 228 reviews
Close-up of a person's neck and shoulders in front of a fuchsia bougainvillea wall, one hand supporting the base of the neck
Neck and shoulders with the first cold: tension is often felt at the base of the neck.Illustrative image generated with AI

In brief

  • In the cold we tend to keep the shoulders raised and the neck tight, often without noticing.
  • For a stiff neck of muscular origin, heat, gentle movement and breaks from the computer help.
  • See a doctor if the pain lasts more than a week, if it follows a blow or a fall, or if there is tingling or weakness in the arm.
  • A stiff neck with fever and a severe headache: call a doctor or 112 straight away.

In this article

Duration
60 minutes
Price
60 € per session
Where
Via Monginevro 76/F, Turin
Booking
By appointment
+39 334 858 8535

The symptoms

What does a stiff neck feel like?

The most common sign is difficulty turning the head to one side, for example when you check the rear-view mirror. The pain sits behind the nape or at the base of the neck and can run down towards one shoulder. Sometimes the muscles are so tight that the head stays slightly tilted: that is what people usually call a wry neck (torticollis).

By the end of the day you often feel a weight on the shoulders and, sometimes, a headache that starts from the nape. To the touch, the trapezius and the muscles along the sides of the neck feel hard and tender.

The causes

Why does it happen with the first cold?

When it is cold we raise the shoulders, pull the neck into the coat and walk hunched up. These are positions we hold for hours, and the muscles that support them end up tiring and tightening. Sometimes an open car window or a night with the neck uncovered is enough.

The cold, though, is often not the only cause. Italy's National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS) lists poor posture and muscle strain among the most common causes of neck pain: hours at the computer, the head bent over a phone, an unsuitable pillow, effort made without preparation, such as suddenly lifting shopping bags (ISSalute, Dolore al collo, in Italian). In autumn the cold adds to a neck that is often already tired.

What to do

What can help a stiff neck?

For a stiff neck of muscular origin there are a few simple things to do straight away:

Massage can also help: according to the ISS, massaging the tender points of the neck can ease muscle spasms. In the neck massage at Crigan Massaggi, Mihail Crigan works on the neck and shoulders with finger pressure and stretches of the muscle fascia, using 100% pure, organic oils. If the neck locked up recently and is very sore, the pressure stays light and movements are not forced. At the end of the session you receive exercises to repeat at home or in the office. If the tension runs down the back, read the guide to massage for back pain.

Top-down view of a hot water bottle, sage green towel and massage oil on a lavender backdrop with lavender sprigs
Heat and breaks: small steps that help a stiff neck of muscular origin.Illustrative image generated with AI

Safety

When should you see a doctor?

The massage at Crigan Massaggi is a wellness treatment (Italian Law 4/2013), not a cure. The ISS advises seeing your GP if:

A stiff neck together with fever and a severe headache is different: the ISS notes that these are typical signs of meningitis, and in that case you call a doctor or 112 straight away.

Before the session, tell Mihail about any conditions, ongoing treatments or a pregnancy. For a more accurate assessment, Crigan Massaggi works with a physiotherapist and a physiatrist, Dr Oriano Casamenti of STUDIO RONEFOR.

The studio

Neck massage in west Turin: where to find the studio

The Crigan Massaggi studio is at Via Monginevro 76/F, in the Borgo San Paolo district. From Cenisia, Pozzo Strada or Santa Rita you follow Via Monginevro or the nearby side streets; around the studio parking is free, with no paid parking zone (zona blu). Appointments only; full directions are on the how to get here page.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about a stiff neck from the cold

For a neck locked by the cold, is heat or cold better?

If there has been no injury, heat is usually used, for example a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth, without going above 45 degrees Celsius. Ice is used in the first 48 hours after a blow or an injury, and in that case it is wise to ask a doctor first.

Can I have a massage if my neck locked up yesterday?

Yes, if there has been no injury and you have no fever, tingling or loss of strength. With a neck that locked up recently Mihail Crigan uses light pressure and does not force movements; if the pain is very strong, see a doctor first.

Can a stiff neck cause a headache?

Yes, sometimes the headache comes from tension in the muscles of the nape. If it is severe, different from usual or comes with fever, it should be assessed by a doctor straight away.

How much does a neck massage at Crigan Massaggi cost?

A session lasts about 60 minutes and costs {{60 €}}, like every treatment at the Crigan Massaggi studio at Via Monginevro 76/F, Turin. With the 10-massage package each session costs 50 €.

Has your neck been pulling for a few days? Message Mihail Crigan on WhatsApp at +39 334 858 8535: tell him when the discomfort started and in which movements you feel it most, and together you can see whether a massage can help.

Google reviews

4,9 / 5

average of 228 reviews

What do Crigan Massaggi's clients say?

On Google, Crigan Massaggi in Turin has an average of 4,9 out of 5 from 228 reviews. They are public and can be read on the studio listing before you book.

Read reviews on Google

By appointment

Stiff neck? Book a massage in Turin

At the Crigan Massaggi studio on Via Monginevro 76/F a 60-minute session costs 60 €. Appointments only, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00.

Call +39 334 858 8535WhatsAppContact form
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