Neck.

Neck. See SPINAL COLUMN, THROAT.—Of diseases of the neck, STIFF-NECK is the term commonly applied to a condition of the neck in which lateral movement of the head causes great pain, and which is due to rheumatism of the muscles lying on the side of the neck, especially the sternomastoid. In the great majority of cases only one side of the neck is affected, the head being drawn more or less obliquely towards that side; but occasionally both sides are equally attacked, in which case the head is kept stiffly erect and looking straight forwards. As long as the head is allowed to remain at rest there is merely a feeling of discomfort; but every movement is extremely painful. This affection is usually caused either by exposure of the part affected to a current of cold air, or by wearing wet or damp clothes round the neck (see RHEUMATISM).—Derbyshire Neck is a synonym for Goitre (q.v.).—For Necks in geology, see IGNEOUS ROCKS.