The movement of a body part in the posterior direction, i.e. backwards. (Also movement of a protracted body part back to the anatomical position.) Uncrossing arms and allowing them to rest at either side of the body; retraction of clavicles.
However, stiff neck is also a symptom of meningitis (along with headache and fever). Neck stiffness may also develop as a reaction and result of muscle spasm in various conditions that cause neck pain, including traumatic injuries. Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 3/30/2015.
While the pain could arise from neck muscles, bones and ligaments, a stiff neck is usually a sign of overuse or straining in the neck muscles. Neck pains often stem from the spinal cord and are caused by certain (usually temporary) changes in nerve signals.