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.
Stiff neck: Neck pain can be caused by and not limited to: incorrect positioning a for prolong period of time, facet arthropathy, muscle strain, bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, stress/tension, herniated disc, meningitis.