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.
A stiff neck isn't usually an indication of a serious medical problem, but it can impede your daily activities and make it hard to get to sleep. The cause of a stiff neck can be attributed to a multitude of issues, including poor posture at work, sleeping wrong, straining through exercise, anxiety, or health issues.