a crick in (one's) neck
A sudden pain or stiffness in one's neck, as from a cramp or spasm. I got a crick in my neck when I whipped my head around to see what was running through our yard.
crick in one's neck
Fig. a twisted place or a cramp in the neck that causes pain. I got a crick in my neck from sleeping in a draft. When I read on the plane, I get a crick in my neck.