What is nuchal rigor?

Nuchal rigor refers to a specific type of rigor mortis that affects the neck muscles after death. It is characterized by the stiffening of the neck, which can make it difficult to move the head. This phenomenon typically occurs in the early stages of postmortem changes and can provide insights into the timing of death. In forensic contexts, nuchal rigor can be important for determining the position of the body at the time of death.