Starting your day with a throbbing pain in your neck is far from the ideal way to welcome the morning. A stiff neck has the odd capacity to overthrow your otherwise hopeful and sunny day, turning even the most optimistic disposition into a sea of discomfort.
Rotating your head is no longer the smooth, pain-free motion it once was; instead, it is a painstaking process that causes stiffness and soreness.
There are various causes and treatments for stiff neck waking up. Knowing these things is vital to stop waking up with a stiff neck.
Why You Wake Up With a Stiff Neck
You may not pay close attention to your bedtime posture and pillow choice, yet they substantially impact your sleep experience. These seemingly irrelevant details might trigger that unwelcome visitor: a stiff, painful neck.
They can even combine to cause back pain and other physiological suffering. Here’s why you wake up with a stiff neck:
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position is one of the major causes of a stiff neck. Sleeping with your neck bent uncomfortably or on a pillow without support may strain and stiffen neck muscles.
Sleeping on your stomach might lead to back pain, particularly if your mattress offers little support. Your tummy might sink into the bed, putting stress and pressure on your spine and back muscles.
Pillow Choice
Choosing the right pillow when sleeping makes a huge difference, as your neck and head spend several hours on it every night. A stiff neck can result from too high or flat pillows, which do not properly support the neck and head.
Muscle Tension
You may unknowingly tighten your neck muscles while sleeping due to stress and anxiety, leading to a painful, stiff neck.
This persistent muscle tension can have a domino effect throughout the night. When your neck muscles cannot relax and renew fully, they can become weary and prone to forming knots or trigger points.
Your neck may feel tight and uncomfortable, with a restricted range of motion once you awaken because of the stress holding you back all night.
Underlying Health Conditions
Herniated discs, cervical spondylosis and arthritis are a few conditions that can lead to chronic neck discomfort. These issues highlight the intricate relationships between the neck’s structures and how ageing, injury or inflammation can harm their normal function.
Chronic neck stiffness frequently indicates an underlying condition that requires neck treatment and therapy to improve comfort and mobility.
Quick Remedies for Stiff Necks
Treating the underlying causes of your stiff neck is essential. Try these short fixes, which offer comfort and keep your neck muscles flexible and strong, lowering your chances of waking up with a stiff neck.
Stretching
Stretching and/or massage might further help loosen the muscles and ligaments. You can gently stretch your neck to relieve stiffness.
Tilt your head from side to side until you feel a slight stretch, then gently roll your neck in a circular motion. Repeat the routine a few times to improve mobility. You can do this stretching every day.
Here are some other stretching routines you can try to ease your stiff neck:
- Place two fingers on your chin for optimal head and neck alignment, and gently press back.
- Using a small bolster or rolled-up blanket under your neck, lie down, your knees bent, feet flat, and shoulders relaxed.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Relax your arms, bend at the waist, and sway your head from side to side.
Heat and Ice
A heating pad or an ice pack applied to your neck might help reduce stiffness and relieve tense muscles. Ice reduces inflammation, while heat stimulates blood flow. For optimal outcomes, switch between heat and ice.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
You can take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to temporarily relieve neck discomfort and inflammation.
Stiff Neck Prevention Tips from Experienced Chiropractors
Chiropractic experts have a plethora of expertise in preventing recurring tight necks. Their knowledge extends beyond spinal adjustments to holistic treatments that considerably improve your neck health. Here is a closer look at their suggestions:
- Choose a supportive pillow to keep your neck in a neutral position when sleeping.
- Sleep on your back or side rather than your stomach to relieve neck pain.
- Make a peaceful nighttime routine to reduce stress and increase sleep quality.
- Regular neck and upper body workouts to help strengthen muscles and increase flexibility.
Summary
Waking up with a stiff neck can be a real pain – but it’s not something you have to put up with for long. Understanding the common causes, quick remedies, and prevention tips from expert chiropractors can offer the relief you need.
Professional chiropractic care plays a vital role in improving your health and well-being. Don’t let neck pain hold you back from living your best life.
At MVMT Sports Chiro, we take proactive steps to address and prevent the root causes of neck stiffness. Our expert team will assess your condition and create a personalised treatment plan to help you feel better quickly.
Book an appointment with us at a time that works for you. We’re ready to help you move freely and comfortably again!
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