Maybe you slept badly, which caused tension in your neck. This strain can cause mild pain and stiffness in the tendons, muscles, and ligaments of the neck. Healing can take at least three days. Torticollis is not a condition in itself, such as ankylosing spondylitis.
It is rather a symptom that can have several sources. Irritated ligament tissue that connects bones to other bones in the neck is a common culprit, and neck muscle spasms are another. Any of these can be caused by “bad” sleep, especially since the neck muscles will be exhausted from holding the head all day. Neck pain caused by muscle tension or strain usually goes away on its own within a few days and only needs conservative treatment at most.
Neck pain that lasts longer than several weeks will generally continue to respond to exercise, stretching, physical therapy, massage, and watchful waiting, but steroid injections or even surgery are occasionally indicated. A stiff neck usually develops when muscles weaken over time due to poor posture or misuse, says chiropractor Andrew Bang, DC. The key to relieving neck stiffness is proper stretching and manipulation, Dr. Doing slow range-of-motion exercises, up and down, side to side and ear to ear, can help gently stretch your neck muscles.
Certain yoga poses can also help relieve stiffness. Bang says that if your neck bothers you, you should pay attention to your sleeping positions. Sleep alone on your side or on your back, never on your stomach, he says. When driving or using your smartphone, make sure to take frequent breaks and avoid having your neck tilted forward for long periods of time, Dr.
As long as you don't have any of the “red flags” below, you're unlikely to need testing and may not even need to see a doctor. X-rays or scans are not recommended, except in special circumstances, as they do not change treatment options. Below is an explanation of how stiff neck can develop during sleep, as well as strategies to find quick relief before making a decision about what can realistically be achieved during the day. Studies have even shown that a special pillow, known as a denneroll, has been shown to be helpful in restoring normal cervical alignment, while having a strong positive impact on pain and range of motion in the neck.
PRO~PT physical therapists are fully licensed and have helped rehabilitate many patients suffering from neck pain and know exactly what they need. When you first experience neck pain, it can be very painful to move and you will need to rest in a neutral position for a couple of days. If you're wondering how to get rid of neck pain from poor sleep, your physical therapist can help. If you find that neck pain lasts longer than a couple of days, it may be time to see your physical therapist for an evaluation.
Hot water helps loosen and relax neck muscles, which can also reduce pain and improve range of motion. Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach; it can put pressure on nerves that start in the neck and cause more neck pain or radiculopathy (pain that radiates from the spinal cord to the arms or legs). You can treat stiff neck with stretching, over-the-counter pain relievers, and heat or ice, as well as maintaining proper posture while using the computer or phone. By the time you really feel pain, it may be too late for stretching to help you, but keeping your muscles loose and flexible can reduce the risk of future neck ligament sprains, muscle and tendon strains, and stiff neck.
The most encouraging thing is that there are some simple solutions that can prevent you from suffering neck pain from sleeping, and some steps you can take to ease any pain you have. Experts recommend sleeping on your back or on your side (specifically the left side) and using a pillow that properly supports your head and neck. .
