Sleeping in the right position is the most important aspect of our life. If the sleeping position is not appropriate, then it may make you feel uncomfortable and tired throughout the day. Many people complain of neck pain or stiff neck after waking up. It is caused by sleeping on the stomach at night or hard or too high pillow.
Neck pain is a common entity in humans. It affects any person at any age. Almost every person has experienced neck pain once in their life. It is the most common cause is the wrong sleeping position. Sleep determines your health status and energy level in the entire day. If sleep is not complete or sleeping is done in the wrong position, then you may feel tired and uncomfortable throughout the day. The neck becomes stiff and painful while moving that may affect your daily routine.(1)
How Long Does Neck Pain From Sleeping Wrong Last? Neck pain from sleeping in the wrong way settles on its own if other health ailments like arthritis, torticollis, etc. are not associated with it. Switching to the right pillow, warm bath, exercises, correct sleeping position (on the back or sidewise), etc. can prevent neck pain.
Odd Sleeping Position- sleeping on the stomach is the wrong position that triggers neck pain. It elevates the head and neck. It leads them to an uncomfortable and unnatural position during sleep. If a body pillow is kept near the stomach, then it may prevent you to turn onto the stomach during sleep.(2)
Keeping A Hand On The Forehead During Sleep- according to research published in the Journal of physical therapy, pain in the neck muscles is triggered on the right side when a dominant hand is kept on the forehead throughout the night. It is advised to keep the hands sidewise to avoid neck pain.(2)
Wrong Pillow Choice- if the wrong pillow is kept for support at night, it may induce neck pain. A stiff or thick pillow or using two or more pillows cause neck pain. It leads to the flexion of the neck overnight. It results in stiffness and pain in the neck. It can also induce bending of the spine that will increase pain in the back. If the use of the wrong pillow is continued for a long time, it may result in chronic pain in the back and neck.(2)
Neck pain represents uncomfortable and sometimes terrible pain in the neck with stiffness. The stiff neck does not allow easy movement of the neck. These symptoms are felt after waking up in the morning. Minor pain is also felt in other areas of the neck that may involve muscles, ligaments or tendons.(1)
Neck pain is self-limiting in nature. It goes on its own. It usually lasts in one to three days.(1) Neck pain can be managed merely by changing the sleeping position. Sleeping on the sides or back can remarkably reduce stress on the neck and decrease neck pain. The change of pillows, change of sleeping position, ice or warm application, warm bath, and regular exercises can help in early relief of the neck pain.(1)
In some cases, pain persists too long that significantly affects your daily routine. It becomes worse with time. Its causes may involve osteoarthritis, worse injuries to the neck like whiplash, etc. in severe cases, it may be caused by acute torticollis. All these conditions require medical attention to get cured completely.
Conclusion
Neck pain is experienced commonly in our daily life. It is usually caused by the wrong sleeping position and a stiff pillow. It usually does not require medicines. It resolves on its own. It ends in one to three days. But in severe cases, pain can be reduced by medical intervention only.
Also Read:
- What Are The Lifestyle Changes For Neck Pain?
- What Are The Ways To Prevent Neck Pain & Does It Reoccur?
- What Helps Neck Pain From Stress & How Should I Sleep With Neck Pain?
- Why Does My Neck Hurt After Waking Up & Does Amitriptyline Help With Neck Pain?
- Are Chiropractic Neck Pain Adjustments Safe & When Should I Go To A Chiropractor For Neck Pain?
- Coping Methods For Neck Pain
- What Is The Best Pillow For Neck Pain?
