Why does my neck hurt when I wake up. What causes morning neck pain. How can I prevent waking up with a sore neck. What are the best treatments for neck pain in the morning. Is sleeping position related to neck pain. How does pillow choice affect neck discomfort.

Common Causes of Morning Neck Pain

Waking up with a sore neck can be a frustrating way to start your day. This discomfort often stems from factors related to your sleep habits and environment. Understanding these causes is the first step toward finding relief and preventing future occurrences.

Sleep Position and Neck Pain

Your sleeping position plays a crucial role in neck health. Sleeping on your stomach, for instance, can force your neck into an unnatural twist for hours, leading to muscle strain and stiffness. Side and back sleeping are generally considered better options for maintaining proper neck alignment.

The Impact of Pillow Choice

The pillow you use can significantly influence neck comfort. A pillow that doesn’t provide adequate support for your head and neck can create tension in the muscles, resulting in morning pain. Feather and memory foam pillows are often recommended as they conform to the shape of your head and neck, promoting a neutral spine position.

Sudden Movements During Sleep

Abrupt movements while sleeping, such as quickly sitting up or tossing and turning, can strain neck muscles. These unexpected motions can cause tension that manifests as pain upon waking.

Previous Injuries and Neck Pain

Sometimes, neck pain in the morning can be traced back to a previous injury. Conditions like whiplash or sports-related injuries may not cause immediate pain but can develop into discomfort over time, often noticeable upon waking.

Other Factors Contributing to Morning Neck Pain

While sleep-related issues are common culprits, several other factors can contribute to waking up with neck pain:

• Poor daytime posture, especially during prolonged periods of sitting
• Extended time spent looking at screens without breaks
• Osteoarthritis in the upper spinal joints
• Nerve compression from herniated discs or bone spurs

Is daytime behavior linked to morning neck pain? Indeed, how you carry yourself throughout the day can impact how you feel when you wake up. Maintaining good posture and taking regular breaks from sedentary activities can help prevent neck strain that persists into the morning.

Effective Treatments for Morning Neck Pain

If you find yourself waking up with a sore neck, several remedies can provide relief:

1. Apply ice or a cold pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation
2. Use heat therapy after the first day of pain to soothe and relax muscles
3. Try over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
4. Engage in gentle exercises such as walking or yoga to promote blood flow

How long should you apply ice or heat to a sore neck? Generally, 20-minute sessions are recommended. For acute pain, start with ice to reduce inflammation. After 24-48 hours, switch to heat to relax muscles and improve circulation.

Preventive Measures for Neck Pain

Taking proactive steps can help prevent morning neck pain:

• Adjust your sleeping position, favoring side or back sleeping over stomach sleeping
• Use a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck
• Ensure your mattress provides adequate support for your entire body
• Practice good posture throughout the day
• Take regular breaks from prolonged screen time

Can changing your pillow really make a difference in neck pain? Absolutely. A pillow that properly supports your head and neck can significantly reduce the risk of waking up with neck discomfort. Consider pillows designed specifically for neck support or those that conform to your individual shape.

The Role of Sleep Quality in Neck Health

Sleep quality plays a vital role in overall neck health. Poor sleep can contribute to muscle tension and pain, creating a cycle of discomfort. Improving sleep hygiene can have a positive impact on neck pain:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature
• Limit screen time before bed to reduce neck strain and improve sleep quality

Does the amount of sleep affect neck pain? While individual needs vary, consistently getting enough quality sleep can help reduce the likelihood of waking up with neck pain. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to give your body ample time to rest and recover.

When to Seek Professional Help for Neck Pain

While occasional morning neck pain is often manageable with home remedies, persistent or severe pain may require professional attention. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Pain persists for more than a week despite home treatments
• Pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms
• You experience severe headaches along with neck pain
• Pain is the result of an injury or accident

Should you see a doctor for chronic neck pain? If neck pain is a recurring issue that significantly impacts your daily life, it’s advisable to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, further diagnostic tests.

Ergonomic Considerations for Neck Health

Ergonomics play a crucial role in preventing neck pain, both during sleep and waking hours. Implementing ergonomic principles can help maintain proper neck alignment and reduce strain:

Workplace Ergonomics

• Position your computer monitor at eye level to avoid neck strain
• Use a chair that supports your lower back and allows your feet to rest flat on the floor
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move around

Sleep Environment Ergonomics

• Choose a mattress that provides adequate support for your body type and sleeping position
• Use a pillow that maintains the natural curve of your neck
• Consider using a small rolled towel or cervical pillow for additional neck support

How can you determine if your workspace is ergonomically friendly? Conduct a self-assessment or consult with an ergonomics specialist. Pay attention to any discomfort or strain you feel during or after work and make adjustments accordingly. Small changes in your setup can lead to significant improvements in neck comfort.

The Connection Between Stress and Neck Pain

Stress can have a profound impact on physical well-being, including neck health. When stressed, people often unknowingly tense their muscles, particularly in the neck and shoulders. This tension can lead to pain and discomfort, especially noticeable upon waking. Managing stress through various techniques can help alleviate neck pain:

• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Engage in regular physical activity to reduce overall stress levels
• Consider stress-reduction therapies like massage or acupuncture
• Ensure adequate work-life balance to minimize chronic stress

Can stress reduction techniques directly impact neck pain? Yes, implementing stress management strategies can lead to reduced muscle tension and, consequently, less neck pain. By addressing the underlying stress, you may find significant relief from chronic neck discomfort.

Neck Exercises and Stretches for Pain Relief

Incorporating specific exercises and stretches into your daily routine can help alleviate neck pain and improve overall neck health. These activities can increase flexibility, strengthen neck muscles, and promote better posture:

Gentle Neck Stretches

1. Neck rolls: Slowly roll your head in a circular motion, first clockwise, then counterclockwise
2. Side-to-side tilt: Gently tilt your head towards each shoulder, holding for 10-15 seconds on each side
3. Chin tucks: Tuck your chin down towards your chest, hold for 5 seconds, then release

Strengthening Exercises

1. Isometric resistance: Place your hand on your forehead and push your head against it without allowing movement
2. Shoulder blade squeezes: Pull your shoulder blades together, hold for 5 seconds, then release
3. Wall angels: Stand with your back against a wall and perform a sliding up-and-down motion with your arms

How often should neck exercises be performed for maximum benefit? Aim to do these exercises and stretches 2-3 times daily, especially if you experience frequent neck pain. However, always start gently and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort. It’s advisable to consult with a physical therapist or healthcare provider for personalized exercise recommendations.

The Impact of Diet and Hydration on Neck Health

While often overlooked, diet and hydration play significant roles in overall musculoskeletal health, including that of the neck. Proper nutrition and hydration can help reduce inflammation, promote muscle health, and support the body’s natural healing processes:

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet may help reduce neck pain and stiffness:

• Fatty fish rich in omega-3s (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Colorful fruits and vegetables (berries, leafy greens, bell peppers)
• Nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
• Turmeric and ginger

Hydration for Muscle Health

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy muscles and joints:

• Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day
• Increase water intake during physical activity or in hot weather
• Consider hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and zucchini

Can dietary changes really impact neck pain? While not a cure-all, a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and proper hydration can support overall musculoskeletal health. This, in turn, may help reduce the frequency and severity of neck pain episodes.

Alternative Therapies for Neck Pain Relief

In addition to conventional treatments, various alternative therapies have shown promise in managing neck pain. These approaches can complement traditional methods and may provide relief for some individuals:

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies suggest acupuncture may help alleviate chronic neck pain.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve spinal alignment and may provide relief from neck pain and stiffness.

Massage Therapy

Professional massage can help relax tense neck muscles and improve circulation, potentially reducing pain and improving mobility.

Yoga and Tai Chi

These mind-body practices combine gentle movements with breath control and meditation, which may help improve neck flexibility and reduce tension.

Are alternative therapies effective for all types of neck pain? The effectiveness of alternative therapies can vary depending on the individual and the specific cause of neck pain. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen, especially for chronic or severe neck pain.

The Role of Technology in Neck Pain

In today’s digital age, technology use has become a significant factor in neck health. Prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, and computers can lead to a condition often referred to as “tech neck” or “text neck.” This occurs when the head is tilted forward for extended periods, placing extra stress on the neck muscles and spine.

Preventing Tech-Related Neck Pain

• Hold devices at eye level to maintain a neutral neck position
• Use stands or holders for tablets and smartphones to reduce neck strain
• Take regular breaks from screen time (follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Practice proper posture when using computers or mobile devices

Ergonomic Tech Accessories

Consider using ergonomic accessories designed to promote better posture and reduce neck strain:

• Adjustable standing desks
• Ergonomic chairs with proper neck support
• Monitor stands to position screens at eye level
• Ergonomic keyboards and mice to reduce overall strain

Can small changes in technology use significantly impact neck health? Absolutely. Making mindful adjustments to how you interact with technology can lead to substantial improvements in neck comfort and overall posture. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of technology while minimizing its potential negative impacts on your neck health.

Waking Up with Neck Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

In most cases, a sore neck in the morning results from your sleeping position, the type of pillow you use, or other sleep issues. It could also be related to an underlying condition like an injury or osteoarthritis.

Waking up with a sore neck is not how you want to start your day. It can quickly bring on a bad mood and make simple movements, like turning your head, painful.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of morning neck pain and what you can do to feel better.

You may not give much thought to your body position while you sleep or the kind of pillow you use. But both your sleeping position and pillow can trigger a stiff, sore neck, and also lead to back pain and other types of pain.

Research shows that sleeping problems may be at the root of up to 5 percent of new cases of chronic pain. Many of these factors are controllable, which means that by making some changes you may be able to alleviate your neck pain, and other types of pain, too.

Your sleeping position

Everyone has their preferred sleeping position. But if yours is on your stomach, you’re not doing your neck any favors. When you sleep on your stomach, your neck may be twisted to one side for hours at a time. This can strain your neck muscles, and make them feel sore and stiff in the morning.

Tummy sleeping can also put a strain on your back, especially if you sleep on a mattress without a lot of support. This can cause your belly to sink into the bed, which can put stress and pressure on your spine and the muscles in your back.

Your pillow

Your head and neck spend many hours every night on your pillow, which is why choosing the right one is key to a healthy, pain-free neck. A pillow that doesn’t support your head and neck properly can create tension in your neck muscles, and cause neck pain.

Feather or memory-foam pillows may allow your head to be “cradled” at night, allowing for a neutral spine and neck.

Sudden movement

Sudden movements, like sitting up quickly or flinging your limbs around in a dream, can strain your neck muscles. Tossing and turning while you’re sleeping, or trying to sleep, can also create tension and stress in your neck.

Previous injury

Some kinds of injuries, like whiplash or sports injuries, may not always hurt at first. The full physical effects may only be felt days later. If you were injured in a way that might have hurt your neck, you may go to bed feeling okay, but wake up the next morning with a very sore, stiff neck.

Other causes of neck pain when you wake up

There are certainly other causes that can also contribute to you waking up with neck pain. In some cases, you may develop a sore neck during the day, too. Some common causes of neck pain include:

• poor posture during the day
• working too long at a computer, or watching television for too long without changing positions
• osteoarthritis in one of the upper spinal joints
• nerve compression caused by a herniated disk or bone spur in your neck

If you wake up with a sore neck, there are several remedies you can try to help ease the pain. You likely don’t need to see a doctor, especially if you don’t have any other symptoms, and you haven’t had a sore neck for long. Here are some self-care options you can try:

• Apply ice or a cold pack to the sore part of your neck for 20 minutes at a time. This can help reduce inflammation in your neck muscles.
• If you’ve had pain for a day or more, apply a heat pack to the sore area for 20 minutes at a time. This can help to soothe and relax the muscles.
• Try over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Do some gentle exercises, like walking or yoga. This can help keep the blood flowing to your neck. Don’t stop moving altogether. Not moving can cause your muscles to tighten up.

To help prevent neck pain when you wake up, there are steps you can take to support your neck and reduce the strain on your neck muscles.

• If you usually sleep on your stomach, try sleeping on your side or back instead.
• If you sleep on your side, try putting a pillow between your legs. This can help keep your neck aligned with your spine.
• When sleeping on your side, make sure the pillow isn’t higher under your head than it is under your neck. Straining your muscles even a little during the night can cause soreness by morning.
• Try using a feather pillow, which can conform easily to the shape of your neck and head. Feather pillows tend to lose their shape over time, so it’s best to replace them every year or two.
• Pillows made with “memory foam” can also conform to the contours of your head and neck, and can help keep your neck supported.
• Avoid using a pillow that is too stiff or too deep. This can cause your neck muscles to be flexed overnight.
• If your mattress is sagging in the middle, consider replacing it with a medium-firm mattress that can support your back and neck.
• During the day, try to maintain proper posture when standing, walking, and sitting, particularly when at a desk or using a computer. Avoid hunching your shoulders and bending your neck too far forward.
• Try to hold your phone at eye level instead of bending your neck forward to look at it.
• Avoid tucking your phone between your ear and your shoulder.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help strengthen your muscles, including those in your neck. It can also help improve your posture and relieve stress that may be causing stiff muscles.

A couple of simple exercises can help keep your neck muscles strong and limber, which may reduce the risk of waking up with pain in your neck.

Neck stretch

1. Stand up straight with your hands at your sides.
2. With your neck and back straight, slowly turn your head to the left until you feel a slight stretch.
3. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and then slowly turn your head to the right and do the same thing.
4. Repeat 3 or 4 times on each side. You can do this exercise every day.

Dumbbell shrug

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Keep your chin up and your neck straight.
3. With a dumbbell in each hand (or a full milk jug or similar object), slowly move your shoulders up towards your ears. Do the movement slowly so that you feel the muscles contract in your upper back and neck.
4. Hold for a second and then lower your shoulders back down as you exhale.
5. Repeat 8 to 10 times. Try this exercise 3 times a week.

Neck pain can often heal on its own. If your sore neck doesn’t get better after a few days of self-care, or if the pain gets worse, consider seeing your doctor to find out what’s causing your pain.

It’s important to call your doctor immediately if you have neck pain and any of these symptoms:

• fever
• headache
• chest pain and shortness of breath
• a lump in your neck
• swollen glands
• difficulty swallowing
• numbness or tingling in your limbs
• pain that spreads down your arms or legs
• bladder or bowel problems

Waking up with a sore neck is a common problem. But there are ways to help resolve this issue.

Consider making changes to your pillow, mattress, and sleeping position, and make sure your sleeping environment is as comfortable as possible.

During the day, pay attention to your posture and try to shift your position often so your muscles stay relaxed and limber. Regular exercise can also help keep your neck muscles healthy and strong.

Why Does My Neck Hurt When I Wake Up & How to Fix it?

07 Jun Why Does My Neck Hurt When I Wake Up? How To Fix Neck Pain From Sleeping

Posted at 05:09h
in Illinois Pain Institute, Neck Pain
by Mack Mazeski

“After sleeping I was awoken by a terrible neck pain. I tried to remember how I fell asleep and what woke me up, but I couldn’t. I tried to remember what happened before sleeping, but I couldn’t.”

We’ve all been through something like this. In fact, as many as 2/3rds of the population has dealt with neck pain at some point in their lives. But what can be done about it?

Fixing neck pain after sleeping is a topic where there are many different suggestions and answers. So, what is the best way to fix neck pain after sleeping?  To deal with this issue, it is recommended to learn what caused it in the first place.

Why Is Your Neck Sore After Waking Up?

There could be many reasons why your neck hurts after sleeping.

However, if you have no history of neck or back injury, and you haven’t done any strenuous activity, the most likely culprit is that you slept in a position that caused your neck muscles to tighten and cause pain.

What To Do When You Sleep On Your Neck Wrong

• Use a heat pack or hot water bottle to relieve pain. While this won’t fix the issue, this should help reduce some of the pain.
• Take a Tylenol or Advil to relieve neck pain after sleeping.

How To Get Rid Of Neck Pain From Sleeping

If you constantly wake up with a sore neck, you might have to change some things about the way you sleep.

Sleep On Your Back Or Side

Stomach sleeping can cause neck problems because your head is turned to the side in order to stay breathing. It can also cause excess pressure on the lungs. Switching to back or side sleeping can help reduce stress on your neck muscles and potentially make it easier for you to wake up without pain.

Switch Your Pillow

While many pillow companies will promise that their pillow is the best one, the reality is that all necks and spines are different and will need different levels of spinal support. Ideally, if you’re dealing with neck pain after sleeping, you want to choose a firm pillow that is not too large. This will keep the neck aligned and your head at the same level as the rest of your body.

You will also want to choose a pillow that suits your preferred sleeping position. Side sleepers should use a larger pillow.

Yoga & Stretching

One of the best ways to relieve muscle pain is to take up yoga stretching or some other stretching practice. Flexibility exercises can help make your neck muscles stronger and more mobile, allowing for less neck muscle pain.

To learn more about yoga: What Are The Best Yoga Poses For Relieving Pain?

However, if you have been dealing with neck pain for some time, it might be a sign of a bigger problem. You may want to contact a neck pain specialist in that case.

Neck Pain Relief in Chicago

Illinois Pain & Spine Institute is your trusted source for neck pain relief in Chicago. We serve Chicagoland and surrounding areas. Take our pain quiz to get started!

causes of pain and what to do about it

Pain syndrome is evidence that pathological processes occur in the tissues. The same applies to the neck – if the neck hurts on the left side, then you are injured or there is some kind of disease. Only a qualified neurologist will be able to determine the nature of pain in the neck on the left, causes, treatment, who, after examination and questioning, will direct you to the necessary diagnostic procedures for an accurate diagnosis.

Pathogenesis of pain in the neck on the left side

Pain can be due to many reasons. A symptom often indicates the presence of a pathology and its progression or exacerbation. As a rule, pain in the neck on the left appears due to:

How often a person will experience neck pain depends on age and the specifics of lifestyle and work. If you have a sedentary job, don’t like walking, and don’t exercise even minimally, you’re more likely to experience discomfort in your neck.

Types of neck pain

To identify the causes of pain in the neck on the left and prescribe treatment, you need to pay attention to the nature of the pain, the frequency of their manifestation, as well as the conditions under which the pain intensifies. All this will help to more accurately determine the cause and go through exactly those diagnostic measures that are needed in your case to confirm the disease.

Pain in front left

In this case, problems may be associated with inflammation of the pharynx, tonsils, vocal cords, which leads to pain in the left side of the neck in front. If the process is two-sided, the same sensations will appear on the other side. In this situation, the person has accompanying inflammation symptoms – sore throat, cough, fever, etc.

If there is pain in the left neck, the cause may lie in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The nature of the pain is cutting, shooting, aching, but in any case, such a symptom will provide constant discomfort. The same sensations are provoked by a hernia in the cervical region. Often the problem lies in spinal stenosis, which leads to narrowing of the spinal canal. Most often, this disease affects the upper spine, can lead to compression of the spinal cord, nerve endings and subsequent dysfunction of the upper limbs, numbness and severe pain.

Left side pain

The neck hurts on the left side for the same reasons as in front and behind. That is, the pain syndrome can develop from hypothermia and muscle strain, as well as due to the development of osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spinal column in the neck. Often a person gets neck injuries in this area, the cause of pain can even be a too sharp turn of the head.

To the left and to the head

In this case, the problem may be the development of osteochondrosis, injury to the structures of the neck, as well as circulatory disorders. If you feel pain that radiates to the back of the head, it is worth measuring your blood pressure, since a frequent cause of pain is an increase in it. With atherosclerosis of the vertebral artery, the symptoms are more or less identical. If the pain in the neck on the left is acute, the cause may lie in the occipital neuralgia. In this case, very strong, even unbearable pains will “rise” from the neck to the head, temples, eyes.

On the left side under the jaw

In this case, the muscles may hurt, but most often the fact is that the tonsils are inflamed, the person develops pharyngitis or laryngitis, and there are also problems with the thyroid gland, the inflammation of which is called thyroiditis.

Causes of neck pain on the left side

It becomes clear that the area near the neck on the left can hurt for many reasons. It is worth learning more about each disease, determining the symptoms, in order to roughly understand what provoked the development of pain and discomfort in the neck.

Osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis manifests itself in that the cartilaginous tissues of the spinal column gradually begin to break down. The intervertebral discs become thinner, the distance between them is reduced, and the nerve roots are infringed. Osteoarthritis also affects the joints of the spinal column.

Neck muscle injury

One of the most common causes of neck pain is damage to muscle tissue. If you have hit or simply overextended your muscles, being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, or have become cold, inflammation can begin, accompanied by pain and sometimes fever.

Disease diagnosis

To understand what to do and how to treat if the neck is very sore on the left, first of all, the doctor needs to understand what caused the pain syndrome. It is not enough to stop the condition by taking painkillers, you need to identify what the pain indicates and eliminate its cause. To determine the exact causes, you may need:

Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor will tell you why the neck hurts at the bottom left and how to deal with this phenomenon in order not only to feel better, but also to eliminate the root cause.

How to treat pain on the left side of the neck

Most often, treatment is needed in the presence of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system in the cervical region. Treatment of pain may include the use of lidocaine and novocaine, injections of which are otherwise called “blockade”. This is necessary when the pain intensifies to unbearable. In other cases, various medications, physiotherapy and medical manipulations are prescribed, which relieve pain and inflammation and are selected individually.

Medicines

Pulling pain in the left neck requires timely treatment, because otherwise the state of health will only worsen. Most likely, in case of pathologies of the structures of the musculoskeletal system, you will be prescribed:

antidepressants, which will reduce anxiety and nervousness, will form a favorable basis for treatment.

Sometimes, when a shooting pain appears on the left side of the neck, it is necessary to use hormonal drugs, as well as warming ointments that are applied to the collar zone.
If you have pain in the neck – do not delay visiting a specialist, make an appointment with a doctor.

You can make an appointment with specialists online , as well as by phone 8 (812) 901-03-03.

Why does my neck hurt? What to do

Neck pain symptoms

Neck pain is often caused by muscle tension. In such cases, the pain may radiate to the shoulders, upper back, and arms.

The neck can hurt due to compression of the nerves of the cervical spine. In this case, the person feels numbness, weakness and tingling in the hands.

Neck pain may be accompanied by muscle tension and spasms, headache.

When turning the head, the person feels a clicking or crackling sensation in the neck, which is caused by the friction of the bones against each other or against the ligaments.

How does neck pain affect us?

Neck pain is very uncomfortable. If a person has a neck pain, it will hurt him, for example, to turn around or pick up a bag of groceries.

Ease the pain

DID YOU KNOW?

If you wake up in the morning with your head tilted to your shoulder and you cannot return it to its normal position, it is probably acute torticollis. It can occur due to injuries to the neck muscles as a result of incorrect body position or lack of support during sleep. This condition usually resolves in 1-2 days, but sometimes recovery takes only a week.*

77% of people have experienced neck pain.**

Get rid of pain

*Neck pain and stiffness: a treatment choice, NHS (Community Health Services in the UK). 2016 [ONLINE] available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/neck-pain/Pages/Introduction.aspx. [checked 04/18/2016].
**Global Pain Index: GSK-supported study, full report, p. 47

Why does neck pain occur?

Neck pain occurs due to various reasons: trauma, osteoarthritis, stress, muscle spasms, poor posture. Neck pain is a fairly common problem, but older people experience it more often than younger people.

Posture

One of the most common causes of neck pain is muscle spasms and strains due to poor posture. They occur if you watch TV or sit at the computer in the wrong position, sleep in an uncomfortable position, or turn or tilt your head too quickly. Spasms of the neck muscles can occur during stress.

Injuries and anatomical features

Neck pain occurs as a result of injuries, for example, if another car crashes into the car from behind during a car accident. Another cause of neck pain is the curvature of the cervical spine. In both cases, you need to see a doctor.

Treatment

For neck pain, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications for internal and external use. If, in addition to neck pain, you feel numbness and weakness in your arms, shooting in your shoulder or forearm, you should consult a doctor.