By EKalman September 28, 2023 - 12:26am

A stiff neck is always unexpected and inconvenient. Despite the fact that a stiff neck can cause significant, sharp discomfort and a decreased range of motion, some people may feel pressure to continue with their daily activities, such as going to work or class.

If the condition is so bad that it brings you significant discomfort or severe pain, google “neck specialist near me”. But first, you can try to help yourself at home. If home remedies won’t help and the pain doesn’t go away, you should see a doctor. Below is a description of how a stiff neck might develop while sleeping, as well as suggestions for obtaining immediate relief before deciding what can actually be performed during the day.

Some of the causes of a stiff neck during sleeping include:
- Uncomfortable angle. While sleeping, the head or neck may settle at an uncomfortable angle for an extended period of time, stretching and stressing muscles, ligaments, and joints beyond their typical limitations;
- Unexpected movement. Sudden neck movements while sleeping, whether by rolling over or reacting to a dream, can strain or sprain the neck;
- Injury that existed previously. Some injuries that occur while awake, such as whiplash, may take many hours before pain and stiffness manifest themselves while sleeping.

The most common reason for a stiff neck is a neck strain, which can be caused by a muscle strain or a ligament sprain. Other possible reasons include facet joint osteoarthritis and cervical degenerative disc disease.

How to Treat a Stiff Neck After Waking Up
The following are some solutions for a stiff neck in the morning:

- Heat or ice therapy
Neck stiffness may be relieved with ice and heat therapy. Applying ice immediately after a neck strain may help reduce swelling. Ice applications are most effective for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Heat treatment, such as having a warm shower or using a heating pad, aids in the loosening and relaxing of muscles, which may alleviate discomfort and enhance range of motion.

- Over-the-counter analgesics
By relieving inflammation, over-the-counter medications may provide brief relief from neck pain.

If the pain and stiffness are severe enough to limit mobility in one or more directions, an over-the-counter medicine may be recommended. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are among examples.

- Stretching or self-massage should be done gently.
You can do it with the help of a specialist or even alone at home. Stretching relieves discomfort by relaxing stiff muscles and ligaments in the neck.

Following some immediate pain alleviation, stretching and/or massage may be used to further release the muscles and ligaments. Some stretches cannot be performed completely because of the general neck pain and stiffness, which is fine. The idea is to progressively develop flexibility while minimizing pain. Similarly, as long as it does not exacerbate pain, the hand and fingers can be used to massage the aching area of the neck.

Pain Evaluation and Lifestyle Adjustments
After a while of being awake and performing these stiff neck cures, it is possible to determine whether the pain and stiffness are improving. If neck stiffness still prevents significant movement in one or more directions, or if severe or searing pain persists, it is best to avoid intense activity for the day and limit movements that aggravate pain. Walking and moderate physical activity are still suggested, because complete bed rest may prolong the stiff neck and pain.

A stiff neck may improve immediately after applying treatments, but it may take a day or two before considerable pain relief is reached. A stiff neck usually goes away within a week.