Neck pain and stiffness after a night of sleep is a common issue, and there are a number of causes and contributors. Probably the most well known is simply sleeping in a funny position. If you keep your neck in an awkward position for too long, it can cause problems with muscle contraction, blood flow and nerve functioning. When you wake up in the morning, your neck will be stiff, sore and tingly. 

By practicing good posture while sleeping, combined with a properly supportive pillow and mattress, many people with neck problems in the morning can find relief. If despite taking appropriate steps, your neck still hurts when you wake up, it could be a sign of a more serious concern.

What to do about more serious neck pain in the morning

Extended periods of sleep can also exacerbate neck pain related to injuries such as muscle strains and conditions such as neck arthritis. If you are dealing with one of these issues, a physical therapist can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the morning and throughout the day. 

After a thorough evaluation and discussion of your specific symptoms, your therapist can identify postural, mechanical and structural contributors to your neck pain. To help you wake up with less pain, your therapist can develop a treatment plan that includes: 

• Therapeutic exercise to strengthen neck muscles
• Active and passive stretches to improve flexibility
• Posture training to help you increase awareness of neck position, including when you go to bed
• Manual therapies to release muscles and mobilize soft tissue

Communication is key to successful physical therapy treatment. If you’re looking to wake up with less pain, keeping a journal of pain levels and the activities that seem to affect them can be a great way to work more closely with your therapist. 

Stop waking up with neck pain

If you’re ready to take charge of your neck pain and wake up feeling ready to take on the day, the Rehab Access team can help. We’ll work closely with you to understand what’s going on with your neck and recommend the most effective treatments to address them. 

Start your journey to relief today. Contact our team and schedule your initial appointment.