Waking up with neck pain can be a disheartening start to the day. While occasional discomfort might be dismissed as sleeping in an odd position, consistent morning neck pain should not be overlooked. Understanding the reasons behind this ailment can pave the way for effective solutions. Here are the top four reasons why you might be experiencing morning neck pain:
1. Poor Sleeping Position:
Stomach Sleeping: Lying on your stomach forces your neck to turn to one side for prolonged periods, causing strain on the cervical spine. This position can lead to muscle stiffness and pain upon waking.
Elevated Shoulders: Sleeping with your shoulders elevated or scrunched up towards your ears can cause tension in the neck muscles.
Overextension: Using a pillow that's too high can cause the neck to remain flexed overnight. Conversely, a too-flat pillow can lead to neck hyperextension.
2. Inadequate Pillow Support:
Old or Lumpy Pillows: Over time, pillows lose their shape and support. Sleeping on an old or lumpy pillow can lead to inadequate support, causing strain to the neck muscles and cervical spine.
Wrong Pillow Type: The best pillow varies from person to person. Side sleepers might need a thicker pillow to keep their neck aligned with the spine, while back sleepers might need a thinner pillow. Ensure you're using the correct type for your sleeping position.
Memory Foam Concerns: While memory foam pillows can provide excellent support, they can also retain heat, potentially causing muscle inflammation if they become too warm.
3. Underlying Medical Conditions:
Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition involves the gradual wear and tear of the cervical discs, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck.
Cervical Osteoarthritis: Also known as neck arthritis, this condition can cause pain and stiffness, particularly after a night's rest.
Cervical Spondylosis: Age-related changes in the bones and discs of the neck can lead to this chronic condition, resulting in morning discomfort.
4. External Factors and Habits:
Stress: Physical manifestations of stress often target the neck and shoulders. Chronic stress can cause muscle tension, leading to stiffness and pain.
Screen Time: Prolonged periods looking down at phones or tablets, or even poor posture while using a computer, can strain the neck.
Physical Activities: Engaging in unfamiliar physical activities or exercising without a proper warm-up can strain the neck muscles, leading to pain the next morning.
Morning neck pain can range from a minor annoyance to a significant hindrance in daily activities. Recognizing its root causes is essential for targeted treatment and prevention. Adjustments in sleeping habits, investing in the right pillow, managing stress, and being mindful of screen time can go a long way in alleviating this discomfort. If the pain persists, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying medical conditions.
How Dr. Gordon Elder Treats Neck Pain
At Blair Chiropractic Clinic, we take a holistic approach to neck pain, focusing on identifying and rectifying its root causes using the cutting-edge Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Dr. Gordon Elder, our Blair chiropractic specialist, utilizes the latest diagnostic tools and works to adjust the mispositioned upper cervical vertebrae, which not only alleviates symptoms but also harnesses the body's natural ability to heal.
Dr. Gordon Elder adopts a systematic two-tiered methodology for neck pain remediation. Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment of your spinal health, spearheaded by Dr. Elder. This initial 25-30 minute session allows him to determine the presence of any misalignments in the upper cervical area and subsequently chalk out a tailored treatment blueprint.
If a misalignment is discerned, Dr. Elder transitions to the diagnostic phase, employing sophisticated 3-D imaging modalities to meticulously analyze the upper cervical region and spot the precise misalignment epicenter. This stage also provides patients an opportunity to understand the findings and address any queries to Dr. Elder.
Dr. Elder administers gentle, targeted adjustments centered on the misalignment. The goal here is twofold: restoring the upper cervical spine's natural equilibrium and igniting the body's intrinsic recuperative processes.
Following the initial adjustment, we advise patients to partake in regular follow-up sessions. These sessions, which wane in frequency over three months, ensure optimal outcomes. Typically, within a span of 3-5 months, a patient undergoes between 10 and 15 consultations with Dr. Elder.
If you are waking up with neck pain and it is getting in the way of your daily life, contact Blair Chiropractic Clinic to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gordon Elder. Located in the heart of Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic also extends its services to denizens of Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and even Hobbs in New Mexico. Don't let neck pain dampen your life; seek the relief you deserve.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.