Neck pain is the leading cause of disability on a global scale. Whether due to overuse injuries at work or poor posture, it can be frustrating to manage. This is especially true if you often start your day off with neck pain. If your neck hurts as soon as you wake up in the morning, it can be a sign of inflammation and even damage. Treatments like physical therapy can help stop your neck from hurting when you wake up.

3 reasons why your neck hurts when you wake up 

The type of pillow you use and your sleeping position can determine whether your neck hurts when you wake up in the morning. Beyond those factors, your neck can hurt due to the following reasons: 

• You slept in one place for a long period of time.

  Remaining immobile for a long period of time can restrict blood flow to the neck muscles and increase muscular tension. The neck can tighten, and you can wake up feeling sore as a result. Built-up muscular tension can be released by slowly pivoting the head from one shoulder to the other. You can also hang your head in front of you, with your chin close to your chest.

• You strained your neck while sleeping.

  In addition to neck tightness, neck muscles can also become inflamed when they are overused. Often, while sleeping, you may not realize that you are placing your neck in awkward angles for long periods of time. These positions can pull at your muscles and cause you to wake up with pain.

• You pinched a nerve while moving in your sleep.

  Awkward sleeping positions and sudden movements can irritate and compress nerves in the neck. A pinched nerve can be very painful, leading to tingling and muscle weakness. Soft tissue mobilization techniques can help relieve pressure on the nerve and restore mobility over time.

Franklin Rehab can help you wake up without your neck hurting

It can be frustrating to begin your day with neck pain. Thankfully, physical therapy techniques can target inflamed muscles and help them regain mobility, and our team of experts at Franklin Rehabilitation can help you wake up refreshed again. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.