Neck pain is a common ailment for millions of people around the world, and can be caused by everything ranging from injury to illness. For many people, waking up in the morning with a stiff neck due to poor sleeping positions or insufficient mattress quality is all too familiar, and there are few things that will help alleviate this pain other than expensive bedding replacements and anti-inflammatory medications. However, a much more attractive and viable alternative is to seek chiropractic treatment for neck pain after sleeping. At Horst Chiropractic, we can provide a range of treatments to reduce neck pain after sleeping.

Causes of Neck Pain after Sleeping

Neck pain after sleeping often manifests as sharp stabs accompanied by overall stiffness and soreness, often with an inability to turn the head to one side. Sometimes, this can be attributed to overuse of the neck the day before, such as that caused by a new exercise routine. Most often, it is related to the position of the body during sleep. People who sleep on their backs with an appropriate pillow height are the least likely to suffer from neck pain upon awakening, but side-sleepers and stomach-sleepers are those who are most likely to wake up with neck pain.

Whatever the cause, neck pain after sleeping can make it feel as though the neck is locked in place. The key is to find the best way to loosen the neck back up.

The Chiropractic Process

One of the reasons that chiropractors have such great success treating chronic neck pain is that the chiropractic process involves loosening stiff joints through a series of controlled adjustments. Chiropractors combine the adjustment process with physiotherapy – movements or stretches designed to help relax nearby muscles – ensuring a comprehensive treatment for the affected area.

A chiropractor uses his or her hands to perform a series of quick movements that realign vertebrae, in the process relieving any pressure on nerves or muscles that may be contributing to neck pain.

When to See a Chiropractor

It can be tempting to contact a chiropractor immediately upon waking with a stiff or painful neck, but it is often best to wait and see if symptoms subside within a day or two. Along with the pain, a sore neck is also inflamed, and it can be difficult for a chiropractor to perform adjustments until the swelling subsides. However, a chiropractor can perform relieving physical therapies on muscles at this stage if adjustments are not an option.

In the case of tingling or numbness in the arms or extremities or accompanying fever or vomiting, it is best to immediately contact your primary care physician, as these may be signs of an underlying condition.

Unfortunately, severe neck pain can limit functioning in addition to being incredibly uncomfortable, but chiropractic treatment is a popular solution for neck pain after sleeping. Chripractic care and spinal adjustments alleviate pain while addressing underlying problems. Through a series of adjustments and muscle treatment, a chiropractor can relieve pain and ensure the benefits of a better night’s sleep.

For more information, contact Horst Chiropractic today.