How to treat stiff neck after waking up?

For mild and moderate cases of torticollis, some simple home care methods such as massage, cold compresses... can help relieve pain quickly.

Dr. Le Anh Khanh, Orthopedic Trauma Center, Tam Anh General Hospital System, said that neck pain when waking up is a common problem, greatly affecting the patient's mobility. This condition can occur due to incorrect sleeping position or using inappropriate pillows and mattresses. However, sometimes this can be a warning sign of serious diseases, including: cervical spondylosis, cervical disc herniation, trauma...

A stiff neck after waking up causes neck pain and stiffness, affecting the patient's daily activities. Photo : Freepik

In cases of mild and moderate pain, patients can improve pain with methods such as.

Neck massage

Massage movements will directly affect the muscles and tissues in the neck area, helping the blood circulation process to take place more smoothly. Thanks to the ability to quickly reduce pain and fatigue, neck massage is often prescribed by doctors to be performed in parallel with a number of other treatment methods. At the same time, patients also need to rest and relax for 1-3 days and completely avoid strenuous work, no exercise such as jogging, hiking, playing tennis...

Do neck stretching exercises

When done correctly, these movements will help gently stretch the muscles, reducing neck tension. Some exercises recommended for people with torticollis are: neck flexion, neck rotation, neck muscle stretching on both sides... Patients should do this 3-5 times/day.

Hot and cold compresses

For neck pain after waking up, patients can reduce inflammation and pain by applying ice packs several times a day, each time for no more than 20 minutes. In addition, alternating hot and cold compresses is also an effective method. Heat helps reduce pain and muscle tension. Similar to cold compresses, patients should only apply hot compresses for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time. In cases where people with torticollis are suffering from diabetes or other circulatory problems, the maximum time for each hot and cold compress is 10 minutes.

Use painkillers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen are often prescribed for neck pain after waking up.

A stiff neck after waking up can be cured if properly cared for at home. However, if this condition shows no signs of improvement after a few days or the pain becomes more severe, the patient should contact a doctor soon. In addition, the patient should also pay attention and go to the hospital if symptoms such as: fever, headache, chest pain and difficulty breathing, a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, numbness or tingling in the limbs, pain that tends to spread down the arms or legs, abnormal bladder or bowel function...

Doctor Anh Khanh checks the patient's condition after surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Anh Khanh added that a stiff neck after waking up is a common condition and can be easily prevented. When sleeping, patients should lie on their back or side, avoiding lying on their stomach. When lying on their side, place a pillow between their legs to keep their neck and spine aligned. Avoid using pillows that are too hard or too soft because they can easily cause the neck muscles to bend, leading to neck muscle strain. Use a mattress with moderate firmness to support the back and neck.

In daily activities, it is necessary to maintain correct posture when walking, standing, sitting, working, using the phone, computer... Avoid hunching the shoulders and bending the neck too far forward. Exercise regularly to strengthen muscles, especially the neck muscles, thereby improving posture, reducing stress and preventing muscle stiffness.

Phi Hong

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