Do you regularly wake up with a stiff neck? That’s not a great way to start the day! A stiff neck when you get up can make it difficult to turn your head or cause pain during everyday movements. The symptoms often disappear as the day goes on, but sometimes they linger or recur regularly. A stiff neck when you get out of bed can have various causes. In this blog, you’ll find out what causes the symptoms, what you can do yourself and when physiotherapy can help.
What causes a stiff neck when you get out of bed?
From the KNGF guideline It has been found that neck problems are often linked to factors such as prolonged or poor posture, insufficient exercise, overexertion and reduced strength in the neck muscles. Working or sleeping in the same position for long periods can also cause the neck to feel stiffer. When the neck muscles are under strain for a prolonged period, you may wake up with a stiff neck. Fortunately, these symptoms usually subside quickly or are harmless. If the neck pain recurs regularly or persists for longer, it is advisable to investigate the cause.
What causes a stiff neck when you get out of bed?
A stiff neck when you get out of bed can have various causes. Often, there isn’t just one cause; several factors come into play at the same time.
A common cause is an incorrect sleeping position. If your neck isn’t properly supported for a prolonged period, your muscles and joints may feel stiffer. Working at a computer screen for long periods or looking down a lot – for example, at your mobile phone – can also cause your neck muscles to become overworked.
Stress can also play a part. When you are under pressure or feeling tense for a prolonged period, many people unconsciously tense the muscles in their neck and shoulders. This can increase muscle tension, which may contribute to neck problems. Combined with, for example, an unfavourable sleeping position or strain on the neck, this can result in your neck feeling stiffer when you get up.
What can you do yourself if you have a stiff neck when you get up?
In many cases, the symptoms disappear on their own within a few days. However, there are a number of things you can do yourself to support your recovery and prevent new symptoms from arising.
Here are a few tips for dealing with a stiff neck:
- Keep moving gently and avoid keeping your neck completely still.
- Alternate between sitting and moving around regularly.
- Make sure you maintain a relaxed posture whilst working.
- Gently stretch your neck within your pain threshold.
- Make sure you get plenty of rest during the day.
- Check whether your pillow and sleeping position provide sufficient support.
By continuing to move your neck regularly, you can prevent your muscles from becoming even stiffer. Do, however, listen carefully to your body and do not force any movements that cause a lot of pain.
How physiotherapy can help with a stiff neck when getting out of bed
Are your symptoms recurring or not getting any better? If so, physiotherapy may help. The physiotherapist will investigate why you get a stiff neck when you get out of bed. They will look not only at your neck, but also at your posture, the range of motion in your shoulders and upper back, and the way you move.
Based on the assessment, you will be given a personalised treatment plan.
This may include mobilisation techniques, exercises to strengthen and improve the flexibility of the neck and shoulders, and advice on your posture whilst working, sleeping and carrying out daily activities. Where there is a great deal of muscle tension, the physiotherapist may also use additional treatments, such as massage or dry needling, if that is appropriate given your symptoms.
By not only treating the pain but also tackling the cause, the likelihood of the symptoms recurring is reduced.
Do you often have a stiff neck when you get out of bed, or do you find that the symptoms are getting in the way of your daily activities?
Don’t wait too long to seek help. Our physiotherapists will be happy to work with you to identify the cause of your symptoms and help you with a personalised treatment plan. Please contact with us at 085-5000333 or send an e-mail to info@friskfysio.nl. This is how you can work, step by step, towards a supple neck and a good start to your day.
