Most of us will know what it’s like to wake with a stiff neck every once in a while. Occasional mild aches and stiffness is usually nothing to worry about – but waking up with severe neck pain can be a different matter. Here’s are some points to keep in mind:

Why have I woken up with severe neck pain?

Waking up with severe sharp, shooting pains in your neck is not uncommon. You may even feel like you can barely move your head. The obvious culprit is that you’ve slept in an awkward position. However, a number of other factors may also be at play.

Underlying muscle strain or tension – perhaps from overdoing it at the gym the day before, or because you sit slumped at a desk at work – may cause things to seize up overnight. Previous injuries such as whiplash, or wear-and-tear degeneration and osteoarthritis in the discs and vertebrae in the neck can also cause some people to wake with neck pain and stiffness.

If the problem is severe or persists for more than a few weeks, seeking a professional assessment is a good idea. Our specialist physiotherapists can assess neck pain symptoms and help identify any root causes.

What if I’m in severe pain and can’t move?

Waking up with a very painful, stiff neck can feel awful. Thankfully, most of the time, it will get better within a few days – but be careful not to aggravate the problem further. This might mean avoiding sudden movements, strenuous exercise and carrying heavy bags. Over-the-counter painkillers, heat patches and muscle gels can be helpful – your pharmacist can advise on treatments you could try.

If you have recently injured your neck, head or upper body however, seek professional advice as soon as possible – it may be that the injury has simply taken time to present symptoms and it’s best to get it checked out.

If the problem keeps happening or doesn’t get better with self-management, then it’s a good idea to seek advice.

How can I stop it happening again?

This will depend on the underlying cause. Sometimes, something as simple as switching to a more suitable pillow with the right level of support can make a big difference. You may also want to consider your sleeping position, to ensure you’re maintaining good spinal alignment while lying down.

It’s also worth thinking about your posture and habits during the day time, especially if your job involves sitting at a computer, or lots of strain and lifting, which can contribute to muscle imbalances and tension. A physiotherapist or rehab specialist can carry out an assessment and advise on managing the issue.

If you’re experiencing chronic neck pain and always waking up with a stiff, sore neck, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms – such as back pain, loss of sensation or pain in the arms or hands, and headaches – seek a professional assessment. There may be an underlying problem aggravating the nerves in the cervical spine that needs to be addressed.

Ravenscroft Healthcare offers a range of orthopaedic, physiotherapy and pain management services. For further information or to book a consultation, contact us on 020 8427 0808