Neck pain can be both a nuisance and a source of constant discomfort. Whether you’re a computer user, someone who works in construction, or just a person who habitually stresses their neck muscles, you’ve probably experienced one of those dull aches – or sharp pain – that tend to manifest on the neck area. But why do these symptoms flare up even when you’re resting? And more importantly, can you do anything about it? In this blog post, we will try to answer these questions and shed some light on the subject of resting neck pain.
The Physiology of Neck Pain
The first step towards understanding neck pain can be found in the biomechanics of the human neck. This body part supports the weight of the head while maintaining a great range of motion, which is to say that it’s vulnerable to both external stress and intrinsic stressors like poor posture, lack of movement or muscle weakness. Common neck pain causes include herniated disks, muscle strains, pinched nerves, and osteoarthritis, among others. When you lie down or assume a relaxed position, these underlying issues might just become more noticeable, as there’s less external stimulation to distract you from the pain.
Resting Neck Pain and Your Sleep Quality
Sleep is crucial to our well-being, but when you’re suffering from neck pain, it can also become a source of added stress. Many people report having difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep due to neck pain if their bed, pillows, or sleep posture aren’t accommodating. The wrong pillow height or stuffing, for instance, can put your neck at an awkward angle and exacerbate any underlying pain symptoms. The same goes for sleeping on your stomach, which forces your neck to twist awkwardly. The key here, as many experts point out, is finding the right pillow, mattress, and posture that alleviate pressure and provide proper support to your neck.
How a Chiropractor Can Help Your Neck Pain
Chiropractors are trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders, including neck pain. One of the primary benefits of seeing a chiropractor is that they can help correct your spinal alignment and promote natural healing processes. Through manual manipulations and adjustments, chiropractors can release any tension or compression within your neck muscles and joints while reducing inflammation. These techniques can also improve your posture, range of motion, and functional ability, helping you feel better both while awake and asleep. In short, chiropractic care can be an excellent way to address your resting neck pain directly.
The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Neck Pain
Physiotherapy is another holistic approach to treating neck pain, with a focus on restoring and strengthening your balance, coordination, and functional performance. Physiotherapists use a combination of exercise, manual treatment, and acupuncture to address the underlying causes of your discomfort, improving your body’s natural healing mechanisms. Physiotherapy can also be an effective way to manage your stress levels, which might also contribute to your neck pain. By learning relaxation techniques and postural corrections, you can reduce the tension in your neck while also improving your overall well-being.
Neck pain can be an unwelcome companion, but it doesn’t have to be a constant one. With the right approach, you can ease your symptoms and regain control of your life, both during the day and at night. Whether you decide to try chiropractic care or physiotherapy or use some of the many self-help tips available online, the key is to be patient and consistent with your efforts. Remember, neck pain is often a sign that your body is trying to communicate something important to you, and listening to it is the first step towards healing.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another physiotherapist in Kitchener or Waterloo at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
