5 Common Causes of Morning Neck Pain

Though neck pain is common, most causes are minor, and it is easy to treat. Morning neck pain can be a nuisance you could live without. Waking with pain and stiffness in your neck interferes with many simple daily tasks and affects your mood. 

Sometimes, morning neck pain simply reflects on activity or exertion from the previous day. When your problem becomes more frequent or chronic, it may warrant a visit to 360 Orthopedics for investigation of conditions like arthritis that may be contributing. 

In the meantime, we’ve prepared a deeper look at some of the common causes of morning neck pain so that you can examine your sleep routine and discover simple changes that may improve your mornings. 

Five common causes of morning neck pain

Sleeping habits should be among the leading suspects when you start to wake up in the morning with a sore, stiff neck. Beyond that, sleep disorders and musculoskeletal conditions can also contribute. Let's take a look at five common reasons for neck pain in the morning. 

1. Sleep position

If you’re a stomach sleeper, that could be the most likely reason for morning pain. Stomach sleeping means that your neck turns to one side for a substantial part of the night to permit breathing. Back and side sleeping generally allows a more balanced neck posture, avoiding extreme twists.

2. Pillow(s)

While a cascade of pillows across the top of the bed makes an inviting impression, multiple pillows probably raise your head too much, forcing the curve of the cervical spine forward. A single overstuffed pillow can sometimes cause this issue, too. A pillow that’s too soft lets your neck curve too much. The right pillow balances softness with support. 

3. Sleep disorders

Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and other disorders that limit the amount of quality sleep time you experience can reduce your body’s ability to heal itself, as well as make you more sensitive to pain. Establishing a strong circadian sleep cycle should be a pain-relieving priority. 

4. Daytime posture

Contemporary electronics heavily strain your neck and shoulders by encouraging long hours of head-forward postures. These positions, necessary for viewing screens lower than eye height, also lead to chronic straightening of the cervical curve of the neck. They can also roll your shoulders forward, leading to tension that could also affect your neck. 

5. Spinal conditions

Orthopedic conditions, including osteoarthritis and spinal disc herniation, could be the underlying reasons for morning neck pain. While herniated discs usually resolve over time, osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that may need treatment and pain management to control. 

When conservative home care doesn't provide relief, visit 360 Orthopedics. Call or book an appointment with our nearest office today.