After a restful night's sleep, you wake up ready for the day. However, when you try to turn your neck, the sudden, severe pain causes you to freeze instantly. This is often referred to as "stiff neck". This is not unusual. In fact, this sudden neck pain often occurs in our daily lives, especially in the middle-aged and elderly population. Let's take a look at Mr. Zhang's story. Mr. Cheung is a 60-year-old retired teacher who has always been in good health. However, one morning, he woke up to find that his neck was so painful that he could barely turn. At first, he thought it was just a temporary discomfort that would go away quickly. But the pain lasted for two whole days, seriously affecting his quality of life. He couldn't drive comfortably, and even simple daily activities such as dressing and washing became a challenge. The situation left Mr. Zhang confused and frustrated: What caused this situation? Is it just because of the pillow problem? This seemingly simple question actually touches on many aspects of our daily lives, from sleep habits to the effects of daily activities.

Common causes of stiff neck: Invisible "traps" in sleep

Stiff neck, a word that is often mentioned in daily life, often brings inconvenience to people's daily life because of its sudden appearance. But, you know what? There are some common reasons behind stiff neck that are not well known.

Improper sleeping position is one of the main causes of stiff neck. When our neck is in an unnatural bending or twisting state during sleep for a long time, the neck muscles become abnormally stretched or compressed. This condition not only causes muscle fatigue but can also cause muscle spasms, which can lead to stiff neck. To put it simply, an inappropriate sleeping position is like an invisible killer in the neck, silently causing us pain.

The height and firmness of the pillow are essential for neck health. An unsuitable pillow can lead to a neck that is not properly supported, increasing the risk of stiff neck. For example, pillows that are too high or too low can put the neck in an unnatural position, causing the muscles to stretch unevenly, which can induce stiff neck. Choosing a suitable pillow is like choosing a comfortable "home" for the cervical spine for the prevention of stiff neck.

The drastic change in temperature is also a factor that cannot be ignored in the cause of stiff neck. A cold environment can make muscles tense and increase the likelihood of muscle spasms. Especially in cold air, the uncovered neck is more susceptible to cold, which can induce stiff neck. Therefore, keeping your neck warm, especially in cold weather, is very important to prevent stiff neck.

Accumulated fatigue and stress: "chronic irritation" of the neck muscles

Long-term fatigue accumulation and psychological stress are also potential factors for stiff neck. Fatigue can cause the body to repair itself less, while stress can cause muscle tension. These factors interact and can unknowingly cause problems with the neck muscles, which can lead to stiff neck. Reasonable rest time and maintaining a good attitude are also important to prevent stiff neck.

Although stiff neck is a seemingly small problem, there are many common causes in life behind it. By understanding these causes and taking proper precautions, we can reduce the occurrence of stiff neck to a great extent, thus keeping our neck healthy and comfortable.

First aid after stiff necking: Neck pain is no longer a problem

When you wake up with neck pain and difficulty moving, it's likely to be stiff neck. Stiff neck is usually caused by spasms caused by neck muscles and soft tissues being held in improper posture for long periods of time during sleep. Here are some simple yet effective coping measures that can help relieve pain and speed recovery.

Place a hot water bottle or heating pad in the painful area for about 20-0 minutes. Warm compresses can increase blood flow, help muscles relax, and reduce pain.

Use your fingertips to gently massage the muscles around your neck. Avoid pushing too hard, and massage should be comfortable and should not exacerbate the pain.

Slowly turn your head from side to side for a few seconds at a time. Bow and tilt your head and gently stretch your neck muscles. Repeat several times a day for a few minutes at a time.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the instructions of the medication and do not use it for a long time to avoid side effects.

If the pain persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., dizziness, numbness in the arm), prompt medical attention should be sought immediately.

Pay attention to posture in daily life and avoid bowing your head for long periods of time. Strengthens neck and shoulder movements and strengthens muscles.

These measures are based on an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and physiological functions of the neck and aim to provide practical solutions. Remember, proper self-care combined with medical advice can be an effective way to deal with stiff neck discomfort.

Proofread by Zhuang Wu