Have you ever woken up with a sore neck that wasn’t bothering you the night before? Neck and shoulder pain isn’t always due to an injury. There are several surprising reasons for this discomfort that you might not have thought about. Various illnesses, like meningitis and the flu, can cause neck pain. But if you’re quite sure it’s not due to an illness, here are some common reasons why you might be experiencing that nagging neck pain.
**Pillow Height**
Our preferred pillow height varies from person to person. Some folks find comfort in sleeping on multiple pillows, while others like to sleep with none at all. However, if your pillow isn’t at the right height, it can strain your neck as you sleep. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to consult a neck pain specialist who can recommend the best pillow for your body type and sleeping position. The wrong pillow height can cause problems beyond soreness, like spine curvature issues, headaches, and poor focus.
**Muscle Usage**
You might be surprised, but it’s easy to strain the muscles in your neck even when you’re not aware of using them. Heavy lifting is a common cause, but activities like running, biking, and rowing can also lead to neck strain. Usually, a pulled neck muscle heals on its own, but seeing a massage therapist can help speed up recovery and ease discomfort.
**Stress**
Believe it or not, stress is a huge factor in neck tension. Whether you’re working intensely, staring at a computer too long, or tossing and turning at night, stress makes you tense up your neck, head, and back muscles, potentially leading to chronic pain. If this sounds familiar, visiting a massage therapist might help. Not only can they relax your neck muscles, but they also help lower your stress levels.
If your neck pain continues, don’t just try to manage it on your own. Seeing a neck pain specialist near you is always the best choice to find the underlying cause. There can be many reasons for neck tension, and a specialist can help identify them. Plus, for your overall well-being, engage in stress-relieving activities and always warm up and practice good form during exercise.