Ever wake up with a “kink” in your neck? That neck pain can be seriously sharp. And when it first happens, you don’t even want to turn into that direction.
What causes that? Most people don’t think they did anything! And that maybe it was just a bad way of sleeping for the night. I’ve been there and done that many times. It’s easy to blame the pillow or just being so exhausted that you didn’t move all night. That’s definitely a possibility.
What’s also a possibility is that you did something earlier in the day or it is a cumulation of things you have done over a series of weeks or months, and now after sleeping with that sagging pillow, you woke up with a kink in your neck. Makes it hard to turn when driving or hard to look when someone calls your name.
What can you do?
In last week’s article about 3 tips to get rid of neck pain , I did mention to stretch it, look to see if your pillow is getting too old, and of course to stay hydrated and being active. Keeping full motion is the best way to avoid injuries and problems further down the road. And it’s so hard when it hurts!
Some common questions people ask me are:
- Should I use Heat or Cold? Normally, I recommend COLD for muscle pain. You still can use a cold pack to ease some of the muscle neck pain because the cold can help reduce the pain for a longer period of time. With neck pain though, I actually recommend HEAT. Why you ask? Heat feels really good, especially in that area. AND if it feels good, while you have the heat on, move your neck in all directions to stretch it.
- When should I get professional help? I think everyone can relate to waking up with a kink in your neck and you really don’t have to run for professional help. UNLESS you have radiating pain OR if you have numbness in your hands that doesn’t go away. I know most of us can relate to having that kink and it usually does go away after a few days or can even take a couple of weeks. Once it has been 2 months or MORE…well, I would then recommend you get to a professional that can help you get to the root cause of why you continue to have neck pain.
Just today, a potential client contact us for his Free Discovery Visit talk to us about his neck pain and shoulder pain that was getting in the way of his sleep for several weeks now.
So, I normally recommend to get help before it gets worst and stops you from being more active and feeling like you have to take pills just to get by. If this sounds like you or you know someone with neck pain, give us a call at 786-615-9879 or schedule an appointment. Talk to our certified hand therapist in Miami before booking a paid session.
In these difficult times, we are here to help. Telehealth and online sessions are available!
Written by Hoang Tran
About the author – Hoang Tran
Hoang Tran is an occupational therapist in Miami, the owner of Hands-on Therapy Services and author of the book “The Hands-On Approach”. She loves helping people with hand and arm problems, because she knows how bad and debilitating they can get if not addressed and treated properly (once and for all!).
The aim of her practice is to bring their patients back to full functionality, without pills, injections or surgery. If you would like more information about the services, visit handsots.com
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
