Why do you have back and neck aches for days if you “sleep wrong” one night?
In: Biology
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Especially if you are heavy and/or out of shape, if you sleep in a bad position it can put pressure on local nerves. This causes pain and inflammation (swelling). The inflammation can have the effect of stressing the nerve further, making the problem worse in a ~~negative~~ ~~positive~~ feedback loop. (**edit**: it’s a feedback loop of some kind).
If this happens, you can take a strong dose of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medicine and (properly) use ice to reduce inflammation in the affected area. Usually, once the inflammation abates, the pain does as well.
You should see a doctor if the problem is recurrent or doesn’t respond to these treatments. (I am not a doctor.)
This is often caused by tension that is created by the sympathetic nervous system (a part of the nervous system that controls involuntary, unconscious actions that stimulate the fight-flight-or-freeze response like breathing). This response is normal, and it can be a reaction to stress.
Potentially, you may be unconsciously thinking about something stressful during sleep, or you might have a nightmare. When you wake up you find you have some tension that feels like stiffness in your neck.
When you get up, and start your day, the usual movements, like standing up, walking, turning your head and other movements will increase your blood flow. The blood will go more easily through the tightened muscles, and that begins to relieve the stiffness, and or pain.
This tension-based pain can usually be reduced with deep muscle relaxation techniques, as well as meditation or any way of reducing our reaction to stress, and negative emotions.
But if there is a severe you should see a medical professional for diagnosis.
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