Is My Neck Pain Muscular or Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain and muscle pain both have several distinct symptoms.
If your neck pain is muscular, it may have started right after a hard workout or other activity.
Ladanifer / Getty Images
The pain is local to the muscles used and tends to feel achy and sore.
In contrast, nerve pain pain tends to cause burning or shooting pain.
You may feel a pins and needles sensation in the area, or the area may feel numb.
You may also feel weakness in the affected region.
They can also help with referrals to additional providers, such as physical therapists.
Additionally, they can perform tests and order imaging if needed.
Acupuncture:Acupuncture is often helpful for pain relief for several conditions.
Something as simple as yourdesk heightcan directly impact neck pain.
Using a height-adjustable standing desk is also an option.
Avoid any movements that increase pain.
Neck Range-of-Motion Exercises
Gentlerange of motion exercisescan help reduce neck pain from sleeping.
Some may find performing these exercises helpful.Avoid movements that increase your pain.
Move with control and avoid quick movements.
Contact a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Preventing Neck Pain During Sleep
Falling asleep with pain is challenging.
How long neck pain from sleeping wrong lasts depends on the underlying causes.
These healthcare professionals can also provide additional treatments to help relieve your neck pain.
Seeing a physical therapist or chiropractor can also help reduce your neck pain and address the underlying cause.
2021;16(11):e0260582.
2019;9(6):e027633.
doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027633
American College of Sports Medicine.Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
UpToDate.Patient education: neck pain (Beyond the Basics).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Peripheral neuropathy.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Neck sprains and strains.
Kaiser Permanente.Range of motion exercises for acute neck pain.
2023;35(2):106-113. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.106
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Neck pain.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease symptoms and complications.
