Voted America's Best Pillow For Neck Pain •

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Voted America's Best Pillow For Neck Pain

Pain Relief of Your Money Back

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How Long Should A Stiff Neck Last?

If you’re wondering whether your neck pain is serious, keep reading. This guide will help you learn about neck pain and how to prevent it.

How Long Should a Stiff Neck Last?

Neck pain or stiffness caused by a strain or muscle tension usually disappears without treatment within a few days.

This is called acute neck pain, usually caused by an awkward sleeping position or poor posture (IWQiG et al., 2019).

If the neck pain is due to injury or a sharp movement, it may even last a few weeks. In some cases, it may even come back after an intensive workout or strain.

When neck pain lasts for months, it’s considered chronic neck pain. Psychological stress is common in chronic neck pain (IWQiG et al., 2019).

However, you should be concerned if the pain doesn’t go away or becomes worse.

Sometimes, you can shorten the duration of neck pain through noninvasive interventions such as gentle exercise and therapies (Hurwitz et al., 2008). Using a supportive memory foam pillow is another way you can reduce neck pain.

Studies have concluded that using a specialized viscoelastic memory foam pillow is beneficial for chronic neck pain as it relieves symptoms and promotes more comfort (Soal et al., 2019).

When Is a Stiff Neck Serious?

Most neck stiffness clears up within a week or two.

But if it’s been lingering for more than two weeks with no improvement, it’s a good idea to see a doctor, especially if the pain is getting worse or affecting your ability to move.

Other signs that it might be something more serious include:

  1. Pain that doesn’t respond to regular painkillers
  2. Fever
  3. Nausea or vomiting
  4. Confusion or mood changes
  5. Problems with balance or coordination
  6. Unexplained weight loss
  7. Ongoing headaches
  8. Or simply a gut feeling that something isn’t right

If any of these sound familiar, don’t wait, get checked out.

In rare cases, a stiff neck can be a symptom of meningitis, a serious infection that causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord.

This usually comes with fever and changes in mental state.

Research shows that while only 41% of patients show all three symptoms, neck stiffness, fever, and confusion, around 70% will have at least one. If you suspect meningitis, seek urgent medical help (Runde, Anjum and Hafner, 2022).

4 Prevention Tips for Stiff Neck

The best way to avoid a stiff neck is through prevention techniques. When preventing neck pain, you want to focus on supporting your neck and spine while avoiding putting extra strain on them.

  1. Keeping your posture straight and avoiding looking down all day can stop your neck joints from becoming tired and overstretched (Cleveland Clinic, 2018). Whenever you can, sit up straight and maintain an aligned posture. Ergonomic desk chairs and standing desks can help if you work in an office setting.
  2. You can also add a supportive pillow into your sleep routine. Memory foam pillows have many benefits, including proper spinal alignment and neck pain relief, and researchers can conclude that pillows with a supportive cervical shape can be an effective treatment for neck pain (Persson L, Moritz U. 1998). Just ensure you know how to sleep on a memory foam pillow before you start.
  3. Adopting a healthy sleeping position is also essential to ensure you’re not doing any extra damage while catching some ZZZs. Back and side sleeping are the best positions, as these take the pressure off your neck. Combine a healthy sleeping position with the best pillow for neck pain for a comfortable solution.
  4. You can also use regular stretching or even yoga to improve your neck’s strength and reduce any persistent neck pain (Li et al., 2019). However, speak with a medical professional before adding new exercise into your routine when in doubt.

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Final Words

Neck stiffness is something most of us will deal with at some point, but with the right care, it doesn’t need to stick around.

If the pain is persistent, getting worse, or comes with other symptoms, it’s best to get checked. It’s always better to be safe when it comes to your health.

Start supporting your neck and spine today with the Groove neck support memory foam pillow.

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References

  • Cleveland Clinic. (2018). Easy Ways to Prevent a Stiff Neck. [online] Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/easy-ways-to-prevent-a-stiff-neck/.
  • Genebra, C.V.D.S., Maciel, N.M., Bento, T.P.F., Simeão, S.F.A.P. and Vitta, A.D. (2017). Prevalence and factors associated with neck pain: a population-based study. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 21(4), pp.274–280. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2017.05.005.
  • Harvard Health. (2016). Turn away from neck pain. [online] Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/turn-away-from-neck-pain#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20approximately%2080%25%20of.
  • IWQiG et al., N.C. for B., Pike, U.S.N.L. of M. 8600 R., MD, B. and Usa, 20894 (2019). Neck pain: Overview. [online] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK338120/.
  • ‌‌Hurwitz, E.L., Carragee, E.J., van der Velde, G., Carroll, L.J., Nordin, M., Guzman, J., Peloso, P.M., Holm, L.W., Côté, P., Hogg-Johnson, S., Cassidy, J.D. and Haldeman, S. (2008). Treatment of Neck Pain: Noninvasive Interventions. European Spine Journal, [online] 17(S1), pp.123–152. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-008-0631-z.
  • Kazeminasab, S., Nejadghaderi, S.A., Amiri, P., Pourfathi, H., Araj-Khodaei, M., Sullman, M.J.M., Kolahi, A.-A. and Safiri, S. (2022). Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, [online] 23(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04957-4.
  • Li, Y., Li, S., Jiang, J. and Yuan, S. (2019). Effects of yoga on patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Medicine, 98(8), p.e14649. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000014649.
  • Persson L, Moritz U. Neck support pillows: a comparative study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1998 May;21(4):237-240. PMID: 9608378. Contact Information: Liselott Persson, Lund University, liselott.persson@med.lu.se, +46462229555 Ulrich Moritz - Unable to locate
  • Runde, T.J., Anjum, F. and Hafner, J.W. (2022). Bacterial Meningitis. [online] PubMed. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470351/#:~:text=Fever%2C%20neck%20stiffness%2C%20and%20altered.

‌Soal, L.J., Bester, C.M., Shaw, B.S. and Yelverton, C. (2019). Changes in chronic neck pain following the introduction of a visco-elastic polyurethane foam pillow and/or chiropractic treatment. Health SA Gesondheid, 24. doi:https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v24i0.1099.