swork,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

It sounds like you suffered a possible whiplash/brain stem concussion. It is related to the trauma to the upper neck. Lifting weights usually causes excessive neck muscle straining that can aggravate this.

Figuring out sleep positions and issues is important. Also, if you get cold shoulders while sleeping. it can cause one to tense the shoulder and neck muscles.

I bunch/fold a pillow to get the support I need in different positions. It can take weeks of proper sleeping posture to start to see improvements.