I am starting to get stiff necks while I am sleeping. I wake up several times all night and can hardly turn over, it hurts so bad.

I still have it when I wake up in the morning, but then when I am up for awhile, it goes away.

I don't know why this is starting up.

Did any neck or c spine issues show on your x rays or MRIs?

oh and could your pillow or mattress have changed to cause it?

Ouch Peg.

When I was being tossed around before the TOS dx, the pain management Dr. told me the MRI showed I had 2 bulging discs, but then when I went to Neuro Surgeon, he said my discs where just like they should be for my age.

I haven't changed my pillow or anything. I had it again last night!!

If it wasn't for having company come today, I would head to the massage therapist.

I had severe stiff necks before my neck surgery...I had a level 2 in with a compression on my spine....Now I have a nice metal plate in my neck, that bugs me when I turn towards the left...(YUK) Sometimes I wonder what came first? TOS or the neck...they were both caused from a repetitive desk job for 16 years with awful deadlines...perhaps it would best to get another MRI in case it's now compressing on your cord causing the stiffness.....Right before I had my surger, my neck would get so stiff, it reminded me of what whiplash would be.....Just a thought

I have a sore/stiff neck more often then not. This seems to have increased since my rib resection surgery. There are times I can only sleep sitting up (in a recliner) or lying on the couch...this has been a big pain in the butt...I see my neuro again in a few weeks and will press this issue with him.

A sore neck hurts, not sure this helps...I just apply heat, take hot showers and get to see my MT, PT and chiro...they seem to be my best friends these days.

Peg,
I'm so sorry that your neck is bothering you again, especially so much that it affects your sleep. That makes it much more of an issue I think. Are you a side-sleeper or a back sleeper? I ask because I used to sleep on my side, and got a special pillow from relax the back that keeps your head at the right level if you side-sleep. Have you thought about seeing a good chiro, and are there any other muscles in the area that are also tight?
Take care, and hope to talk to you soon
Merry Christmas!
- dabbo

I find that the stiff neck I get at night is from muscle spasm. I take flexaril for that (Dr just increased all my meds).
((((((sorry your hurting))))))

Hi Peg,

I have woken up with a stiff neck / shoulder everyday for as long as I can remember. Physio / massage/ hydrotherapy, nothing works. I do have C6/7 buldge / nerve entrapment. Some days I cant even move, look like robot.

Ozzy

I usually sleep on my side. I have an awesome new mattress and use on of those tempurpedic type S-shaped pillows (the thicker more expensive kind, not the thinner cheap one. I do okay if I stay in position. If I roll back or forward, my neck is really stiff and painful the next day and it wakes me during the night.

Do you think you are sleeping in a weird position or might it be related to doing more because of the holidays ?

I hope it improves for you.