What Is “Sleeping Wrong” (Acute Neck Stiffness)?
Disease description:
Today, after waking up from sleep, I found that I couldn’t turn my neck and could only look straight ahead. What exactly is “sleeping with a stiff neck” (torticollis)?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Wang Zhuo
Limited neck rotation is most commonly caused by “sleeping wrong” (acute torticollis), often due to poor sleeping posture or using a pillow that is too high. This may lead to muscle spasm or, less commonly, cervical joint misalignment. A medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended for definitive diagnosis. In the meantime, topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments may be used; however, specific medications should be selected and applied under a physician’s guidance. Additionally, therapies such as massage (Tui Na) may be considered.
