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One side neck pain
My neck only hurts on the right side. It's always the right side. I don't know why, but it's not constant. It's like when I sleep on my side or stomach. But whenever I sleep on one side, my neck starts to hurt (right side), and when I try to twist it, there's a cracking sound, but then I feel better.
Answers (11)
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It happens due to neck muscles strain to overcome with it do neck stretching exercises with isometrics.
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The right-sided neck pain you're experiencing, especially after sleeping on your side or stomach, could be due to muscle strain or poor sleeping posture. Sleeping in these positions may put uneven pressure on your neck, leading to stiffness or tension, particularly on the right side. The cracking sound when you twist your neck might be from joint movement or gas bubbles collapsing in the synovial fluid, which is usually harmless but could indicate tightness.
Next Steps
Try sleeping on your back or using a cervical pillow to support your neck's natural alignment.
Avoid high pillows that tilt your head excessively.
Gently stretch your neck with side tilts and rotations to improve flexibility.
Apply a warm compress to relax the muscles.
Health Tips
Since the pain has persisted for 6 days and is consistent on one side, it’s better to consult a Physiotherapist for a thorough assessment
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It may be because of your inappropriate position also you are a right handed person u need to exercise
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Hey there!
Please consult me online for better diagnosis and proper treatment plan.
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Use thin pillow
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hey Your neck hurts means and is not constant means you are having a posture problem at work (Desk Work ??) And sleeping pattern (on Right side ) is mostly repsonsible for this .
Next Steps
You may take consultation so i may explain you about the exercises And Ergonomic Advices can be given to you
Health Tips
Need Assessment and Follow Exercises , You will be perfectly fine
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One-sided neck pain (always on the right) that comes and goes is often related to:
Posture while sleeping (side or stomach sleeping may keep the neck twisted for hours).
Facet joint stiffness or mild restriction in your cervical spine â the âcrackingâ sound when you twist is usually the joint releasing pressure.
Muscle imbalance or tightness in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, or scalene muscles.
Sometimes even pillow height/firmness plays a big role.
The fact that you feel relief after the crack suggests the pain is likely mechanical (joint/muscle related) rather than a serious underlying issue.
Next Steps
Check Your Sleep Setup Use a medium-firm pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine (not tilted). Avoid sleeping on your stomach â it forces your neck into rotation for hours. Side sleeping is okay if your pillow fills the gap between your shoulder and head. Gentle Mobility Exercises (do in pain-free range): Neck rotations (slowly turn head left and right) Chin tucks (gently draw chin backward, like making a double chin â strengthens deep neck flexors). Upper trapezius stretch (tilt head sideways, gently hold with hand for 15â20 seconds). Posture During the Day If you sit long hours (computer/phone), keep screen at eye level, shoulders relaxed, back supported. Take breaks every 30â40 minutes to move your neck. Heat Therapy Apply a warm compress or heating pad for 10â15 min if you wake up sore â helps relax tight muscles.
Health Tips
Occasional cracking with relief is usually harmless, but frequent self-cracking may create more instability over time. Itâs better to address the stiffness with mobility + strengthening instead. If you ever develop tingling, numbness, weakness in arms, dizziness, or headaches, you should get it checked by a doctor or physiotherapist promptly. These could signal nerve involvement. Since the pain is persistent (even if mild), itâs worth having an in-person physio assessment to check your posture, muscle tightness, and joint mobility â so the treatment is tailored to you.
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This definitely needs a one on one consult. But, before that just try to take a well supportive pillow when you sleep on your side, just big enough to prevent your neck for flexing sideways when you sleep.
Next Steps
Take a consultation locally, your case needs a proper physical assessment
Health Tips
Try not to make extreme movements or twists to make cracking sound which you say is relieving
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Consult in person or online with physiotherapist for proper assessment to get proper treatment
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Ms. Shefali Gandotra (PT)
Physiotherapist
20 yrs exp
Jammu
Your whole day, neck posture is responsible for this. Start with Nxt, strengthening exercises and maintain a proper posture.
Next Steps
Apply Volini twice a day.
Health Tips
Avoid sleeping on the stomach. Use a pillow that is firm and thin.
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Dr. Afsa Rafiq (PT)
Physiotherapist
4 yrs exp
Srinagar
Kindly take online Consultation for better treatment and diagnosis
Next Steps
Neck strengthing and stretching exercises
Hot water fermentation
Avoid prolong forward bending.
Maintain posture
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Dr. Avijit Das (PT)
Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
4 yrs exp
Kolkata
Hi please take an online consultation for best diagnosis and treatment.
Next Steps
Maybe Postural issue Do Rt side your dominant side that is the reason you may use long time mobile or laptop work.
Health Tips
To correct your regular posture including sleeping posture.
neck stretching and strengthening exercises .
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