Dozing Off in Cars Can Lead to Neck Injuries and Headaches

To make ends meet, city dwellers work from 9 to 6 every day and sometimes even work overtime. As they also need to commute long distances to work, it is understandable that they need to take a quick nap when travelling in cars, but this can actually lead to neck problems.

When we fall asleep, our bodies relax and our necks lose support. Our heads will also sway along with the moving vehicle. When our heads fall into an uncomfortable position, we naturally wake up and lift our heads back to a normal position. However, repeatedly lifting and dropping our heads can easily lead to cervical subluxation. The cervical spine supports the head that weighs about 12 pounds, and the first three cervical nerves extend upwards to the head. Prolonged incorrect posture can overwork specific muscles (especially those in the back of the neck), exerting extra pressure on the neck and causing subluxation, hence cervicogenic headaches.

The pain typically occurs on one side of the head, extending from the neck to the back and the side of the head, as well as the back of the eyeball. The pain can also radiate to the forehead, temples, or ears. Patients may feel a stabbing pain, pressure, and a pulling sensation in the head. The pain worsens when they nod, shake, or lift their heads.

Cervicogenic headaches have symptoms similar to that of migraines, but the pain is intermittent at the early stages. If ignored for a long time, they can become a chronic condition. In severe cases, they can cause numbness, pain, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, and hands. Plus, frequently tilting your head forward for a long time can cause excessive bending of the thoracic spine, increasing the pressure on the spinal ligaments and causing muscle imbalance in the chest and upper back, hence leading to kyphosis. Kyphosis caused by poor posture can affect one’s appearance and confidence, accelerate spinal degeneration, and even affect cardiopulmonary function.

Cervicogenic headaches are not easy to identify. When people experience headaches, they usually do not associate them with cervical problems. They often take painkillers for temporary pain relief rather than addressing the cause of pain, therefore cannot cure their headaches. Therefore, if you experience head and neck pain, you should consult a professional as soon as possible and undergo an examination.

In addition, it is best to main a proper sitting posture and stay awake when commuting so that you can respond promptly to accidents and reduce injuries. Yet, if you need to travel long distances by plane or other modes of transportation, you can prepare a neck cushion that can support your head to protect your cervical spine. This can prevent your neck from bending excessively when you doze off, minimising the risk of cervical subluxation and strain.

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