Neck pain is one of the most common reasons for people to seek medical treatment. It can be caused by several factors, including poor posture, injury, and muscle strain.
A Couple Of Ways To Deal With Neck Pain From Sleeping!
The neck is made up of seven cervical vertebrae that surround the spinal cord. The bones are separated by discs and ligaments, which help to support the head and neck.
Muscles in the neck help to keep the head upright and steady.
1. Find The Right Pillow To Avoid Neck Pain From Sleeping
You can avoid neck pain by finding the right pillow. Most pillows are either too soft or too stiff. If you wake up with neck pain, your pillow may be to blame.
If your pillow is too firm and pushes your head forward, it could cause problems with the joints in your neck and back.
The American Chiropractic Association recommends sleeping on a softer pillow that supports your head and neck without pushing them forward.
You sleep on a soft pillow, it could cause neck pain in the same way that sleeping on one that’s too hard might — it pushes your head forward and puts stress on the joints in your neck and back.
You may not be able to tell if your pillow is too soft or hard by pressing down on it with your hand.
But if you’re waking up every morning with neck pain in your neck or back, try changing out your pillow for one that feels better to you when you lie down on it at night.
2. Try A Foam Wedge Pillow Instead Of A Regular One
The problem with regular pillows is that they aren’t designed to align your neck and spine in the best position for sleeping.
A foam wedge pillow, on the other hand, has a sloped shape that supports your head and neck at a neutral angle. That way, you can rest comfortably without waking up with stiff, sore muscles in the morning.
You can buy one online or at any drugstore for less than $20 — it’s worth every penny!
3. Sleep On Your Side Instead Of Your Back Or Stomach
While lying on your back might feel more natural, it can put a strain on your neck muscles and joints due to an unnatural curvature of the spine.
If you’re used to sleeping on your back, try switching to sleeping on one side instead — this will help keep pressure off your neck and make you less likely to wake up with neck pain.
4. Use A Memory Foam Pillow Or Body Pillow If You Need More Support
If you often find yourself tossing and turning at night, it may be time to invest in a memory foam pillow or body pillow.
Memory foam contours to your head and neck, providing support and alleviating pressure points. This can help you sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed.
A body pillow can also be helpful if you need additional support for your back or hips. Look for a pillow that is specifically designed for side sleepers or pregnant women for the best results.
5. Invest In A Good Mattress
A good mattress is one of the most important investments you can make for your health and wellbeing. It can help you sleep better, reduce back pain and neck pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a mattress, such as firmness, support, and comfort.
You’ll also want to consider your budget and whether you want a traditional mattress or a more innovative option like a memory foam mattress.
Investing in a good mattress is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. It can help you sleep better, reduce back pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
Choose a mattress that is firm yet comfortable, and provides good support for your back and joints.
Credit: Dr. Edward Zelman
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