Neck pain is a common problem. Most of the time, it results from poor posture. You may have poor posture when sitting and working or when sleeping. It is advisable to seek medical advice. But before you seek medical advice, you may want to do something about your posture first.
The signs and symptoms of neck pain include muscle tightness, spasms, headache, and pain. Neck pain may make you unable to move your head. It may also cause pain when you try to move your head. If you feel this way when you wake up in the morning, the issue may probably be your sleeping position.
If your posture while working is okay, the problem is your posture when sleeping. How do you correct your posture when sleeping?
The answer lies in changing your sleeping habits. Your preferences and lifestyle habits can result in bad sleeping positions that causes neck pain. Thus, be intentional about how you sleep and your sleeping positions.
Check the mattress you sleep on and the pillow you use. Also, get to learn why you prefer certain sleeping positions to others. The answer may lie in you exploring these factors. There are three sleeping positions. Here is a look into how each affects your neck and probably cause neck pain.
This position is the least stressful on your spine. It maintains your spine’s natural curve and evenly distributes your weight throughout your body. It also allows you to use a thinner pillow than the one you use when sleeping on your side.
A thinner pillow keeps the whole body in alignment. You can also use a small cylindrical pillow in the curve of your neck. Sleep with your hands on the side or on your chest. In the morning, you will wake up without pain or stiffness. However, this position causes some people to snore.
Sleeping on your side is a good sleeping position if you have neck pain and snore. However, you will need a thicker pillow. It will ensure that your head is in alignment with the middle of your shoulders. The width and height of your shoulders will determine the kind of pillow you should buy.
If you have broad shoulders, you may need a thick pillow. But if you are smaller, you will do better with a thinner one. Remember to stretch your legs rather than fold them into the fetal position when you sleep. Also, put a thin pillow between your legs to align your pelvis, hips, and spine.
You may want to avoid this position as it places more stress on your cervical spine. If you have to sleep in this position, use an ultra-slim pillow. People who sleep on their stomachs tend to sleep with their heads on one side for hours. The alignment can cause excess stress on your neck, and it is worse when you use a pillow.
For more information on the best sleeping positions for neck pain, visit The Spine Clinic at our office in Salem, Oregon. You can call (503) 362-5555 to schedule an appointment today.
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