Are you suffering from neck pain? There are several possible causes of neck pain. These include your sleep position, pillow quality, and abrupt movement. If you’re looking for more information, please read on! This article will give you tips on how to reduce your neck pain. It’s important to have a comfortable sleeping position and to make sure you’re getting the right amount of rest. Here are a few of the most common causes of neck pain:
Causes Neck Pain From Sleeping
One of the most common causes of neck pain from sleeping is torticollis, a condition that affects the joints and muscles in the neck. The pain is caused by a number of causes, including spasms of neck muscles and irritated neck ligaments. If the pain is severe, a doctor may recommend treatments such as acupuncture or chiropractic care. Over-the-counter pain medications are another option.
Sleep Position
Many people experience neck pain due to improper sleeping positions and pillows. This problem is made worse by using your phone or reading in bed. The incorrect position puts excessive pressure on the neck and spine, resulting in pain. If you feel neck pain during the night, you may want to consider sleeping with a pillow.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Although this position may be comfortable during the initial hours of sleep, it causes pain in the neck and shoulder. Aside from sleeping on your side, sleeping on your stomach causes other problems related to the neck. You should also avoid tossing and turning while sleeping. Sleeping on your stomach puts pressure on the cervical discs and neck, and it also stresses the facial muscles. If you’re prone to neck pain during the night, consult an orthopedist.
Pillow Quality
Neck pain is a common ailment that affects thirty to fifty percent of adults in their lifetime. This condition is more prevalent among people who spend most of their day sitting, such as office workers. While sleeping, people’s necks can be extended or twisted, making it worse. Good pillows align the spine and help keep the neck in a neutral position.
One important factor to consider when buying a pillow is its loft. A pillow may cause neck pain. To solve this problem, look for adjustable-loft pillows. This type of pillow will last for many years. You can wash and dry it to keep the fluff intact. The filling material should be firm enough to prevent pain in the neck. You should also choose one that is environmentally friendly.
Another cause of neck pain is improper pillow. You need a pillow with a good support for your neck. A soft pillow that’s too thin or too large may cause neck pain. Moreover, a pillow that’s too high or too low can stretch neck muscles overnight. If you can, buy a pillow that supports the head and neck naturally. Besides, sleeping on your back and not on your stomach will help prevent neck pain.
Abrupt movement
Sudden movement while sleeping can strain or sprain the neck. While this type of pain usually goes away on its own after a few hours, it may also be a symptom of a preexisting injury. Some of the most common causes of neck pain while sleeping include a muscle strain or ligament sprain, facet joint osteoarthritis, or cervical degenerative disc disease. In addition, sleeping in an awkward position can lead to muscle strain and stiffness during the day.
How to Get Rid of Neck Pain
If you wake up in the morning with a stiff neck, you are not alone. Whether you sleep on your side, sleep on your back, or suffer from bad posture at work, the pain in your neck is annoying and painful.
Change your sleeping position
Changing your sleeping position can make your neck muscles relax and reduce the pain you feel each morning. You should also try using a different pillow to keep your neck aligned with your spine. You may also want to try changing your position frequently throughout the day. Regular exercise will keep your neck muscles strong. You may also want to consult a physical therapist for help.
Apply Ice Pack
If you suffer from neck pain, you are likely waking up with sore muscles and stiffness. Applying a cold pack to your neck may relieve muscle tightness and inflammation. The cold pack can be made from a frozen bag of peas, an ice pack, or a towel that has been frozen. Wrap the cold source in a thin cloth to protect the skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this every two to four hours.
An ice pack can be made of different materials, but all can be used to alleviate neck pain. There are also neck-shaped packs that are specifically made for the neck. These neck ice packs have all-natural healing clay that slowly releases cold temperatures to the skin over an extended period of time. Unlike regular ice packs, extra-large packs are long enough to drape over the shoulders and remain flexible once frozen.
Try Gentle Exercises
Gentle exercises can help ease neck pain and prevent further injuries. These exercises will help you increase your range of motion and build strength in your neck. Do ten to fifteen reps. One of the most difficult neck stretches is neck rotation. Try to repeat the exercise several times a day. Repeat this exercise five to ten times daily. For best results, try doing the exercises in the morning and evening after you wake up.
Conclusion
Neck pain from sleeping may be caused by a number of factors, including a recent traumatic event. A strained neck may be the result of a motor vehicle collision, but it can also be a result of a preexisting injury. If whiplash is the cause, the pain will take many hours to develop. A strained neck can also be the result of cervical degenerative disc disease or facet joint osteoarthritis. If you are experiencing pain while sleeping, there are some easy remedies that can help reduce or eliminate the pain.
