There are a lot of strenuous activities that can produce unwanted aches and pains. However, a common source of neck pain comes from a traditionally relaxing activity: sleep. Yes, neck pain from sleeping is quite common. If you often wake up with neck pain, you know how much of a nuisance it can be. Even so, you may not understand how to address this problem.
As licensed chiropractors, we have some tips for short-term relief and prevention and long-term solutions for treating neck pain from sleeping.
Maintain a good sleeping position
Falling asleep in an awkward position can add stress to your neck and other areas, which is one reason you may wake up with neck pain. To help prevent this issue, here are a couple of suggestions when getting ready for bed:
- Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach as much as possible. This position can cause your neck to be angled one way for hours at a time and put a strain on your back. If you need more time to ditch this habit, consider getting a very thin pillow or avoid a pillow altogether so your neck can rest at a natural angle.
- Thinner pillows for back sleepers and thicker pillows for side sleepers can keep your neck at a natural curve; this ensures that it’s not getting stressed by awkward angles or elevations.
Another bedtime tip is to avoid using your phone since bending your head downwards can add extra pressure on the spine. After too much time, it could also cause neck pain. We’ve addressed the consequences of the dreaded “tech neck” before.
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Achieving Quality Rest
Another good reason to avoid using your phone before bedtime is because blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle, and poor sleep quality can also increase neck pain. Sleep is a healing process, and thus, if your body can’t achieve quality sleep, then your muscles may not rest well, and the healing process may be disturbed.
Other factors may come into play with neck pain after sleep. Unnoticed issues that build up through the day or unaddressed injuries can also contribute to your neck pain. Although these tips are good short-term suggestions, long-term relief is best achieved through treatment with a licensed chiropractor who can perform the necessary adjustments.
Neck Pain from Sleeping
At Weymouth Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we provide licensed and certified chiropractic care. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Quincy, click the link to contact us and start alleviating neck pain from sleeping. You can also request a sports injury chiropractor for athletes who need relief from wear and tear.