Waking up with neck pain sets the tone for the whole day. You should wake up feeling refreshed and energized for the day ahead, not constantly rubbing the back of your neck trying to ease the pain.
Why does the back of my neck always hurt?
Most of the time neck pain is caused by bad posture or overuse. Your neck is made up of bones, ligaments and muscles which support your head and allow for movement. Injuries, inflammation, and abnormalities can all contribute to stiffness and pain in your neck.
Chances are that if your neck pain is worse when you wake up in the morning, it is caused by your sleeping position, pillow, mattress or all three. This is good news for those suffering from neck pain because if you adjust your pillow or sleeping position you will do alleviate some of the pain you are waking up with.
Medical professionals suggest that the best sleeping position for upper back and neck pain is sleeping on your side. This position eases the strain on the lower back and hips. Changing the position you are sleeping in will help with your neck pain but do not ignore the importance of finding the correct pillow for sleeping on your side. The pillow you chose should be at least 4 to 5 inches high, flat pillows are not ideal for side sleepers. You want to make sure that your head and neck are properly supported.
What other characteristics should your pillow have if you are suffering from neck pain and sleep on your side?
The main cause of neck pain after sleeping is because your spine, neck, and head are not being properly supported. This results in strain being placed on these areas and you will end up with stiffness and discomfort in your neck. When you are looking for a new pillow it is important to make sure the pillow you chose offers you the correct spinal support. Your sleeping position may also be the cause of neck pain after sleeping, especially if you are a stomach sleeper. Try falling asleep on your side, it will help to ease the pressure on your spine.
Finding a pillow that maintains it’s shape is important for a good night’s sleep. A pillow that loses shape keeps needing to be fluffed up or goes flat as you sleep on it will keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. It will also not provide the right support for your neck, so you will wake up rubbing the back of your neck to ease the stiffness and pain. A good pillow for neck pain for side sleepers must retain its firmness but not be too soft or too hard.
Goose down pillows are good for side sleepers, they offer softness, comfort, and support. These luxury pillows also offer buoyancy and loft, making them the best pillow for side sleepers. Before buying the first goose down one you find, read the reviews. Specifically, look for reviews of people who have also suffered from neck pain.
Contour memory foam pillows are known to cause overheating. If you get hot and uncomfortable during the night you will toss and turn and struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. Find a pillow that will keep you cool at night and provide the right support while you sleep on your side. When making your decision on the best pillow for neck pain, look for a pillow that will keep you cool all night while also providing you with the right about of support.
Finding an adjustable pillow will also help to ease your neck pain and is a great choice for side sleepers. If you favor sleeping on your side, and it is the recommended position, you want to make sure that you close the gap between your neck and the mattress. This will differ from person to person, being able to adjust the pillow will help you find the right height for you. If you are sleeping with a pillow that it is too hight it could be lifting your head too much, adding strain to your neck. If your pillow is too low, your alignment will not be correct which could also cause pain and stiffness.
Not all pillows are created equal and not all pillows are designed for side sleepers. If you are suffering from neck pain as a side sleeper, you want to find a pillow that has been designed for side sleepers. When a pillow has been designed with side sleepers in mind, it makes sure that it offers the right support, is made from the correct material and will give you a good night’s sleep.
Finding the right pillow is like finding gold! When you do find the perfect pillow, you want to find one that lasts well. A good pillow should last you years while still maintaining its shape, firmness, and support.
If you are a side sleeper suffering from neck pain, a new pillow will help to ease the pain you are experiencing. Before deciding on a new pillow, make sure you consider a few things so that you find the best pillow for you.