You have been sleeping soundly and try to get up calmly. Then you feel it... considerable pain in your neck. Suffering from a sore neck is not the way you want to start your day. In most cases, a sore neck is a result of your sleeping position, the kind of pillow you use or other sleep problems. Fortunately, most causes are correctable, as long as you know how it comes about. We have listed some of the causes of neck pain for you. If you address the cause, hopefully you will soon be able to start your day wonderfully rested again!
Different causes for neck pain after sleeping
Normally, your body position while sleeping or the type of pillow you use are not the things you want to pay too much attention to. But did you know that both your sleeping position and your pillow can be a cause of a stiff or sore neck? Moreover, these factors can also play a role in back pain and other types of pain. This means that these issues do require your attention! Fortunately, many of these factors can be controlled, which means that by making a few changes, you can alleviate your neck pain and also other types of pain.
Sleeping on the stomach causes neck pain
Everyone has a favourite sleeping position. Do you sleep better on your back or on your stomach? If you are a stomach sleeper, you are not doing your neck any favours. This is because your neck is most likely turned a quarter turn. This can strain your neck muscles, making them feel sore and stiff in the morning. In addition, sleeping on your stomach can also strain your back, as your back does not benefit from the comfort of your mattress. Moreover, this can cause your tummy (or stomach) to sink into the mattress, putting pressure on your spine and back muscles.
The best thing you can do is sleep on your back or side. It may take a long time to fall asleep due to habituation, but eventually you will reduce the risk of neck pain.
Neck pain caused by the wrong pillow
Your head and neck spend many hours on your pillow every night. This is therefore an important reason to choose a good pillow. A good pillow can be the key to a healthy, pain-free neck. A pillow that does not properly support your head and neck can cause tension in your neck muscles and cause neck pain. Our advice is to use one firm pillow. Pillows that are too soft will lower your head, while pillows that are too hard or multiple pillows will make your neck bend too far in the other direction. So it is definitely worth getting proper information on which pillow is best for you.
Your mattress contributes to neck pain
The mattress you sleep on can also be a cause of neck pain. If you use a very soft mattress, it can cause your body to sink into the bed. This forces your spine and shoulders to bend uncomfortably. In all this, the neck should suffer. Our advice? Turn your mattress from time to time so that it does not collapse in one place. Does your mattress collapse too often? Consider getting a new mattress, as your back and neck require proper support. There is also a lot of difference in the quality of mattresses. the right mattress also depends on your height and weight. So be sure to get informed as well.
Tips to prevent neck pain after sleeping
We have two other tips for you in addition to the above:
Put your phone away in time
Believe it or not, but your phone can hinder your sleep and cause neck pain. Many people bend their head to look at their phone. This puts a lot of pressure on the spine, which can cause you neck pain.
Stretch your neck before going to bed
Stretching your neck loosens tight muscles and can help relieve pain. Place the hand from the side to be stretched on your lower back and hold the other along your side. Now bend your neck so that your ear moves away from your arm but towards your other shoulder. Hold this position as shown.
Neck pain after sleeping? FriskFysio helps you!
If, despite changing pillows and sleeping positions, you still cannot avoid neck pain, or if your neck pain is caused by an injury or chronic condition such as arthritis, consider contacting us. By learning exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the neck, you can feel like your old self again! Want to know more? Visit contact with us, call 085-5000333 or send an e-mail to info@friskfysio.nl and we will help you!
