Wellness Articles

Best Sleeping Position For Neck Pain?

I get asked all the time: what is the best sleeping position? Usually the best sleeping position is lying on your back! But many people cannot seem to get comfortable or fall asleep while lying flat on their mattress so they end up side lying or face down. With proper support to the neck, lying in a side posture position can be a great choice to complement chiropractic care with ongoing neck stiffness. With adjustments and exercise prescription during the day, and a well rested spine and supporting muscles at night with proper sleeping postures, pillows, and a mattress, you can start looking forward to saying “goodnight to neck pain and stiffness”.

To discuss neck stiffness and sleeping positions, or to discuss low back pain and the best sleeping positions to take stress of the spinal joints and musculature, call us for a consultation. The most optimal sleeping position is different for all body types and differs depending if you are currently in discomfort or if it is for preventative measures!

These 5 tips are taken from an article from Harvard Health Publications:
1. Try using a feather pillow, which easily conforms to the shape of the neck. Feather pillows will collapse over time, however, and should be replaced every year or so.

2. Another option is a traditionally shaped pillow with “memory foam” that conforms to the contour of your head and neck. Some cervical pillows are also made with memory foam. Manufacturers of memory-foam pillows claim they help foster proper spinal alignment.

3. Avoid using too high or stiff a pillow, which keeps the neck flexed overnight and can result in morning pain and stiffness.

4. If you sleep on your side, keep your spine straight by using a pillow that is higher under your neck than your head.

5. When you are riding in a plane, train, or car, or even just reclining to watch TV, a horseshoe-shaped pillow can support your neck and prevent your head from dropping to one side if you doze. If the pillow is too large behind the neck, however, it will force your head forward.

Read the full article here

Have a great day and sleep well,
Dr. Lucas Tisshaw
Vancouver Chiropractor and ART provider

Related Articles:
Care of Head, Neck, and Upper Back
Neck Pain
Stretches For Nursing Moms
Pillows
Sleeping Positions
A, B, and zzz’s of Sleep
Sleep Hygiene

 

• Posted: November 2, 2014
• |  by: Dr. Crysta Serne
• |  Categories: Chiropractic
• |  Tags: Chiropractor,  Headache,  Neck Pain,  Pillows,  Sleep