Waking up every morning with a sore and stiff neck is not how you want to begin your day. Sometimes this pain shoots so high that you can’t even move your neck or sit comfortably and don’t even mention the crankiness that comes with it.
Most of the time the neck soreness in the morning is caused by the sleeping positions, the type of pillow you use, or other medical issues such as an injury or osteoarthritis. We let's take a closer look on such causes that give rise to morning neck pains, a few ways that’ll help you feel better, and how a little change in your sleep setup will let you have a restful night.
Why Do You Wake Up With A Sore Neck in the Morning?
Neck pain is super uncomfortable. We might not notice but a lot of body pain issues result from our sleep positions, the kind of pillow we sleep on, and the way we use it. A wrong pillow or a bad sleeping posture can trigger neck soreness and even lead to back pain after you wake up.
According to several research reports it is established that frequent sleeping problems can turn a regular neck stiffness to chronic muscle distress. But there are factors that we can control if we are open to making some healthy changes in our routine. These will effectively reduce your neck soreness and other body pain issues such as back ache. Let’s discuss these factors further:
Sleeping Position
Everyone has a favourite sleeping position. Some prefer sleeping on their side while some are back sleepers. But if you sleep on your stomach , well, you are not doing your neck any favors. While sleeping on your stomach your neck is twisted to one side for hours which can make the muscles in your neck grossly stiff.
There is another downside to sleeping on your tummy, the back pain, especially when you sleep on a mattress with not a lot of support. While you sleep on your stomach it sinks your belly too much into the bed, putting extra pressure on your spine.
Pillow You Use
The very place you lay your head and neck, for hours, every night, has to be the most important item you pick. Choosing the right pillow that suits your sleeping style will do you so many favours. It will cradle your head and neck and align your back properly. It will save you from neck soreness, muscle tension, pressure on the spine, and shoulder pain. So, next time you are stuck for a supportive and comfortable pillow, visit Eli & Elm, you might find what you need!
An Old Injury
Injuries are a true nightmare indeed. Some injuries such as whiplash, a strain caused when a person moves his head backward and then forward suddenly with great force, or a sports injury might not be that painful at first, but they can cling to your neck for a long time. If you are someone who has seen the horrors of an injury, you might be prone to regular neck pain after sleep. It is good idea to consult a medical expert in such cases as these might lead to chronic muscle problems.
Sudden Body Movements
Sudden movements like turning your head too quickly or sitting up or throwing your wings around while dreaming, all of these can cause your neck muscles to stretch. While sleeping or trying to sleep we tend to toss and turn on the bed a lot with no firm support around us, which can be stressful for the neck sometimes. -94.6
What Can You Do to Prevent Neck Pain Naturally?
If neck pains are ruining your mornings, then there are certain remedies that can make you feel better. If you don’t suffer from regular neck soreness or notice any other symptoms, then most likely you don’t need to see a doctor. You can just do some home care to ease the pain when it comes.
- You can apply cold or warm packs for instant relief from a shooting aches. Warm packs relax your muscles and release tension. Cold packs will soothe your affected area by reducing any inflammation or swelling that may have occurred. For better results you can use these for about 20 minutes at a time.
- You can even try over-the-counter painkillers, such as naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil). But it is probably wise to consult with your regular physician first.
- Exercising is key. Small walks, gentle lifting, and light exercises like yoga will keep the blood flow to your neck smooth and the pain away. When you do not engage in any sort of activity, it tightens your muscles and makes them stiff.
What are Best Pillows for Neck Pain Relief?
Well there is no one perfect pillow for reducing neck pain. Since the causes are plenty, you cannot put all your faith in just one pillow. If you are on a hunt for the best pillow for neck pain, then you need to zero in on its real cause first.
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Changing pillows through buying new ones frequently is an exercise in futility and expense. There should be a correlation between what you are trying to accomplish (reduce pain, improve posture), your condition (specific pain generators), and the most reasonable method to achieve a long term goal. We have listed pillows that have proven to be the most suitable for neck pain:
Feather Pillow
These pillows are perfect for conforming to the shape of your head and neck. Feather pillows are soft and plush that feels comfortable and doesn’t disturb you while sleeping. The more your head is in a comfortable position, the more you wake up pain-free. The only con they carry is that they can loose their shape over time, so you might have to replace your pillow every year.
Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam is literally the all-rounder of the bedding world. Its like they can fix everything! Memory foam pillows conform to the contours of your head and neck which keeps the pain away for good. They are also the answer to your back problems as they keep the spine in a good posture.
Side Sleeper Pillow
Sleeping on your side is considered to be a really effective sleeping position for many reasons. It keeps a proper shoulder height while sleeping and contours the body to prevent neck and shoulder compressions. Side position is usually unstable that is not perceptible, but it improves blood flow and stabilization of muscles, which aids neck pain.
So, what we are trying to say is if you are a side sleeper too then you can use a pillow that would keep you in a even better side sleeping position at night, firm and comfortable.
Also Read:
Cervical Pillow
Extreme neck pain is a common symptom of cervical. The pain is awful and can cling for a long time. Cervical pillows are bliss when it comes to providing significant benefit to chiropractic care for chronic neck pain. They have healing properties and can align your head and neck in way that soothes your body keeping it pain-free in the morning.
How Can Eli & Elm Help You Get Rid of Neck Pain?
We are no doctors, we are no experts, and no we are definitely not magicians. We are just a team of thinkers who have put together the finest resources and curated a pillow that provides a healing hand in reducing your neck problems. The side sleeper pillow is designed specifically for side sleeping and you have to be sure that you only roll over on your back while sleeping for short periods. Eli & Elm side sleeper pillow comes with a contour shape that is next to perfect for your posture while sleeping.
Sources
Neck Solutions: The Best Pillow For Neck Pain Requires Some Research On Your Part
Harvard Health Publishing: Say "good night" to neck pain
SPINE-health: Pillows for Neck Pain
Edison Spine Centre: Sleeping Positions for Back and Neck Pain
