How can I get immediate relief from neck pain?

Apply ice or heat, take pain relievers, gently massage, and do neck stretches.

What not to do when you have neck pain?

Avoid sudden movements, don't sleep on a high pillow or in awkward positions, and limit activities that strain your neck.

How to release a stiff neck?

Use gentle neck stretches, apply moist heat, massage gently, and consider over-the-counter muscle relaxants if advised.

How to get rid of kink in neck from sleeping?

Apply heat, do gentle neck stretches, take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed, and ensure proper sleeping posture with a supportive pillow.

Best Pillow for Neck Pain 2024

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, neck soreness in the morning is caused by sleeping positions, the type of pillow you use, or other medical issues such as an injury or osteoarthritis. Let's take a closer look at such causes, a few ways to help you feel better, and how a slight change in your sleep setup will let you rest.

Why Do You Wake Up With A Sore Neck in the Morning?

The neck pain is super uncomfortable. We might not notice, but many body pain issues result from our sleep positions, the kind of pillow we sleep on, and how 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.

Man with a red affected area on the neck, symbolizing neck pain

According to many research reports it is established that frequent sleeping problems can turn regular neck stiffness into chronic muscle distress. However, there are factors that we can control if we are open to making some healthy changes in our routine. These will reduce neck soreness and other body pain issues like back aches. Let’s discuss these factors further:

Sleeping Position

Everyone has a favorite sleeping position. Some prefer sleeping on their side, while some are back sleepers. But if you sleep on your stomach, you are not doing your neck any favors. While sleeping on your stomach, your neck is twisted to one side for hours, making the muscles in your neck grossly stiff.

Another downside to sleeping on your stomach is back pain, especially when you sleep on a mattress with little support. Sleeping on your stomach sinks your belly too much into the bed, putting extra pressure on your spine.

Illustration depicting correct and incorrect sleeping positions with a pillow for optimal health and comfort during rest

Pillow You Use

The very place where you lay your head and neck for hours every night has to be the most essential item you pick. Choosing the right pillow that suits your sleeping style will do you any favors. 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, when 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 initially, 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 to consult a medical expert, as it might lead to chronic muscle problems.

Sudden Body Movements

Sudden movements, such as turning your head too quickly, sitting up, or throwing your wings around while dreaming, can cause your neck muscles to stretch. While sleeping or trying to sleep, we toss and turn on the bed with no firm support, which can sometimes be stressful for the neck.

What Can You Do to Prevent Neck Pain Naturally?

Specific remedies can make you feel better if neck pains ruin your mornings. If you don’t suffer from regular neck soreness or notice any other symptoms, you most likely 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 shooting aches. Warm packs relax your muscles and release tension. Cold packs 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.
You can even try over-the-counter painkillers, such as naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil). But it is wise to consult with your regular physician first.
Exercising is key. Short 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 activity, it tightens your muscles and makes them stiff.

What are the Best Pillows for Neck Pain Relief?

Well, there is no one perfect pillow for reducing neck pain. Since there are many causes, you cannot put all your faith in just one pillow. Suppose searching for the best pillow for neck pain, zero in on its real cause first.

Changing pillows by buying new ones frequently is an exercise that is futile and expensive. 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 your head and neck shape. Feather pillows are soft and plush, so they feel comfortable and don’t disturb you while sleeping. The more your head is in a relaxed position, the more pain-free you will wake up. The only con is that they can lose shape over time, so you might have to replace your pillow yearly.

Memory Foam Pillow

Memory foam is the all-rounder of the bedding world. It's 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 also answer your back problems, keeping the spine in good posture.

Side Sleeper Pillow

Sleeping on your side is considered an influential sleeping position for many reasons. It maintains a proper shoulder height while sleeping and contours the body to prevent neck and shoulder compressions.

Although the side position is usually unstable and not perceptible, it improves blood flow and muscle stabilization, which aids neck pain. So, if you are a side sleeper, you can use a firm and comfortable pillow to keep you in an even better side sleeping position at night.

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Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

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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 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 has a contour shape that is perfect for your sleeping posture.

Final Thoughts

Waking up with neck pain can be a real pain. It's often caused by bad sleeping positions or using the wrong pillow. Simple changes like getting a supportive pillow that suits how you sleep can make a big difference. Use heat or cold packs and do exercises to ease the pain. Improving your sleep setup can reduce neck soreness and make your day more comfortable and refreshed.