Along with back pain, neck pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek chiropractic care. No big surprise. Did you know, however, that one of the biggest contributors to neck pain is your sleeping position?
If you often wake up with a stiff, sore neck, the culprit might be your snoozing habits. Considering that we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping or attempting to get shut-eye, it’s important to be mindful of how you’re sleeping.
Not all sleep positions are ideal. Some strain your neck muscles and vertebrae excessively, leading to misalignment and pain.
What’s the Ideal Sleep Position?
So, which position is best for spine health? Dr. Johnson has some recommendations:
“Typically, sleeping on your back is the most correct position. Side lying either side would be second, and lying face down would be last.”
When sleeping on your back or side, use only one pillow. Multiple pillows can distort the natural curve of your neck, leading to strain and misalignment.
How Poor Sleep Posture Causes Neck Pain
Sleeping in positions that twist your neck or spine can cause vertebrae to shift out of alignment. This is especially common when sleeping on your stomach, as you must turn your head to one side. This extended rotation throughout the night can cause vertebrae to slide out of alignment.
Preventing Morning Neck Pain
If you want to wake up pain-free, Dr. Johnson offers the following tips:
- Sleep primarily on your back or secondarily on your side
- Use just one supportive pillow that maintains your neck’s natural curve
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach
- Ensure your mattress provides adequate support
- Consider chiropractic care if you’re experiencing ongoing neck discomfort
The Value of Chiropractic Care
Many patients find that addressing their sleep position, combined with periodic chiropractic care, significantly reduces morning neck pain. Even minor adjustments to how you position yourself at night can result in remarkable improvements in your comfort levels throughout the day.
With these simple adjustments to your sleep routine and chiropractic care, you can look forward to more restful nights and pain-free mornings. Give Johnson Chiropractic a call today to book an appointment!