I'm Waking Up With A Stiff Neck!
Life is stressful enough during the day that it seems truly
heartbreaking that many us cannot get the restorative sleep we need each
night. Tossing and turning causing insomnia is an epidemic in the U.S.,
but worse, some of us wake up with actual pain and stiffness. What a
way to start the day.
Sometimes it's the mattress being too soft or unsupportive. Or maybe
the too thick hotel pillow has gotten your number. Sleep posture is very
critical to spinal health. The neck has a forward arch, and this has to
be preserved for there to be maximal relaxation of the spinal cord and
nerves. Also the head needs to be supported when turning to side
sleeping. The pillow needs to be thick enough so that the head does not
fall towards the shoulder, stretching the muscles and delicate nerves on
the side of the neck.
You need to rest your spine each night so that the tissues can repair
and heal. It is important that muscles are able to relax, and that the
bones of the neck are not placed into abnormal postures. Ever fall
asleep on an armrest of a sofa, or in a car or plane? Most of us have
experienced the stiffness that comes with this. But some of us have
spinal bones that are already sprained and displaced from old injuries,
which means good sleeping posture is even more critical. Simply a minor
change from our usual bed or pillow is enough to make for a stiff neck
in the morning. Or perhaps you thought a stiff neck in the morning was
normal because it has gone on for years.
One of the more common problems for morning stiffness is neck and body
position. Stomach sleeping is a definite no. In this position, the neck
will be twisted excessively. The best positions will be side lying with
adequate head support, or flat on the back with a proper neck-support
pillow. These types of pillows allow the cushion to push upwards into
the curve of the neck, while the head is cradled. Usually pillows are
simply too thick and these can cause the neck to be in a forward
stressed position which stretches the nerves and spinal cord.
If you're waking up with a stiff neck, then it could be how you're
sleeping or whether your pillow is right for good neck sleeping posture.