An uncomfortable neck is never welcome at the start of the day. Although certain forms of neck pain are unavoidable, others could be caused by factors that we have control over such as our sleeping posture or pillow choice.
Sleeping on your stomach can leave your neck bent to one side for hours at a time, straining the muscles and leaving you sore and stiff in the morning. Tummy sleeping can also put undue strain on your back when using an unsupportive mattress.
Though a roll of towel or pillow under your head may temporarily alleviate neck pain, for optimal results it is crucial to get proper support for your neck while sleeping. A pillow designed to support its natural curve (ie. neutral position) during restful slumber should provide optimal results.
Physical therapists can provide invaluable assistance when it comes to finding the optimal pillow and sleeping position for your neck. In addition, they may suggest stretching and exercising at home that will ease pain in your neck area. Furthermore, physical therapists may even provide supports like neck braces during nights when recovering from injury.
