When you get up in the morning, you expect to feel refreshed, but instead, you are in pain. You quickly realize that your neck must have been in the wrong position when you were asleep, and it hurts to move it. Now, you need to know how to get rid of neck pain from sleeping wrong. It’s not very hard to alleviate the pain, as long as the pain truly is from sleeping.
Do you sleep on your stomach? If so, you can strain your neck when sleeping. Sleep on your back or side instead. If you find yourself on your stomach when you wake up, sleep next to a body pillow. Your body pillow will prevent you from rolling over in your sleep.
Your pillow can also cause neck pain when sleeping. You might love a big, fluffy pillow, but that can hurt your neck. If you have a firm mattress, ditch the pillow altogether. If not, get a neck pillow. It will keep your neck and head in the proper position throughout the night.
Ice and heat can alleviate neck pain from sleeping wrong. Use ice for the first three days. Put an ice pack on your neck for 15 minutes and take it off. You can do that every hour as needed. Then switch to heat. If you don’t have a heating pad, a warm shower will do the trick.
If your pain is getting in the way of your daily activities, you may try over-the-counter pain relievers. Consider an anti-inflammatory that will alleviate your pain while reducing the inflammation. Follow the instructions when taking anti-inflammatories. Anti-inflammatory medication can cause stomach issues, so you don’t want to overdo it. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication.
Range-of-motion stretches alleviate tension in your neck, making it easier to relax. These exercises also protect your neck from strains while sleeping. Start by moving your head to the left and right, and then move it up and down. Do it slowly, so you do not injure yourself. As you do these exercises, you should feel your neck stretch from the top to the base. Do this every night before bed and every morning after you wake up.
If you hurt your neck when sleeping, try resting it. Holding up your head all day puts a lot of pressure on your neck, and it needs a break. Lie down flat so your neck can relax.
Did your neck pain start after a car accident, an accident at work, or another injury? If so, it might not be due to sleeping wrong. Sleeping might simply make the issue worse. Schedule an appointment with a New York pain management doctor for help. The pain management doctor will evaluate your symptoms and devise a treatment plan.
Neck pain from sleeping wrong is usually easy to treat. You can likely alleviate the pain with some at-home care. However, if the pain persists or you think it might be caused by whiplash due to a car accident or a workers’ compensation injury or another issue, it’s time to see a New York neck injury doctor. Contact your doctor before the problem gets worse.
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