“How should I sleep with neck pain?”
I have neck pain and it's been 2 weeks now. I think it is from my sleeping position. How should I sleep with neck pain?
5 Answers
A chiropractor can examine you to diagnose you determining what is the cause of your pain.
2 weeks is too long to go without treatment. Make an appointment for an exam and treatment, in the meantime, on your back with a rolled up towel will avoid the condition worsening
The proper pillow is VERY IMPORTANT! Try lying on your back or sides but avoid laying on your stomach which forces you to rotate your neck.
The “ideal pillow” is one that allows the neck to remain “neutral” or maintain its normal curve that is present when standing. The pillow should not be too thick or too thin. Since the neck is generally skinnier than the head, a “neck-friendly” pillow should be thicker on the edge. It fills in the space between the neck and bed and is thinner under the head. There are many contoured or “shaped” pillows available that are thicker on the outside edges and thinner in the middle. Some of these include foam pillows of different densities, air pillows, water pillows, memory foam pillows, feather pillows, and others. Some companies make a pillow based on the measurement between the neck and the point of the shoulder. This allows the person to pick the pillow size best suited for their neck size. It’s important to note that it can take about a week to get used to the “new shaped” pillow so, “BE PATIENT!” Since we spend 6-8 hours of time in bed sleeping (that’s 25-30% of our life is spent sleeping!), neck pain may be PREVENTED by using a contoured pillow.
For more information read the rest of my thoughts on sleep and neck pain here: https://woodwardchiro.com/neck-pain-and-sleep/
The “ideal pillow” is one that allows the neck to remain “neutral” or maintain its normal curve that is present when standing. The pillow should not be too thick or too thin. Since the neck is generally skinnier than the head, a “neck-friendly” pillow should be thicker on the edge. It fills in the space between the neck and bed and is thinner under the head. There are many contoured or “shaped” pillows available that are thicker on the outside edges and thinner in the middle. Some of these include foam pillows of different densities, air pillows, water pillows, memory foam pillows, feather pillows, and others. Some companies make a pillow based on the measurement between the neck and the point of the shoulder. This allows the person to pick the pillow size best suited for their neck size. It’s important to note that it can take about a week to get used to the “new shaped” pillow so, “BE PATIENT!” Since we spend 6-8 hours of time in bed sleeping (that’s 25-30% of our life is spent sleeping!), neck pain may be PREVENTED by using a contoured pillow.
For more information read the rest of my thoughts on sleep and neck pain here: https://woodwardchiro.com/neck-pain-and-sleep/
Side sleeping is the best position, back sleeping with a low (or no) pillow, and stomach sleeping is least recommended. I like a Tempurpedic pillow with an arch that supports the space under the head and neck so the spine stays aligned. Use a body pillow to minimize body torsion in the lower half.
A lot of times in practice , I see patients using the wrong pillows. Either too high or not supportive enough. I recommend a contour pillow that supports the neck. If you are a side or back sleeper this should help support your neck. On the side, I recommend putting a pillow between your knees and on your back a Dutchmans roll or pillow under your knees. I never recommend stomach sleeping because it puts your neck in a twisted and unsupported position. I hope this helps, Dr. De'Andra Stewart, D.C.
