Nine out of ten times neck pain is a consequence of your sleeping habits. Everyone fancies a particular sleeping position but one of the most detrimental positions is if you are sleeping on your stomach. This particular position results in your neck being twisted at one side for a long period of time which can lead to strain on your neck muscles making them feel sore and stiff in the morning. If you sleep on a mattress without a lot of support, it can lead to back pain as your body will put stress and pressure on your spine and back muscles. Your neck rests a long time on the pillow, therefore it is also very important to choose the right kind of pillow that gives adequate support to your body.
Tips to prevent neck pain -
1. Try sleeping on your side or back instead of sleeping on your stomach,
2. In order to help your neck stay aligned with your spine try putting a pillow between your legs while in the sideways position.
3. Make sure the pillow isn’t higher under your head than it is under your neck in the sideways position. Even a little strain on your muscles during the night can cause soreness by morning.
4. Using feather pillows which conform easily to the shape of your neck and head can help but they tend to lose their shape over time and hence it’s recommended that you replace them every year or two.
5. Memory foam pillows can also conform to the contours of your head and neck which help keep your neck supported.
6. It is important to maintain proper posture when standing, walking, and sitting, particularly when at a desk or using a computer and avoid hunching your shoulders and bending your neck too far forward.
7. Avoid using pillows that are too stiff or too deep. It can lead to your neck muscles becoming flexed overnight.
8. It is important to choose a mattress with enough support for your back and neck. If it’s lagging in the middle it might lead to some body pain the next morning.
9. Always hold your phone at eye level instead of bending your neck or hunching forward to look at it.
10. Exercise regularly. Physical activity is important in order to strengthen your muscles, including those in your neck. It will also help you to improve your posture and relieve stress that often leads to stiff muscles.
