How to Sleep with Neck Pain
You toss and turn all night long. You just can’t seem to find a position that feels comfortable for your head and neck. When morning comes, your neck doesn’t feel any better. In fact, it hurts — a lot. It’s stiff. Moving may also cause pain. It’s not exactly an ideal way to start your day.
Well, you aren’t alone. Neck pain impacts about 23% of the general population. And it can arise due to various reasons. So, let’s get to the bottom of your neck pain once and for all. Why is it happening? How does it create sleeping problems and more? And most importantly, what can you do about it? Let's take a look at how to sleep with neck pain.
Common Types of Neck Pain
The neck is comprised of various ligaments, muscles, and bones. The vertebrae in the neck connect your spine to your skull. In between the vertebrae are discs that absorb impact between the bones. Injury or inflammation to any of these areas can result in pain throughout your day and at night.
These are the most common causes of neck pain.
Muscle Strain
You don’t have to be doing any heavy-lifting to pull a muscle. A muscle strain in the neck can happen due to bad posture, staying in the same position for too long, or sleeping with your neck positioned in a certain way.
The result? You’ll likely have neck stiffness, pain along the shoulders and upper back, numbness or weakness in the arms, pain when moving your neck a certain way, and even headaches.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Disc degeneration happens naturally with age. But for a person with degenerative disc disease, it happens faster. The discs wear down, and pain results. Sometimes, this pain can feel quite severe. It may worsen when twisting or moving your neck. Generally, as time goes on, symptoms get worse. Thankfully, there are various treatment methods for this condition (as we will explore below!).
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can arise from degenerative disc disease. This condition is when two bones rub against each other, causing them to become worn down. If you have this condition in your neck, neck pain and stiffness are key characteristics. You might also notice a grinding sensation when you move your neck.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc happens when one of the spinal discs protrudes or ruptures. Again, this can cause neck pain, as well as radiating pain down the arms.
Other Causes
A few other causes of neck pain include rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis. If you are experiencing severe neck pain, book a visit with your doctor and get it checked out as soon as you can. From there, you can get a proper diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment for it.
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How Can Neck Pain Cause Difficulty Sleeping?
Any kind of pain can interrupt your sleep, leaving you with restless nights and exhausted mornings. Neck pain, in particular, can prevent you from finding a comfortable position. You might find you wake up frequently with pain, or you simply can’t fall asleep.
So, what can you do? How can you sleep with neck pain? We’ve got a few tips!
Tips for Coping with Neck Pain
Sleep is essential. Without it (or lacking it), you may move through your day in a fog. And if neck pain plays a role, you’re probably uncomfortable. Use the following tips and tricks to help combat your neck pain — and finally get a good night’s rest.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
While you don’t want to rely on pain medication for a long time, taking over-the-counter pain medication temporarily can help you find some relief. It can reduce your pain and decrease any inflammation, allowing you to sleep better. Take as directed before bed. Avoid taking any over-the-counter pain medication for longer than two weeks. Doing so may cause unwanted gastrointestinal side effects.
Use Heating Pads
Before bed, relax for 10-20 minutes with a heating pad across your neck and shoulders. This can decrease muscle tension, reduce muscle spasms, and allow you to go to bed feeling relaxed and in less pain.
Use Muscle Rubs
There are various types of muscle rubs and creams you can purchase at your local pharmacy to help reduce your neck pain. Again, use as directed and before bed. We recommend keeping it by your bedside, just in case pain wakes you up at night and you need an easy go-to.
Find the Right Pillow for You and Your Body
Neck pain can often result from using either the wrong or an old pillow. As you sleep, your neck requires adequate support. You can purchase pillows specifically for this, such as cervical memory foam pillows or pillows with special cervical support. It may take trying a few different types out until you find one that works — but it will be entirely worth it!
Pacific Coast vs. Cariloha Pillows
Both Pacific Coast and Cariloha offer high-quality pillows, but there are some differences between the two brands that you may want to consider before making a purchase.
Pacific Coast pillows are known for their exceptional comfort and durability. They are made with high-quality materials and are designed to provide excellent support for your head and neck. Pacific Coast pillows are available in a variety of styles and fill materials, including down, feathers, and synthetic fibers.
Cariloha pillows, on the other hand, are made with bamboo-derived viscose and are designed to provide a soft and comfortable sleep experience. They are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them a great choice for people with allergies or sensitivities.
Ultimately, the choice between Pacific Coast and Cariloha pillows will depend on your personal preferences and sleep needs. If you value durability and support, Pacific Coast may be the better choice for you. If you prefer a soft and hypoallergenic pillow, Cariloha may be the better option.
Sleep Better, Without Pain!
Nothing beats a good night’s sleep. Use our tips above to help alleviate your neck pain and finally get the rest your body needs. If your neck pain is severe and persistent, book a visit with your family doctor to determine the cause and to find an appropriate treatment for you. That way, you can live your life — without pain holding you back.