Nobody is a stranger to a sore or stiff neck or shoulder. Mild soreness and pain is a normal part of life that may occur from overexertion or sitting with poor posture for too long. However, when your neck and shoulders are frequently stiff, it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep.
By making some simple adjustments to the way you sleep, you may be able to get a good night’s rest and also help reduce neck and shoulder pain.
How to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder
- Change your position — Poor sleeping position might not only make it hard to sleep with neck and shoulder pain, it may also be the cause of your pain. Avoid sleeping on your stomach because it forces you to turn your head for hours at a time, which strains your neck and shoulders.
Instead, sleep on your back or on your side. Make sure your spine is aligned and supported to help reduce and prevent a stiff neck and shoulder.
- Use a better pillow — A pillow that is too flat or too big will cause your neck to be out of alignment while sleeping. You’ll wake up with a stiff neck and shoulder on a regular basis.
Find a pillow that provides the right amount of support you need to keep your neck aligned with your spine.
- Stretch and exercise — Stretching and exercising on a regular basis can help keep your muscles strong and flexible to help prevent stiffness. Stretching before going to bed and when waking up can help reduce stiffness in the neck and shoulder when sleeping.
- Visit a physical therapist — Your stiffness may be connected to an injury or a chronic medical condition that requires professional treatment. Physical therapists can examine your neck and shoulders to identify the cause of your pain and stiffness. They can guide you through a personalized treatment routine to help you manage your pain, improve your range of motion and perform simple tasks, such as getting a good night’s sleep.
Visit Panther Physical Therapy for stiff neck and shoulder pain treatment
Do you have trouble sleeping due to a stiff neck and shoulder? Physical therapy can help reduce shoulder and neck pain, so you can enjoy more of your favorite activities and get a better night’s sleep. Our team at Panther Physical Therapy can examine your neck and shoulder and work on a treatment that can help you reduce your pain and stiffness, especially while sleeping. Contact our team for more information about how to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder or to schedule an initial appointment.