Waking Up with Neck Pain: Chiropractic Tips
By Sara Butler
Everyone has woken up in the morning at some point only to discover if they turn their neck to one side, white-hot pain jolts them awake. Maybe it’s because you slept in a weird position or you injured yourself the day before. Whatever the reason, you should see a chiropractor at The Joint as soon as you can. In the meantime, this is what you can do to wake up feeling rested and free from pain.
Hydrate
The discs that sit between the bones in your neck are made up mostly of water. If you’re dehydrated, then they may be less flexible, causing pain. That’s why it’s important to make sure you drink enough water each day. To help you be successful, you should carry around a refillable water bottle with you and sip all day long. If you don’t like drinking plain water, feel free to jazz it up with a little fruit or a few herbs to help it taste better.
Sleep in the Right Position
It’s important to sleep in a position that helps to keep your spine in neutral, natural alignment. That means the natural curves of your back are supported. If you’re a stomach sleeper, then that may be why you wake up with a neck that’s painful. Sleeping that way puts a lot of pressure on your whole spine and can result in damage over time. Talk to the chiropractor about your sleeping position and how you might be able to improve it for optimal spinal health.
Get the Right Pillow
You don’t want your head up too high or down to low -- it should be in alignment with the rest of your body. If it’s not, then your neck is placed in an awkward position all night. Ask your chiropractor about the right kind of pillow for your neck that works with your sleeping position.
See the Chiropractor
Occasional neck pain isn’t an unusual situation, but it can make your life a bit more complicated. If you have neck pain for two or more days, or it’s severe, then you need to consult with a chiropractor to help you figure out why your neck is bothering you and what can be done to treat it.
Neck pain happens, but make sure to see the chiropractors at The Joint to help you understand why it hurts and to keep it from happening in the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.