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No matter how you like to start your day, it’s tough to get going if you can’t find out how to relieve neck pain from sleeping wrong. You wake up finding it difficult to move, making it tough to kick the day into high gear.

Suffering from a sore neck whether it be a pinched nerve or simply a stiff neck can be extremely overwhelming. The neck while small, holds a lot of power to our bodies movement. It can be quite daunting when a neck pain is so intense. For me personally, I can start to panic and make the situation worse. Obviously this is not the right thing to do, but it’s a natural reaction that I am working on stamping out.

But when this pain in the neck occurs, its important to remain calm and follow the advice as given below. It’s also important to pinpoint ‘WHY’ you have got a sore neck. Perhaps it was from poor sleeping, but it could also be from a strenuous activity undertaken the day before. Like playing the VR (Guilty). Better preparing yourself is just as important as treating a neck pain.

1. My Quick No Nonsense Pain Relief Methods

Depending on the amount of time I have available, I will usually use one of the following 2 quick relief methods to relieve my neck pain. If you suffer from neck problems regularly, it’s wise to invest in a few tools to make life easier and be better prepared for the next episode.

1. Cervical Neck Traction – I’m a huge fan of using cervical neck traction devices becasue they are not only quick, but they work just about every time. Doing this treatment once before work and getting several hours relief from chronic neck pain can make my working day that much easier. This method aligns the vertebrae correctly and instantly relieves neck pain, pinched nerves etc.
2. Massage With Heat – Before I discovered neck traction devices, I was always using a heated percussion massager to relieve my neck pain in the mornings before work. For extreme neck pain, I would go the extra mile and use deep heat rub to really attack the sore areas.

Sleeping Correctly Is Key To Minimizing Neck Pain

Before we look at other ways to relieve neck pain from sleeping wrong, it’s important to fix the way you are currently sleeping. Bad sleep posture can cause your body all sorts of grief, so one should really learn how to sleep correctly to minimize neck pain.

Arming yourself with the best pillow to suit your sleeping style is also detrimental to relieving neck pain. Ideally, you want to master the art of back sleeping and therefor buy the best pillows suitable for back sleepers. This is the best sleeping position in my opinion to reduce neck problems. The spine is perfectly aligned and the head is not forcing pressure on one side of the neck or shoulders in this position.

However, the majority of people are side sleepers. So in this case, if you find it too difficult to sleep on your back, I would recommend trying out orthopedic pillows for neck and shoulder pain. By investing in the right pillow when you sleep on your side you will be reducing the amount of stress put on your neck and shoulders, while getting a comfortable nights sleep.
Once you are positioned better with the right sleeping accessories, here are six helpful ways you can relieve neck pain after sleeping that should get your day off to a better start.

6 Ways To Relieve Neck Pain After Sleeping Badly

1. Don’t Panic – Take A Five Minute Break

For most people, the sound of the alarm clock buzzing signifies a need to get right into a fast and furious routine, but if you wake up with a taut and painful neck, plowing right into that routine can be harmful.

Respect and listen to your body, by assuming a comfortable, horizontal position. You don’t have to go back to bed, just try lounging in a recliner or on your sofa and let your head fall gently backwards. Close your eyes and breathe rhythmically and intentionally, as you attempt to relieve the pressure and tension wreaking havoc on your neck.

2. Apply An Ice Pack

Especially if you’re in a hurry, having an ice pack handy will help your aching neck. Secure it with a towel, so you can try to get the day started, but try to limit your head motion. Ice will reduce inflammation and ease pain and should be applied for at least 10 minutes.

3. Try To Skip The Stress – Avoid Strenuous Work

When you wake up with serious neck pain, it’s important that you make an effort to avoid stress. If at all possible, cancel something on your schedule that’s just going to cause you grief, such as a get-together you weren’t looking forward to or running errands that can just wait until tomorrow. The stress you save may mean the difference between losing the neck ache or making it much worse.

4. Pop On A Warm Compress If You Have Time

Alternatively to an ice pack, sometimes a warm compress or heating pad will help you feel better. Take a few minutes to just sit and meditate, while the warmth soothes your tired and painful neck area.

A heating pad designed for the neck can do wonders in soothing a stiff painful neck. But, knowing all too well how stressful our day to day lives can be, a heating pad is often too time consuming. But I highly suggest taking the time to use on in the morning, let the Boss know you will be 30 minutes late. Better than needing 2-3 days off from chronic neck pain!.

5. Ask Your Doctor About Safe Stretches

For some instances of neck pain, stretches may help; however, because the neck can be a delicate area to work, ask your doctor about these specific stretches before you try them. Yoga, for example, may offer a kind and gentle way to stretch your muscles and bones into feeling better, without causing a lot of strain.

6. Get A Quick Neck Massage

Although it would be helpful if you can catch a quick massage that’s on your way to work, it’s worthwhile to go out of your way to get one. A massage can relieve your neck pain and decrease the amount of muscle tension in your entire body, leaving you fit for just about anything.

If your neck pain is chronic, you may be able to get help from your insurance to pay for therapeutic massages, so look into them as part of your long-term plan for wellness.

Don’t let your nagging neck pain get the better of you. Find ways to relieve your neck pain from sleeping poorly, so you can get your day off to a great start next time.

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