Neck Pain From Sleeping Wrong? What You Can Do Right Now

Jill fell for the BOGO offer from that MyPillow guy and boy does she regret it.

Have you woken with neck pain from sleeping in an awkward position? Often this ache is nothing more than an annoyance, but it can sometimes be extremely painful, preventing you from turning your head.

Occasional neck pain from sleeping incorrectly is a common issue.

Deep in sleep, your head can fall into a position that puts unnecessary stress upon your neck muscles. After a bit, your neck may get agitated. Your sleeping brain might do you a solid and command your body to reposition itself so that your neck gets a little relief. Alternatively, you ignore the agitation, exacerbating the strain. As a result, you’ve got a pain in the neck the next morning. Damn you, sleeping brain!

There’s a lot of different things you can do to avoid this sort of neck pain after sleep in the future: change your sleeping position, try a new pillow or even, god-forbid… exercise!

I’ll bet you’re not very interested in exercise at the moment.  You need quick relief! Here’s how to get rid of neck pain from sleeping wrong right now.

Give your neck a rest.

Your giant head weighs around 11 lb. That’s a lot of weight that your neck needs to support. Give your muscles a break. If you’ve got some time to spare, lie down. Make sure your head in a neutral position and that you’ve got a comfortable pillow. More rest is often the best remedy even if you just rolled out of bed.

Do your best to avoid stress.

Are you worried that the boss will find out you’ve been stealing from the business for years? Scared of an early death? Forget your problems and watch a movie or read a book! I recommend Ozark on Netflix.

Ice in short increments.

It can work well for some, but cooling can aggravate more serious issues, so If the pain worsens, remove the ice immediately.

Have a partner massage the affected area.

Who doesn’t appreciate a good massage? Neck pain or not, it generally makes life in the moment a little better.

Use a warm compress.

A warm damp towel (use a microwave to heat it) can help to increases circulation and is often effective in providing relief to stiff muscles. Beware, heat can make inflammation worse, so if your symptoms deteriorate, remove that heat immediately!

Pop a few of what modern medication has to offer.

Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help a lot if the pain isn’t too ridiculous. It should go without saying, but please follow the directions on the packaging.

Stretch the muscles in your neck.

It’s always best to warm up muscles before stretching, so it’s advisable to take a hot shower or use a hot compress first. The key with stretching is to not overdo it! Here’s 4 of the simpler stretches recommended by WebMD:

1. Slowly turn your head to the left. With your left hand, apply very light tension on your chin so that your head turns slightly more. Hold for 20 seconds and return your head slowly to center. Repeat on the right side.
2. Tilt your head to the left and try to touch your left ear to your shoulder. With your left hand, apply light pressure on your temple. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat on the right side.
3. Bend your head forward and try to touch your chin to your chest. Relax the shoulders as you do this. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat.
4. Lie on your back with your knees bent and a pillow under your head and neck for support. Nod your head forward gently, as though you were saying “yes.” Hold the position for 10 seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 times.

If your pillow doesn’t keep your head at the correct level, it is likely you will experience back and neck pain.

Consistent pain in the neck?

Remember, these are just temporary solutions to neck pain from sleeping incorrectly! If you had a bad night, try all of the above and hopefully you’ll get some relief.

If you’re experiencing neck pain from sleeping on a consistent basis, do something that addresses the root of the issue(s) rather than just treating the symptoms.

Want a solution to a consistent problem? Try something easy.

The wrong pillow can exacerbate or even be the cause of your neck pain. Often the solution is simple: replace your pillow with a more suitable one. A good pillow will keep your spine from bending unnaturally upwards or downwards and provide comfortable, even support for your entire head and neck.

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I Woke Up And I Can’t Move My Neck, Now What? Tips From Your Chiropractor in West Vancouver – Ambleside Chiropractic Clinic

Waking up with a stiff neck is one thing, but waking up without being able to move your neck at all can be very frightening, especially if it’s the first time it has happened to you. Thankfully this type of neck pain happens more often than you think and is usually nothing to be too worried about. There are all sorts of reasons, causes, and symptoms that come along with this often temporary condition.

A stiff and painful neck usually doesn’t appear out of anywhere. You may have noticed a particular pain or stiffness in your neck, and it’s often connected to injury, strain, or repetitive use of the neck muscles. Those most commonly afflicted include people who sit at a desk a lot, those who might have recently changed up their sleeping arrangements (pillows make a huge difference), and those who might just have slept with an accidentally awkward posture.

Why Does It Happen, And What Causes The Pain?

Everyone experiences pain differently, and the same can be said with neck ache and stiffness in the morning. It’s essential to visit a healthcare professional if this pain is consistent or recurring or paired with any other symptoms such as numbness, pins, and needles, or lightheadedness.

There are a few causes of morning neck stiffness that are most common:

• Strain and pain in the ribs; while this might seem unusual, the top rib is closer to your neck than you think. Any neck pain can be associated with strain in the upper chest. If this is the cause of your neck stiffness, you will likely feel some pain while breathing deeply, pain in your mid back or sternum, or a radiating pain that spreads down your shoulders.   The 1^st rib subluxating even slightly out of position has been the direct cause for a lot of pain and immobility to the neck for a lot of people.

• Joint pain, particularly facet joints, can become strained and worn-out over repetitive use. Your body reacts in a very particular way when there is a pain in your neck as it’s seen as a dangerous area to your brain. You might experience spasms and general feelings of uncomfortableness.  Facets joints are susceptible to locking up and getting stuck.  This type of neck pain is one of the most common neck joint dysfunction that our Chiropractor in West Vancouver sees. It usually happens in the morning when you wake up.  The pain is in a localized area in your neck, and it feels stuck and excruciating at times.  Luckily, it’s quite an easy fix so long you don’t wait too long to make that appointment with your Chiropractor.

• General exhaustion of your neck muscles is a likely culprit, usually affecting those who spend a long time sitting at a desk or have pillows that do not suit their sleeping posture. It’s a good idea to stretch regularly, including neck stretches, and to experiment with different sleeping arrangements if this is something new you’re noticing in the mornings.  The muscles in the neck, like every other muscle in the body, can be strained. Usually, if the neck muscles are overloaded by holding your head in a particular position for too long.  Similarly, if you fall asleep with your head and neck in an awkward position, this can also strain the neck muscles, resulting in a muscle spasm in the morning when you try to turn your head.  Usually, a pillow that is too high or too low, or falling asleep with your head at an unusual angle can result in a painful neck the following morning.

As we mentioned, waking up with a stiff neck isn’t usually something to worry about. The stiffness will subside, sometimes even during the first couple of hours of being awake, and you start moving more. In some cases, though, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a Chiropractor or a medical professional. If there is any weakness, general feelings of sickness, or the pain worsens, you should call to make an appointment to see our Chiropractor in West Vancouver or your family doctor.

Preventing Stiff Morning Neck

Even if this is the first time you’ve experienced a stiff neck in the morning, you should start to build in some routine lifestyle changes that can prevent the symptoms from flaring up again. Some simple changes, like the way your chair is positioned in front of your desk, making sure you regularly stretch if sitting for a long time, and the consideration of including some daily exercises (yoga is a good idea), will all prevent neck pain and pain in other areas of your body.

There are some other things to keep in mind, as well. Although you might feel comfortable sleeping on your stomach, this posture is particularly bad for your neck muscles. Likewise, it would help if you opted for a firmer pillow that naturally suits the way your neck is curved and will provide you with the proper support you need.   Since everyone is different in size and sleeps differently, talk to our Chiropractor in West Vancouver.  We have some pillows that we can recommend for you that should help alleviate the unnecessary neck pain.

However, one of the most efficient and essential things that you can do is to make a habit of stretching your neck and shoulder muscles every night before bed.  This regular stretching should become a normal nightly routine.  Once established, you will find that not only is it easy to do, but you will wake up with no more neck pain.

Tips To Help Treat Neck Pain

It might feel like there’s nothing you can do once you’re experiencing a stiff neck, and sometimes it’s indeed a good idea to let the stiffness subside on its own. That being said, you should keep in mind that moving, stretching, and generally exercising your neck can begin to help alleviate the pain. Turn your head ever so slightly in each direction a few times an hour, and moving your arms and shoulders regular brings blood and movement back to those tight muscles.   Remember, big and regular movements are better than small repetitive movements.  An example of small repetitive movements is using the keyboard and mouse continuously throughout the day.  You need to break that cycle up by getting off your desk, stretch your neck and shoulders, and perhaps make big windmill movements of your arms and shoulders.

Over-the-counter pain relief can be used to help ease the sensations of neck pain. It, however, does not correct the cause.  It does give you some pain relief when you need it. A heating pad can also work wonders to reduce some of the stiffness and generally aching neck and shoulder muscles. If the pain doesn’t go away, or the stiffness remains for a long time, then you should consider visiting a Chiropractor or a Massage Therapist as well.

What Can A Chiropractor Do For You

Our Chiropractic in West Vancouver has helped many patients get back to normal after experiencing consistent neck pain and stiffness. Some chronic and some more acute.   The general rule of thumb is not to wait, hoping things will get better.  Some muscles spasm can last over two weeks.  The sooner you come in for an evaluation and treatment, the faster you can get to lead a pain-free and active life.  It’s also easier to treat this type of neck pain earlier rather than later.  While some home remedies, like a long bath or some simple exercises, might deal with some symptoms, for cases of stiffness and pain that just doesn’t go away, we’re here to help.

First and foremost, chiropractors offer a level of personalized care that goes above and beyond taking medication. We build a whole repertoire of treatments and exercise routines that are structured around your specific needs. A chiropractor can also perform spinal adjustments on misaligned vertebrae and joints that could be causing neck pain after sleeping.  Certain soft tissue therapies combined with active and passive mobilization can break the pain cycle quicker.  Specific home stretches and excercises will be given to you after your visit to make sure the pain and stiffness does not return.   The main focus of our Chiropractor in West Vancouver is to bring your body back into balance so it functions optimally again. 

Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor

The neck contains muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. These work together to support the head and allow it to move in many directions. The neck may become stiff or painful when overused or injured.

A stiff neck often occurs when one of the muscles becomes strained or tense. Stiffness can also develop if one or more of the vertebrae is injured.

A stiff neck may become painful when a person tries to move their neck or head.

Usually, a stiff neck results from a minor injury or incident. People can often relieve the stiffness at home. In rare cases, however, it can be a sign of a serious illness that requires medical treatment.

Stiffness usually occurs when the neck muscles are overused, stretched too far, or strained. This can cause pain ranging from mild to severe that can make it difficult to move the head or use the neck muscles.

The most common causes of a stiff neck include:

Minor sprains and strains

A stiff neck often results from minor injury or strain, possibly due to:

• sleeping awkwardly
• sitting or slouching for long periods, such as at a desk
• looking down at an object (such as a cell phone) repeatedly
• sustaining a sports injury
• experiencing a fall
• having tense muscles due to stress

Whiplash

More severe neck injuries can cause whiplash. People often experience whiplash during car accidents that cause the head to suddenly jerk forward and backward.

Whiplash is an injury to the muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves in the neck, or all of these. It causes pain and stiffness in the neck.

Other symptoms of whiplash include:

• a headache
• dizziness
• back or shoulder pain
• a feeling of prickling or burning in the neck area
• memory loss or trouble concentrating

Arthritis

Cervical spondylosis, or arthritis of the neck, can also cause neck pain and stiffness, which may improve when lying down.

The pain may get worse when a person stays in the same position for a long period, such as while driving or sitting in front of a computer. Other symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:

• headaches
• numbness in the arms or hands
• trouble walking, balance problems, or both
• weakness in the arms or legs

A doctor may diagnose cervical spondylosis with the help of certain tests, such as an X-ray, MRI scan, and a blood test.

Meningitis

Sometimes, a stiff neck is a symptom of meningitis, which can be serious. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are coverings on the brain and spinal cord.

A virus, bacteria, or fungi may cause meningitis. Viral meningitis can get better on its own, but bacterial and fungal meningitis can be life-threatening. Some symptoms of meningitis include:

• a sudden fever, usually with a headache, a stiff neck, or both
• nausea
• vomiting
• sensitivity to light
• confusion, irritability, or both
• an inability to wake from sleep

A person should seek immediate medical care if these symptoms appear.

The best way to relieve a stiff neck depends on the cause. When the stiffness is minor, some of the following home treatments may help:

Applying ice

Using an ice pack can help relieve inflammation and swelling after a minor strain. The ice can have a numbing effect, temporarily relieving any pain.

This treatment is usually most effective within the first 48 hours of an injury, when there tends to be the most significant swelling.

Use a first aid ice pack or cover a bag of ice or frozen peas with a cloth to avoid frostbite. Apply the ice for up to 20 minutes at a time, taking 20–30-minute breaks.

Applying heat

Some people alternate using ice and heat on a muscle strain. Using heating pads or a taking hot bath can help relax tense muscles and provide relief.

Taking over-the-counter medicines

If applying ice, heat, or both does not relieve the pain of a stiff neck, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help.

Some examples include ibuprofen and naproxen, which can reduce swelling and relieve pain. If a person has a health condition and is taking other medications, they should ask a doctor before using NSAIDs.

Stretching

Stretch the neck muscles by gently and slowly moving the head from side to side. Roll the shoulders forward and backward. Stop if the stretches cause pain.

Checking the sleep environment

Sometimes, a mattress that is too firm or not supportive enough can cause neck pain. A pillow that is the incorrect size or firmness may also cause a stiff neck.

The head, neck, and back should be in an aligned position during sleep. The pillows that a person uses should suit their sleeping position.

A firmer, larger pillow may work well for side sleepers. Back sleepers may need a flatter pillow that supports the head and neck without forcing them into a forward position.

Paying attention to posture

Slouching can gradually pull the neck muscles and cause stiffness and pain. A person should focus on keeping the shoulders, neck, and back in a straight line throughout the day. Wearing a posture-correcting device may help, as can setting reminders and alarms on a cell phone or computer.

See a dentist

Ongoing stiffness in the neck accompanied by a headache or jaw pain upon waking can be a sign of nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism. A dentist can check the teeth for signs of wear from grinding, and they may look at the alignment of the jaw.

Some people wear a custom-made teeth guard at night to protect the teeth from further damage. This may also alleviate pressure on the jaw and neck muscles.

Getting a massage

A licensed massage therapist may help provide relief from tense, sore muscles. Although research has not yet proven that massage is effective, a study from 2014 found that massage did improve pain for people with neck arthritis.

Other research published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that having a professional massage can help relieve stress, which may indirectly help with stiffness in the neck.

Managing stress

There is no way to completely avoid stress. However, learning to manage it can reduce tension in the neck.

People with high levels of chronic stress may wish to talk with a healthcare professional about healthful ways to manage stress.

Some of the following measures can help prevent a stiff neck:

• Use an earpiece to talk on the phone. Avoid holding the phone between the shoulder and ear.
• Try not to look down at a cell phone or tablet for long periods. Hold the device at eye level whenever possible and take frequent breaks.
• Use proper ergonomics at work. This may include keeping the screen at eye level, keeping the feet flat on the floor, and making sure the arms are supported. Also, focus on keeping the head directly above the neck without craning it forward.
• Be mindful when carrying bags. Carrying a heavy purse or briefcase can put pressure on the shoulder and strain the muscles in the neck. Use rolling bags or backpacks whenever possible.
• Take breaks. Sitting or driving for long periods can strain the neck. Get up, walk, and stretch at least once per hour.
• Invest in a high-quality mattress and pillow that provide the correct amount of support.
• Regularly engage in stress-relieving activities. Some examples include listening to relaxing music, taking baths, practicing meditation or deep breathing, and enjoying a class or favorite activity.
• See a healthcare provider as recommended. Talk with them about pain, stress levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
• Exercise regularly. Moving the body can help alleviate muscle tension and stiffness. Exercise is also a natural stress reliever. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, biking, or yoga may be helpful.

A stiff neck is generally not a cause for alarm. However, see a doctor if:

• The stiffness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, a headache, or irritability.
• The stiffness does not go away within a few days and after trying home treatments such as NSAIDs and gentle stretching.
• The pain is severe.

A stiff neck is a common problem that a person can usually treat with home remedies and prevention strategies. It usually results from injuries caused by whiplash, sleeping awkwardly, having a poor posture, or stress.

Neck pain is not typically a sign of a more serious issue. Do not ignore it, however, if it comes on suddenly and accompanies other symptoms.

Shoulder Pain After Waking Up, Causes and Treatment

Mitigating Morning Discomfort: How to Give Pain the Cold Shoulder

Humans are creatures of habit; we have some routines that we just can’t shake. For many, this includes our sleeping patterns. If you’re a side sleeper, chances are you’ve woken up on more than one occasion with shoulder pain or soreness. It’s actually quite common. Our sleeping patterns and poses are solidified early in life and we tend to stick with them. However, prolonging these patterns, or sleeping on the same side every night can lead to shoulder pain (especially in the morning hours).

When we sleep on our sides, we tend to tuck or crunch our arms under a pillow, or position our elbow above our head; this puts pressure on the supraspinatus. One of the four rotator cuff muscles that extends from the shoulder blade to the humerus, the supraspinatus is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint. The repeated sleep behavior of leaning toward one side can place immense pressure on this joint, ultimately leading to inflammation, fraying, and in serious cases – rotator cuff tear.

As creatures of habit, it’s difficult – but not impossible, to modify these ingrained sleep positions. There are also many ways to switch up your routine for the better. If you can’t stomach the idea of sleeping on your back, try switching sides when at all possible. Propping your head up higher with a pillow will also relieve some of the pressure you may be feeling. During the day, try icing and immobilization for your shoulder; this should help reduce discomfort and stiffness.

In some cases, it’s not the sleeping position that causes shoulder pain – but rather overuse, or a degradation of the joint’s health. According to Arthritis-health.com, the shoulder is a “marvel” of form and function – designed to twist a full 360 degrees. However, this also makes it highly susceptible to injury and instability. Glenohumeral and acromioclavicular arthritis are two types of shoulder ailments that develop over the course of months or years. If your shoulder pain is most intense in the hours after rising, these conditions could be the culprit.

In order to diagnose your disorder, your physician will conduct a series of tests. Typically, a physical exam will be sufficient to reveal the cause of pain; however, in some cases imaging exams such as X-rays will offer a closer look. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are all beneficial for speeding recovery of shoulder soreness. Your physician may also recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or topical creams. Tendinitis can be eased through the use of corticosteroid injections; however, this isn’t a permanent fix and shouldn’t be administered more than a few times due to the risk of ruptured tendons.

Before resorting to surgery, a trustworthy doctor will always try less invasive methods of relieving your symptoms. Physical therapy is highly beneficial for alleviating shoulder pain and strengthening the affected muscles. Ask your physician if eccentric strength training might work for you; this mode is particularly valuable for treating chronic tendon conditions.

If your mornings (and sometimes, afternoons) are marked by persistent shoulder pain, maybe it’s time for a wake-up call. Pay a visit to Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Since 1987, their reputable specialists have diagnosed and treated scores of shoulder conditions. For more information, call 410-296-6232 or request an appointment online.

¹Sports-health.com

²Wikipedia.com

³Physio-pedia.com

⁴Arthritis-health.com

⁵Mayoclinic.org

Neck Sprain: Did You Sleep Wrong or is it Something Else?

There’s a reason why we call something (or someone) that is difficult or annoying a “pain in the neck,” but when it comes to less idiomatic neck pains, they are more than just a little difficult—they can be debilitating. Today, we’re talking about neck pain and sprains.

Can back and neck pain be treated without surgery?
Click here to read our guide.

Neck sprains are often confused for neck strains, but they are a bit different. Strains are often caused by poor posture (“text neck” is an example), lifting something that’s too heavy, or repetitive motions. A neck sprain occurs when a ligament or muscle in the neck is overly stretched. This injury may occur without any obvious reason, but a sudden impact causing the neck to extend beyond its normal range and then snap back is usually the cause. You may not experience the symptoms immediately: they usually take a day or two to present themselves.

A neck injury is likely to cause stiffness that makes moving the neck painful. This may also cause the back of the head, shoulders, and upper back to hurt. You may also experience dizziness, fatigue, ringing in the ears, and occasional numbness in the hands and arms. Other symptoms include muscle spasms, tingling or weakness in the arms, and increased irritability. If you’re suffering from chronic, severe pain—especially accompanied by pain radiating down your legs and arms, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Let’s talk about treatment. As with all sprains, the body will heal eventually, but the neck could take 4-6 weeks (longer for more severe injuries) to heal, which sounds like a miserable existence in the interim. Aside from seeing a doctor (which you definitely should do), there are things you can do to manage your pain. You can apply ice for 15-30 minutes every 3-4 hours to reduce inflammation and apply moist heat to loosen cramped muscles. Under the recommendation of your doctor, you can also get the tender area massaged, seek ultrasound therapy, and perform light exercise.

Neck pain is often attributed to “sleeping wrong,” so how can you sleep “right?”

Neck pain is sometimes attributed to “sleeping wrong,” or poor sleeping posture. If you haven’t experienced a neck overextension in the past few days, you probably don’t have a sprain, so your sleep posture may be at the heart of the problem. Experts recommend sleeping on your back or on your side (specifically your left side) and using a pillow which properly supports your head and neck. For back sleepers, try a feather pillow or a memory foam pillow that conforms to the curve of your head and neck. If you are a side sleeper, choose a pillow that is higher under the neck than the head to help your spinal alignment. No matter how you sleep, avoid pillows that are too high or too stiff as they can cause the neck muscles to flex for hours on-end causing pain and stiffness in the morning.

The Best Sleeping Positions to Wake Up Pain-Free

Posted in Health and Wellness, Healthy Tips

When it comes to muscular, joint and bone pain, sleep may play an integral role. If you’re having trouble settling your body’s score with pain, you might want to consider a few pain-free sleeping positions. Depending upon your consistent morning ailments, a few positions might reduce pain—or strike it out, altogether. Take a look at the following sleeping positions experts believe reduce ongoing morning pain:

Sleeping On Your Back with a Pillow Under Your Legs

A lot of sleep studies suggest sleeping on your back, with a pillow situated beneath the crooks of your legs, can aid in maintaining your lower back curve. This might seem like a subtle aid, but it’s entirely conducive to a morning free of back stress. If you’re having trouble maintaining a position, or if your pillow “deflates” overnight, consider placing a small, rolled-up towel beneath the small of your back to hold your body in place.

Sleeping On Your Stomach

More and more pain-ridden individuals are sleeping on their stomachs to reduce morning back pain. Understandably, you’ll reduce pressure on your back by not sleeping on it at all. Place a pillow under your lower abdomen and pelvis, and add another beneath your head if you’re still experiencing strain. You’ll be surprised by the morning results.

Sleeping On Your Side with Leg Support

If you face lower back and neck pain constantly, you should try out sleeping on your side. More importantly: You should sleep on your side with leg support. In doing so, you can maintain your back’s naturally curved position. Rest on your side, keep your knees bent, slightly, and keep your hips straight. By letting your top hip flop a little, you’ll prevent lumbar rotation—and thus prevent nightly, and morning, pain.

Sleeping On Your Back with Shoulder Support

If you face rotator cuff pain—or shoulder pain, in general—try sleeping on your back with a small pillow nested between your shoulder blades. Often, morning shoulder pain is caused by your body’s flatness during nighttime hours. You may still experience pain from resting on your back alone, so don’t forget to enforce your shoulders’ natural bends by keeping the area between them raised.

Sleeping with a Towel Beneath Your Neck

If you face morning neck pain, you should consider giving your head a little more support. Neck pain, primarily, is caused by the cranium’s weight during nighttime hours. By rolling up a small hand towel beneath your neck, however, you can additionally support your head and prevent hourly stress. Neck pillows, too, are a good choice if you’re sleeping on your back. If, however, you’re still experiencing pain, you should alter the pillow beneath your head—or remove it.

Sleeping with a Flat Pillow

Speaking of pillows, you may be able to reduce neck and shoulder stress by lowering your head’s elevation. If you’re waking up with consistent pain in your upper back, neck, shoulders or collarbone area, try buying a flatter pillow. Or, buy an orthopedic pillow. Pillows with deeper depressions support the head better, and they’ll increase neck support over several nights—comforting persistent pain while reducing more stress.

When in Doubt, Sleep at an Incline

If you’ve tried everything, and if you’re still facing morning discomfort, you may need to sleep at an incline. A lot of people prefer sitting in a recliner, or upon an adjustable bed, to maintain healthy spine support while easing nightly stress. Don’t worry: You’ll get used to the slant in time.

Overall, you should maintain a healthy schedule of at least eight hours of sleep per night. Treat your body with care, and don’t give it a reason to toss and turn, needlessly, throughout the week. Additionally, it may be time to visit your physical therapist to further reduce pain. Often, a physical therapist can help relieve pain through hands-on treatment, and custom exercises to improve flexibility and strength.

Source

http://www.spine-health.com/blog/10-tips-prevent-neck-pain

http://www.painphysicians.com/blog/the-best-sleep-positions-for-back-neck-and-shoulder-pain

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/sleep-positions

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/multimedia/sleeping-positions/sls-20076452?s=1

Got a Pain in the Neck? When Is Neck Pain Serious?

June 16, 2017

We’ve all had the experience of waking up with a “crick” in the neck — an ache and stiffness so severe, you find yourself trying not to turn your head. Most people have also experienced that cracking and grinding sensation when turning your head or a sharp stabbing pain, tingling, numbness, or a headache that seems to start at the base of the neck and radiate up the back of your head.

Most of the time such pains in the neck are from benign sources. Neck pain can be caused by muscle strain or holding your head in an awkward position, like spending long periods in front of a computer or cradling your phone between the neck and shoulder. Other, more serious causes include worn joints, injuries like whiplash, and diseases such as fibromyalgia or meningitis.

When to Call a Doctor for Neck Pain

Most often neck pain will resolve on its own. But what are the signs that neck pain could be more serious and need a doctor’s opinion?

As a general guideline, the Mayo Clinic says you should contact a doctor if your neck pain:

• Is severe
• Persists for several days without relief
• Spreads down arms or legs
• Is accompanied by a headache, numbness, weakness, or tingling

Neck Pain Can Signal Serious Disease

Neck pain can sometimes signal a serious underlying medical issue that needs to be checked by a doctor. Typically, such neck pain will be accompanied by at least one other symptom, often before the stiff or painful neck occurs.

Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, unexplained drowsiness, confusion or mood swings, unexplained weight loss, or pain that spreads to arms or legs. All these symptoms, along with neck pain, are reasons to check with your doctor.

Uncommon Causes of Neck Pain Requiring Treatment

Serious, underlying conditions that cause neck pain and need to be treated immediately include meningitis, other infections, a tumor, or a neurological disorder that causes spasms or contorting the head outside normal alignment. Another problem of concern is degenerative disc disease, which is more common in the lower back, but can sometimes occur in the cervical or upper spine.

• Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, the protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are similar to flu with fever, nausea, and a stiff neck. There are several forms of meningitis, but viral and bacterial infections are the most common, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Getting immediate medical attention for viral or bacterial meningitis can be the difference between a full recovery or a life-long disability, or even death.
• Medically referred to as vertebral osteomyelitis, infection in the cervical spine is an uncommon cause of neck pain that needs prompt attention. Symptoms include fever, chills, unexpected weight loss, nighttime pain that is worse than daytime pain, swelling, and infection. Risk factors include being elderly, having a weakened immune system, and intravenous drug use. Treatment with antibiotics usually is sufficient for a full recovery, however, in rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, remove infected material, or stabilize the spine.
• A brain tumor located in the cerebellum, or back of the skull, can cause a stiff neck, as can a tumor in the neck or spine itself. Spine-Health lists three kinds of spinal tumors that can cause neck pain. Primary or metastatic tumors in the vertebral column can occur in the disc or bone. Intradural-extramedullary tumors grow under the membrane that covers the spinal cord, which can be benign or malignant. Other tumors arise from the nerve root that grows off the spinal cord and branches out to the body. These tumors are usually benign.
• Cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological condition that can cause neck muscles to spasm uncontrollably or contort the head outside normal alignment. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is rare and most often occurs in middle-aged people. The cause is unknown. Therefore, there is no cure, but it often resolves on its own.

If you’ve got neck pain that just isn’t getting better or the pain is severe, contact us at Healthcare Associates of Texas. We work with you to determine the underlying cause of your pain and find the optimal treatment for you. Call our Appointment Line at (972) 258-7499 or contact us by email.

“I have exploding head syndrome”

• Helen Thomson
• BBC Future

May 5, 2015

Photo author, Thinkstock

This is a strange, unpleasant and surprisingly common occurrence. Correspondent

BBC Future spoke to a man whose head explodes on a regular basis and found out how this condition could explain some unusual cases – maybe even alien abductions.

“Suddenly there is a noise that grows and becomes louder, then there is a booming unpleasant sound of an explosion, then some kind of electric hiss and a bright flash of light in front of my eyes, as if someone were directing a bright flashlight beam directly into my face.”

This is exactly how Niels Nielsen talks about what it is like for a person living with exploding head syndrome, an unpleasant and sometimes terrifying sensation.

Other people describe it as a bomb detonating near their head when they fall asleep. For some, this happens once in a lifetime, for others, “explosions” are thundering many times during one night.

American physician Silas Weir Mitchell first described the condition in 1876 when he examined the symptoms of two men suffering from what he called “sensory discharges.”

Patients themselves reported hearing “loud bells” or “gunshots” waking them up at night. Despite the provocative and intriguing name, researchers have paid relatively little attention to the disease.

However, there is now a theory that this disease and its accompanying sleep disorder can explain cultural phenomena that have no obvious connection with it – in particular, where the stories of alien abductions, government conspiracy theories and tales of demons come from.

So what do we know about this nighttime experience?

To begin with, this is not as rare as you might think.

In a study published in March, 211 college students were asked if they had ever experienced this condition.

18% answered in the affirmative. This example may not reflect the true extent of the disorder, as it is common for students to experience lack of sleep.

This factor is known to increase the risk of exposure to the syndrome described herein.

Photo author, Thinkstock

Photo caption,

This syndrome is not at all as rare as one might think

long distance flight, you may well experience this state for yourself, says Bill Sharpless, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Washington, who conducted the study.“Stress and emotional stress also affect the frequency of these occurrences.”

Sudden blackouts

Hypotheses about exploding head syndrome are speculative, says Sharpless.

Several explanations have been proposed, including ear ailments and partial seizures.

The most compelling theory stems from a number of studies in which people with this symptom were monitored overnight.

According to these studies, it can be assumed that there is a surge of neural activity in the brain, which coincides in time with the described explosion.

Usually, when we fall asleep, our body shuts down, sleep paralysis sets in, in sleep we do not act.

During this transition from wakefulness to sleep, our brains gradually shut down, Sharpless says.

However, when exploding head syndrome occurs, a kind of “hiccups” occurs in the reticular or reticular formation of the brain, which, in particular, controls the states of sleep and wakefulness, which leads to a delay in the shutdown of some parts.

Photo author, Thinkstock

Photo caption,

Sleep paralysis may explain some stories about alien aliens

This delay is associated with the suppression of alpha brain waves, which are responsible for the state of half-sleep and relaxation, and with sudden bursts of neural activity in those areas of the brain that are responsible for processing sound.

“We think neurons are suddenly firing all at once,” Sharpless says. Which leads to the feeling of an explosion in the head.

“This theory seems convincing to me,” says Nielsen. “There is some kind of electrical nature in this phenomenon. The sensation of an explosion is accompanied by a loud sound in both ears, as if you have shorted two wires in an electrical circuit and felt an electric shock.”

According to Sharpless, some people experience a kind of electrical discharge from the lower torso to the head immediately after the “explosion.”

“The feeling is the same as being electrocuted,” says Nielsen.”You can feel the current running through you.”

Although there is no one-size-fits-all remedy for everyone, antidepressants reduce the incidence of the syndrome. Relaxation and stress relief exercises can also help. that no one thinks he is crazy, and that he has no tumor or other abnormalities in his brain, “Sharpless says.

But let me tell you, what does this have to do with alien abductions and supernatural beings?

Exploding head syndrome is often associated with sleep paralysis.Those who experience the former often encounter the latter.

Sleep paralysis is another sensationally eerie sleep disorder during which a person feels awake but unable to move. Sharpless believes that these two phenomena could explain some seemingly supernatural events.

Both sleep paralysis and exploding head syndrome seem to be related to a common underlying problem, which is the transition from wakefulness to sleep.

In sleep paralysis, part of the brain is in a state of REM sleep, i.e. in the phase when we see the most dreams, while other parts of consciousness are already awake.

“Therefore, your body is paralyzed and is in REM sleep, but you are awake,” Sharpless says. “It’s like daydreaming. The worst thing is that you hear and feel things as clearly as during the day. But everything that happens to you is a hallucination. ”

Photo author, Henri Fuseli Wikipedia

Photo caption,

In 1781, the artist Henry Fuseli depicted in his painting a demon sitting on the chest of a sleeping woman

Consider the case of Haruko Matsuda (this is not her real name), a Japanese woman who often experiences a state of sleep paralysis.

This is how she described her typical night to Bill Sharpless: “I felt something pushing my chest and opened my eyes. I heard someone start screaming. It seemed to be coming from somewhere near my ear – she said. – I thought it was a ghost or something like that. It screamed: “I will kill you!” I could not move, and was very scared … “

In the Middle Ages, the symptoms that appear in Matsuda could well be associated with demons in male or female guise (incubi and succubi), who sit on people’s chests and incline them to intercourse.

In later times, people who were frozen or blinded by a bright light in the dead of night could associate such conditions with alien abductions.

Turn to these stories of the supernatural or aliens, Sharpless says, and you will find signs of both sleep paralysis and exploding head syndrome.

“People who have felt these strange explosions in their heads can easily think that something has been implanted into their brains. And when they feel an electrical discharge, they are quite capable of thinking that they have been shot from some new energy weapon.They can’t move, but they hear and see amazing things, so they think they’ve been kidnapped. ”

Niels Nielsen, now a psychiatrist, says he has had exploding head syndrome every few months since he was 10 years

Twice he experienced a state of sleep paralysis. However, his scientific mind did not allow him to give in to anxiety in connection with these experiences.

“I have always used to approach such things from a scientific point of view.Therefore, even as a teenager, I explained it to myself like this: oh, something electrical happened in my brain, and did not attach much importance to it, – he says. “These things did not bother me at all, but if someone is inclined to believe in paranormal phenomena, I can easily imagine how such people explain such things from the standpoint of the supernatural.”

Dermatology Department of the URO-PRO clinic in Krasnodar

Three delicious stories from Marina Bastrikova!

Author: Julia Max
/

Added: 13.07.21, 07:40:10

Books in which:

– humor

– easy syllable

– healthy relationships

– behavior = character (after all, the author has conducted more than 500 interviews)

More details about each book:

“To live with Koschei – to be a villain”

– will be released in EKSMO in 2022

– humorous fantasy

– Academy of Magic

– hit without magical abilities

– fairy tale characters

– elements of knowledge from nonfiction: “family psychology”

“Cybersportsman and touchy”

– modern romance novel

– Teenage Heroes

– fighting phobia

– psychology

– emotions

– knowledge elements from: “self-confidence”

More details about the new product “Striptease is not a reason to meet”:

Have you noticed that when you wake up at home, shod in high heels with an unfamiliar stripper at your side, then this is a headache?

…

The familiar motive of the morning animated series woke me up. I wake up with this sound every weekend.

– What is this? – a pleasant hoarse baritone sounded, and someone else’s hot breath burned his neck. Surprisingly, the extra couple of hours of sleep made me feel better. Or maybe it’s a habit of drinking wine in the evening? The body has already reconciled in advance that it has a strange mistress.

– The US military was accused of playing the same song to prisoners, and this led to madness.I call it motherhood, – I decided to answer. Still a guest in my house. Even naked. I am glad that at least I am in my underwear. Not happy with how creepy my voice sounds. Here’s a neighbor on the bed hoarse fits.

The music grew louder. This means that the child has opened the door of his room. Hastily, she covered the man’s nakedness with a blanket. But Mishka did not come here. Fuh. She turned and stared into the stranger’s face. Yes, a stranger. Fragments in the memories more often contained someone’s abs and mouth-watering ass, but not a face.Handsome, dark-skinned with dark hair, his eyes, too, seem to be dark, but I won’t say for sure, the man frowned very strongly. It looks like my head also hurts. She looked down at what the sheet was not hiding. Handsomely. Definitely, this is the first time in my life and bed. She raised her eyes and met an interested gaze. And the eyes are not that dark. Honey brown.

“I’ll probably only get enough sleep when I’m dead,” the handsome croaked, once again wincing at the musical beat. The ringing echoed in my head too.Does Mishka always turn it on so loudly? I didn’t notice this before. There are many things you get used to in motherhood. Someone – to the whims of a child, and calmly sips tea during a child’s tantrum. But I – to the loud sounds from the TV.

“And even after death I will end up at work,” she whispered, resigning herself to bringing the stripper into the apartment where the child lives.

– Yes, I checked all night if you breathe! – the man grinned, lifting himself up, which made the blanket show everything that I had not thought of taking a closer look, waking up for a short while a couple of hours ago.

“I think you fell in love,” she said, grinning that the stripper was still on alert.

– Did you see yourself yesterday ???

I involuntarily glanced towards the dress lying on the floor.

– Okay, she looked gorgeous, but her behavior … – corrected himself the man, also looking at the dress, and then at my chest. He clearly did not intend to take his eyes away from there. I wonder if I ask …

– What color are my eyes? – in my opinion, any girl with big breasts asks this question, at least once in her life.

– Huh? – answered the neighbor in bed. But I closed my eyes and waited for an answer. Silence dragged on, and I already wanted to open my eyes, either admitting the stupidity of the question, or laughing at the fact that the man never once thought to look up from my chest.

– Gray-green, – came in a whisper. Too close. Hot breath poured heat on my lips.

I stopped squinting and met his gaze. Surprised. Because I had no idea when he would have had time to consider the color of my eyes, after all, he sees me for the first time during the day.And because he’s really too close, our noses practically touched each other. His pupil now seemed so huge that it was pulling inward. Involuntarily she reached out and touched his lips. The man groaned and pushed me onto the bed, deepening the kiss. He ran his hand along my thigh, and my body instantly responded. It became hard to breathe. How hot it is inside, and how difficult it is to stop kissing and breathe. This frightened me. Thanks to my ex, who quickly taught me to think about more than passion.True, I usually managed not to inform strangers in bed. With difficulty, but managed to push away the wound-up man.

“That’s it, now get married,” she said, adding more confidence to her voice. Taking into account the fact that nowadays the most relevant of life goals concerned precisely matrimonial plans, it turned out very convincingly. Look how a man jumped away from me, and the enthusiasm died out.

– You are drunk. And get married right away? – The whole essence of my fall was reflected in the light brown eyes.She snorted. There are no attempts to shame me at all.

– And I’m quickly affectionate. So we just slept, that is, just met … and I already introduced the wedding and our children and began to pick up names.

– These are your problems, – the man looked at me somehow suspiciously.

– Exactly. I don’t even know what surname they will have in order to find consonant names!

– And you won’t know.

– Will Isabella sound right? So I want my daughter.And with your eyes, such a beauty would come out.

The guy’s eye twitched. Eh, to what unwillingness to marry leads. After all, literally a couple of hours ago, something else was twitching.

I can’t explain to him that I’m not going to marry the first person I meet. Although by the way the man turned pale, we urgently need to save. And then, if he dies of a ruptured heart, then according to the law of meanness, for sure, Victor will have to replace him. And I do not want to meet with this former colleague who has gone to the forensic medical examiner [1].