FEELING GREAT: Say goodnight to neck pain for good

Have you ever woken up with a stiff and slightly painful neck? Often it’s just an annoying ache that eases shortly after you’ve got out of bed, but after days of waking up feeling like this, it can become a lot more painful.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Sep 2020, 00:00 BST
Updated 11th Oct 2020, 16:11 BST
Even how you watch TV can affect your neck.Even how you watch TV can affect your neck.
Even how you watch TV can affect your neck.

An increase in neck or shoulder pain is a common problem that many people experience as a result of resting for 8 hours or more in an awkward position, either on an old mattress which needs replacing, or on the wrong types of pillows.

Why? Because having your neck twisted or bent in a funny position for long periods of time isn’t good for the body, and after a while your body becomes so used to being in a certain position when you go to sleep (the position you’ve been sleeping in for most of your life!) – night after night, so no wonder why the neck becomes painful.

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But it’s not only down to the way we sleep - another thing I see a lot that people do before they turn in for the evening is watch TV or read. But the thing is while doing these things, the head is rarely supported properly – leading to aches and pains in your neck…

So the solution to waking up refreshed and pain-free? If you like to read or watch TV before bed, take a look at how you’re sitting. Place yourself into a neutral position where your arms are supported and your neck is kept straight in-line with your back.

Also, think about how you sleep. My tip is to avoid sleeping on your stomach as this forces your head to be twisted into an unnatural position. Instead sleep on your back, this way your body is kept nicely in line and your spin is supported.

It’s important to sleep in a position you find comfortable but one that also supports your body at the same time. Experimenting with different sleeping positions won’t do you any harm if your neck and back aren’t twisted.

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If you need more tips to ease neck and shoulder pain, you can download my free report here instantly: www.paulgoughphysio.com/neck-shoulder-pain - which shows you how to ease pain naturally, without needing painkillers.