Why am I developing neck and shoulder pain from sleeping?

Aching in your neck and shoulder probably aren’t what you first think of when someone says “sleep,” right? However, there are many people who develop neck and shoulder pain from sleeping. 

Few people would be surprised if you told them your neck and shoulder were aching. After all, these two types of pain are both common, and they’re often experienced together. This is supported by a medical study that reports that up to 78% of the general population are affected by neck and shoulder soreness. Physical therapists can help you figure out why you’re developing neck and shoulder pain from sleeping. They can assist you in finding effective treatment for your neck and shoulder discomfort, too. 

Three reasons you may develop neck and shoulder pain from sleeping

1. Your pillow height — Everyone’s body is different, and this means that keeping your body in the best posture while you’re sleeping requires different pillow heights. A pillow that’s too low offers less head and neck support. This can leave your muscles sore and stiff in the morning. A pillow that’s too high is just as bad and can lead to the same problem. The goal, then, is to find a pillow height that keeps your head and neck in line with the rest of your spine. Otherwise, you’re risking waking up with neck and shoulder pain. 

2. The position you’re sleeping in — How you position yourself while sleeping can also affect how likely you are to develop neck and shoulder pain from sleeping. The question that you should ask yourself is: Is my spine aligned properly while I’m sleeping? If you can say yes, then the odds are good that you can avoid neck and shoulder discomfort. However, those who answer no are likely to experience regular stiffness and soreness in these areas. 

3. You aren’t stretching before bed — Working out, working a physical job and looking down at their phone are just a few ways the average person puts stress on their neck and shoulders. Stretching throughout the day and before bed can help reduce the risk of waking up with soreness in these areas. A physical therapist will know many effective head and neck stretches. These medical specialists can design a stretching plan that’s customized to your needs as well. 

Find help addressing neck and shoulder pain from sleeping at SSOR

Do you find that you frequently develop neck and shoulder pain from sleeping? Our team at Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation is primed to help you find top-notch ways to address your pain. The free screenings we offer can help pinpoint the reason you’re developing pain. Furthermore, our physical therapists excel at building individualized therapy plans for pain. We can even help you address your pain at home using our at-home care and virtual physical therapy services.

Contact us today for more information about how we can help treat your pain or to schedule your initial in-person or virtual appointment.