Neck Pain Tip

Neck Pain Tip

A normal spine has both lordotic and kyphotic curves.

As we age, many of us begin to display a "flattening" of the lordotic curves.  

To help maintain proper muscle length as well as minimize the stress on ligaments and other soft tissues, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors attempt to help maintain proper spinal alignment to "regain" the proper curves.  We educate our clients on corrective postural exercises, stretches and stabilization activities.  

Neck pain is a common diagnosis.  Many patients complain of difficulty falling asleep at nights due to persistent neck pain.  One possible reason for this pain is poor support of the cervical spine.  As shown above, your neck should have a lordotic curve.  If you sleep on a pillow that does not support this curve, further flattening of the curve may result, thereby causing more discomfort.  The longer you sleep on your back, the force applied to your neck from gravity may further exacerbate your condition.  You can easily go to the store to purchase a pillow specifically made for this...
Click HERE for a Do-It-Yourself tip to help with this problem.

Maintain The Cervical Lordosis Through The Night

Protect Your Neck Through The Night

 

 

The normal curve of the neck or cervical spine is a lordosis.  

 

Most people sleep 5-8 hours a night.  When sleeping on your back, a pillow does not usually help to maintain this lordotic curve.  Flattening of the cervical spine may result and can lead to neck pain, headaches and other problems.  Here is a quick, easy and inexpensive solution to this:

 

First, take a bath towel and roll it up so that it is the width of the pillow.

 

 

Take the towel roll and slide it in the bottom end of the pillow case so that when you lay on it, the towel roll can be comfortably positioned to support the neck's natural curve.  It should not be so thick that it lifts your head off the pillow.  The idea is to use the towel roll to support your neck as you sleep through the night.