McGovern Physical Therapy Associates - The Personal Care Professionals

NECK PAIN & SLEEP

What is neck pain?
Pain located in the neck is a common medical condition. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders and diseases of any structure in the neck. Neck pain is also referred to as cervical pain.

What are the structures of the neck?
There are seven vertebrae that are the bony building blocks of the spine in the neck (the cervical vertebrae) that surround the spinal cord and canal. Between these vertebrae are discs, and nearby pass the nerves of the neck. Within the neck, structures include the neck muscles, arteries, veins, lymph glands, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, esophagus, larynx and trachea.

How is neck pain diagnosed?
In diagnosing the cause of neck pain, it is important to review the history of the symptoms. In reviewing the history, a physical therapist will note the location, intensity, duration, and radiation of the pain. Any past injury to the neck is also noted. Aggravating and/or relieving positions or motions are also recorded. The neck is examined at rest and in motion. Tenderness is detected, and an examination of the nervous system is performed.

Neck pain may be caused by accident or injury, musculoskeletal condition, or even a tumor. But often, bad posture -- including the position in which you sleep -- can cause a stiff neck.

How is neck pain treated?
The treatment of neck pain depends on its precise cause. Treatment options include rest, heat/ice applications, traction, physical therapy including ultrasound, massage and manipulation, topical anesthetic creams, topical pain patches, muscle relaxants, analgesics, and surgical procedures.

Neck Pain and Sleeping
Your pillow can make a difference, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. Be sure your pillow does not force your head into an unnatural position while you sleep, resting it either too high or too low. Feather pillows are typically better than foam, as they will mold to the shape of your head and neck without forcing it into a position that may cause pain.

Your pillow should be replaced when it starts to flatten out and provide less support. Do not compensate by using too many pillows, cautions the APTA.

Your mattress can also impact neck pain, so be sure to choose one that is fairly firm with good back support. Also, avoid sleeping on your stomach, and try stretching your neck muscles before and after bed.

What is the best position for sleeping and lying down?
The best lying or sleeping position may vary, depending on your symptoms. No matter what position you lie in, the pillow should be under your head, but not your shoulders, and should be a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position.

1. Try to sleep in a position which helps you maintain the curve in your back (such as on your back with a pillow under your knees or a lumbar roll under your lower back; or on your side with your knees slightly bent). Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, especially on a saggy mattress, since this can cause back strain and can be uncomfortable for your neck.

2. Select a firm mattress and box spring set that does not sag. If necessary, place a board under your mattress. You can also place the mattress on the floor temporarily if necessary. If you have always slept on a soft surface, it may be more painful to change to a hard surface. Try to do what is most comfortable for you.

3. Try using a back support (lumbar support) at night to make you more comfortable. A rolled sheet or towel tied around your waist may be helpful.

4. When standing up from the lying position, turn on your side, draw up both knees and swing your legs on the side of the bed. Sit up by pushing yourself up with your hands. Avoid bending forward at your waist.

McGovern Physical Therapy Associates, the personal care professionals, is a multispecialty provider of outpatient physical therapy care. Voted “Best PT Practice 2004” by ADVANCE for Directors in Rehabilitation magazine, our clinicians offer personalized manual therapy and exercise expertise, including a variety of customized treatment options. Combining innovation, experience and excellence, our staff of clinicians, as well as dedicated office personnel, work as a team to provide caring, convenient and professional service for total patient recovery.

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