Neck pain is extremely common.
In fact, it's estimated that around 10 percent of North American adults are suffering from neck pain at any given time.
Their causes vary, but a majority of episodes of neck pain do not stem from injury.
Of those cases that are not the result of injury or trauma, many result from nothing more than poor sleep habits.
People who suffer from neck pain regularly frequently notice an improvement in pain level and/or fewer episodes of pain after changing their sleep habits.
The neck is comprised of seven vertebrae known as the "cervical spine".
The cervical vertebrae are best protected when held in a neutral position most of the time.
A "neutral" position means that the spine is not curved too far forward or backward.
It's one of the reasons your mother may have told you to "sit up straight".
With conscious effort, you can work at keeping your spine in a neutral position during the daytime when you walk, stand, sit or while exercising.
At night, however, many people aren't even aware of their posture.
This unawareness often lends itself to sleeping positions that cause the spine to remain in an unnaturally curved position for too long.
Here's a hint: if you ever wake up in the morning feeling "stiff", this is a sign that you may be sleeping poorly and not even realize it.
The longer you continue to sleep incorrectly, the more ingrained the problem becomes, and the longer it will take to correct it.
Neck pain relief may need to start with a good night's sleep.
To help ensure that your cervical spine remains in a neutral position all night long, evaluate these aspects of your sleep environment: 1) Your mattress.
A good mattress is essential to your spinal health.
The mattress that you sleep with should be relatively firm and should not "hammock" or sag in the middle.
Nor should it be TOO firm.
It needs to be able to flex with your body without causing your spine to curve unnaturally while you sleep.
It should also have a soft outer cover that absorbs shock and distributes your body's weight gently.
Mattresses, like anything else, wear out over time.
An older mattress may look perfectly fine, but many chiropractors recommend that you get a brand new mattress at least every ten years.
This is about the maximum you can expect to get optimal support out of a mattress.
2) Your pillow.
Like your mattress, your pillow should be relatively firm, but not stiff.
Feather pillows are one of the biggest no-no's for those who suffer from neck pain.
Foam pillows made from a single, solid piece of foam (as opposed to foam particles) are the best choice for maintaining optimal cervical spinal health.
Better yet, it may be wise to invest in a cervical pillow.
These pillows are generally made of foam which is cut into a shape that keeps your head and neck in a neutral, non-curved position at night.
3) Your position.
People who sleep on their stomachs tend to experience neck pain more often than those who sleep on their backs or sides.
Sleeping on your stomach forces your spine into an unnaturally curved position.
Too much of this is bound to lead to neck pain.
Instead, try sleeping on your back or side.
These positions are more conducive to a neutral spine.
It may take some time to break the stomach-sleeping habit.
However, the more aware you can become of your sleep positions, the more likely that your pain will lessen or disappear with time.
Getting some other type of neck pain treatment, or taking an analgesic such as acetaminophen, may help provide some relief.
However, if you want to jump-start your treatment plan, start with a good night's sleep.