Have you ever woken up with a sore, stiff neck?
It’s not only frustrating—it can set the tone for your entire day. Neck pain that shows up overnight is a common complaint we hear at Dynamic Movement Therapy, and it’s often due to poor sleep posture or unsupportive bedding. Making a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference, and that’s exactly what we helped one of our recent clients achieve.
In this post, I want to share Sarah’s story (name changed for privacy), one of our patients who came to us with persistent neck pain. Her story highlights just how impactful adjusting your sleep position can be for relieving pain and improving well-being.
Why Sleep Position Matters for Neck Pain
The way we sleep influences how our muscles and joints rest and recover. If we don’t support the neck and spine correctly, we risk waking up with pain that can linger throughout the day. Here are some common issues we see in patients with neck pain:
- Using an unsupportive pillow: Pillows that are too flat, too high, or too soft can leave the neck in awkward angles.
- Sleeping on your stomach: This position twists the neck in ways that can strain muscles over time.
- Lacking support: Stomach or side sleepers, in particular, need the right support to align the spine and prevent overnight strain.
Sarah’s Journey to Pain-Free Sleep
When Sarah first came in, she shared how she’d been struggling with neck pain for months. She initially thought it might be due to stress, but as we talked, she mentioned that she always woke up with pain that only improved later in the day. This led us to explore her sleep habits further, and it turned out she’d been sleeping on her stomach for years—a common habit but one that often leads to neck and back issues.
How We Helped Sarah
After our assessment, we created a plan tailored to Sarah’s needs to help her find relief:
1. Adjusting to Side-Sleeping
We worked with Sarah to switch from stomach sleeping to a side-sleeping position. This position is typically more forgiving for the neck and spine, allowing them to stay aligned. To make the transition easier, we suggested placing a pillow behind her back to help her maintain the side-sleeping position throughout the night.
2. Choosing the Right Pillow
Sarah was using a very soft pillow that didn’t provide enough support. We guided her to a firmer pillow with a contoured shape that would cradle her neck while keeping her head aligned with her spine. This change alone was transformative, helping Sarah experience immediate improvement in her neck pain.
3. Incorporating Gentle Stretches
To release any built-up tension from the day, we introduced a few gentle neck stretches that Sarah could do before bed. These stretches helped relax her neck muscles, making it easier for her to settle into a comfortable sleep position and wake up without stiffness.
4. Follow-Up Support
Over the next few weeks, we checked in with Sarah to monitor her progress and fine-tune her plan as needed. She reported that her pain had significantly reduced, and she was waking up feeling more refreshed and ready for the day.
The Results
After just a few weeks, Sarah’s neck pain was almost completely gone! She was thrilled, not only because of the physical relief but because she could finally get through her day without dealing with nagging discomfort. Her journey shows how a few small changes—like using the right pillow and adjusting sleep positions—can bring real, lasting results.
How Dynamic Movement Therapy Can Help You
If you’re dealing with neck pain or any other discomfort that’s affecting your sleep, we’re here to help. We specialise in creating personalized treatment plans, guiding you through adjustments in your sleep setup, posture, and more, so you can experience better rest and less pain.
I encourage anyone struggling with sleep-related pain to reach out and explore how a tailored approach can make all the difference. Book a FREE 15-minute consultation with us at 01798 368050 and take your first step toward pain-free sleep.
Jodie – Clinical Director at Dynamic Movement Therapy
