Sleep disorders in people with neck arthritis are common.
She advises you to think of your head as an extension of your spine.
This means you should neither excessively bend your head forward, nor extend it back.
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Tilting to either side is out, too.
Rajter cautions against these movements because she says they may lead to cervical radiculopathy and/or a pinched nerve.
Symptoms may include pain down one or both arms, weakness, numbness, or tingling.
(Cervicalradiculopathycould be understood assciaticaof the neck and arm area.)
Debbie Turczan, a physical therapist and yoga instructor, agrees.
Flat pillows are less than ideal, Turczan says.
(This includes feather pillows that flatten too easily.)
The reason is that a pillow that is too flat will position your head lower than your spine.
Remember Rajters suggestion (above) of keeping your head as an extension of the spine?
With a flat pillow, its just not obtainable.
Turczan suggests rolling up a thin towel and placing it under your neck when sleeping on your side.
This will help support your neck, as well as keep it in good alignment.
This is why Rajter recommends against the prone position during the night.
“Would you be able to hold your neck like that for a full six full hours?
How would it feel?
Thats what sleeping in a prone position does to your neck.”
Sleeping with your neck rotated for many hours can exacerbate neck pain."
“Soft collars worn at night may prevent your neck from collapsing,” Rajter says.
This may help decrease morning pain or stiffness.
The collar is particularly good if you have chronic neck pain."
Speak to your healthcare provider if you think this might make a good option for you.
