Millions of people suffer from neck pain and upper back pain at some point during their lifetime. The pain can range from a dull ache to severe and debilitating. There are many causes of neck pain and upper back pain so you should always seek medical attention to find out the cause of your pain and treatment to relieve or cure it.
If you do not get a good nights rest, your bed or sleeping position could be aggravating or even causing your neck pain and upper back pain. A mattress that is too soft, an uncomfortable sleeping position, or pillows that allow your head and neck to be at an awkward angle may be the case of your problem. Your mattress could make the difference between waking up after a good night sleep and feeling refreshed and rested or tossing and turning and waking up with neck pain and upper back pain. Selecting a mattress is certainly personal preference because every person is different, has different preferences, different neck pain, and upper back pain. Choosing a mattress that provides you with sleep comfort, good posture, and back support can help some peoples back pain significantly. Doctors traditionally recommended hard or firm mattresses for back pain patients but there are studies that suggest a medium-firm mattress often helps alleviate pain, provides better back support, and is more comfortable for some people. Sometimes simply adding extra padding to a firm bed helps with neck pain and upper back pain problems.
It is a wonderful feeling to have a pillow that not only provides comfort but also supports your spine and neck, preventing or alleviating many types of neck pain and upper back pain. Many people do not realize that over time, most pillows wear out and no longer give you the required neck and back support. You should replace your pillow once it has reached that point. The two main reasons most people use pillows are for comfort and support. Comfort helps you feel relaxed and get a good night sleep while support relieves pressure and keeps your shoulders, neck and head aligned. Choose a mattress top pillow that is not too high or low because both can hinder sleep and not keep your spine in proper alignment. Depending upon your personal preference and body measurements, a pillow should be from four to six inches high for proper support and help prevent neck pain and upper back pain. There are pillows on the market today designed specifically for each sleep position, such as sleeping on your back, side, or stomach. Finding the right pillow can make a huge difference in alleviating neck pain and upper back pain.