Your Body As A Side Sleeper
Side sleeping is the most comfortable slumber position for many including me. But how does our body look while we sleep? Basically, our hips and shoulders are twisted. When we lay down on our sides, the upper leg will tread forward to rest on the mattress. This twists the hips. And since its impossible to contain the arms parallel to the body, this will also fall on the bed. The result? Twisted shoulders and the other arm is tucked and pressed under the body.
Some think that side sleeping is the most symmetrical sleeping position. But theres no way it can be. As you lose consciousness, all parts of your body will fall into the mattress, thus various strain points.
As much as its comfy, there are some problems associated with side sleeping.
Picking The Right Mattress For Your Back
Naturally, everyone has their own unique preferences, which can make it difficult to find the perfect mattress. When searching for a mattress, look for one thats not too firm or too soft.
If the mattress is too firm, it will push on your pressure points and cause misalignment. If the bed is too soft, it will allow your body to sink into the bed, causing bad posture while you sleep, which can also result in neck or back pain.
While mattresses can be a financial burden, you should always consider investing in a good one, especially when taking into account that youll be spending seven to nine hours on your mattress every night. This makes it an important piece of furniture.
My Problem Isnt Related To Sleeping: Other Causes Of Shoulder Pain
Besides sleeping in the wrong position, there are other factors that can result in shoulder pain, including injury or trauma, repeated motion, medical conditions, and stress. Many of these are the result of an injury to the shoulder either acutely or as a build-up over time. However, there are also medical reasons why the shoulder may experience pain as a result of a problem elsewhere in the body:
Poor Posture: If your thoracic spine is constantly bent or hunched over, you can experience spinal stiffness that will affect your shoulder. This type of stiffness is commonly caused by poor posture during the day. Constant leaning over our smartphones and computers leaves our thoracic spine bent for hours. Poor posture inhibits spine and rib cage mobility, putting us at risk of more shoulder injuries. If your computer is not already at eye level, try a computer stand or a stack of books that will lift the monitor up. This way, you wont need to lean over to work.
Repetitive Movements: If your job requires you to do heavy lifting or repetitive movements day in and day out, you are at a greater risk of experiencing shoulder pain. For example, shelf-stockers are likely to experience shoulder pain due to the constant wear-and-tear on the same joints and muscles day after day.
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Can It Possibly Cause Sciatica
If you know anyone that has sciatica, youll probably hear them complain about it constantly. Its quite painful. Sciatica is a painful, tingly or numbing sensation down the side or back of the legs that runs down the sciatic nerve .
Its caused by degenerative disc disease and sleeping on a bad mattress can accelerate or exacerbate sciatica symptoms. Therefore, indirectly, you could say that it can cause sciatica. It certainly wont help!
Help W/mattress Causing Upper Back Pain Below Shoulder Blades04 Jun 2014 0: 46#2
It’s very possible yes and you could be sleeping in a “hunched” position. It’s also possible that it could be a pillow issue.I’m not sure how long you have been sleeping on the mattress or whether it was working for you initially and then you started developing your “symptoms” or whether they were there from the beginning but it’s also possible that this is part of the initial breakin and adjustment period for any new mattress or that your choice was “right on the edge” of being too soft for your body type and sleeping positions and the lower quality foams in the comfort layers may have softened enough to put you over the edge.
If you do decide you need to exchange your mattress then you may be in a somewhat difficult position but the information in post #2 here and the posts it links to should help you to make the best of a difficult situation.PhoenixResearching for a mattress?… Be sure to read Click here for if purchasing from Our Trusted Members.For any mattress questions on our forum |
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Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Royal Hybrid combines thick layers of slow-response memory foam with individually pocketed coils for a luxurious, contouring feel with just a little bit of bounce.
If youre looking for a mattress that works well for both neck and shoulder pain Id recommend the Puffy Royal Hybrid. This bed combines plush layers of memory foam with a sturdy adaptive coil base for a one-two punch of pressure relief and support.
Help W/mattress Causing Upper Back Pain Below Shoulder Blades18 Jun 2014 1: 43#6
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Hi stevenkabc,
You can see my comments about the consumer reports mattress suggestions in post #2 here and in this topic. IMO … they were written by people who have little understanding of mattresses or the industry.
I hope your exchange works out well and if it’s on the firm side then you would still have the option of adding a topper. I also hope you have the chance to let us know how things are working out after a few weeks when you are through most of the initial break in and adjustment period.PhoenixResearching for a mattress?… Be sure to read Click here for if purchasing from Our Trusted Members.For any mattress questions on our forum |
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Other Ways To Help Your Back/neck Pain
Changing your mattress will most likely work wonders for your back pain if that was the cause. However, you can also incorporate a stretching routine into your day. Make it your daily goal to do a few stretches before going to bed and after waking up to help with spine flexibility.
Remember to learn how to sleep in the best position possible. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs can help support your lower back. Certain pillows can also help promote less neck and back pain while you sleep.
Woke Up With Shoulder Pain: 10 Treatments To Try
Shoulder pain treatments depend upon the origin of the pain. For simple strains or sprains, rest and intermittent icing may be in order. On the other hand, for an acute fracture or severe degenerative arthritis, shoulder replacement surgery may be required. Chiropractic care and physical therapy are often effective for both acute and chronic pain. Sometimes, injections that include pain relievers and steroids are also of value for stiffness and joint pain.
For those who are dealing with a shoulder impingement, arthritis, or bursitis, sleeping on a reclining chair or adjustable bed, like The Yaasa Adjustable Bed, may help alleviate the issue. If you lift your upper body to a 45 degree while sleeping, there is less stress put on your neck and shoulder blade area. An adjustable bed frame will allow you to prop up your body without dealing with falling pillows to help you get a great nights sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Try yoga for shoulder pain
Were getting really fancy with this tip: try using an ice pack on an injured shoulder. We know, its a big ask. If its simply too much, you can also substitute a pack of frozen peas. We dont judge.Place the ice pack on the painful muscles. Leave for 10-15 minutes and repeat in 20-minute intervals, rubbing the area gently in between ice sessions.
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Can Sleeping Position Cause Shoulder Impingement
The most common sleeping position that can cause shoulder impingement is sleeping on your side. Spending six to eight hours sleeping on your side at night will put pressure on one side of your shoulder from carrying the weight of the other shoulder and your torso. It can inflame your shoulder joint and lead to shoulder impingement syndrome, which is among the most common causes of shoulder pain.
Your sleeping position, particularly sleeping on the side, can also be the reason why you sometimes wake up with a sharp feeling on your shoulders even though you didnt do any physical activity the day before. It can aggravate the pain of shoulder impingement as well as various aches in your body.
What Is A Mattress Topper
A two-inch thick topper of high-density reflex foam distributes weight evenly to relieve pressure on back, hips, and shoulders. Image from .
Wondering what a mattress topper is and how useful it can be?
A mattress topper is a removable layer that sits on top of a mattress to provide additional cushioning, comfort, and support.
It can make a firm mattress softer, helping to keep your pressure points cradled, and can sink down enough to maintain a neutral spine alignment. It can also make a too-soft mattress firmer, providing more support. While a mattress topper can protect and prolong the lifespan of your mattress when it starts to wear and sag, more importantly, it is a removable soft layer that accommodates your uneven weight distribution, keeping your body cradled and supported, and hence preventing body aches such as neck pain and support. If your mattress is already showing signs of wear and tear, then the mattress topper can serve as a short-term fix, minimizing lumps and providing a cushioned surface to sleep on comfortably. Weve detailed the benefits of mattress toppers as well as how to keep a mattress topper from sliding in other articles.
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How To Choose The Best Mattress Topper To Reduce Shoulder Pain: Important Shopping Considerations
This research is supported by you, our readers, through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission with no extra cost to you. Learn More
Shoulder pain is not uncommon, but this fact doesnt make it less annoying.
However, choosing a good mattress topper can help sleepers reduce shoulder pain and enjoy better rest in many cases.
Todays guide will help readers figure out how to find their ideal shoulder pain mattress topper and share the aspects to consider when shopping.
Can You Damage Your Shoulder By Sleeping On It
If you sleep on your shoulder all night long, you may wake up with shoulder stiffness, pain, or arm numbness. Sleeping on your shoulder for a long period adds a lot of pressure on your shoulder muscles. It is recommended to combine switching on both sides with sleeping on your back to relieve some pressure from your shoulder.
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Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Shoulder And Neck Pain: Ghostbed Luxe
Since body temperature also affects sleep quality, you need a mattress that allows you to feel comfortable and cozy when sleeping or resting, even when the temperature is hot or humid. GhostBed Luxe has seven layers of cooling and comfort that instantly keep the entire core of the mattress cool, trap heat, and provide ideal support. If you have shoulder pain, the medium plush firmness and bouncy foam of this mattress will contour your body instead of pressing against it as if youre sleeping on a cloud.
GhostBed Luxe has seven layers of cooling and comfort that instantly keep the entire core of the mattress cool, trap heat, and provide ideal support.GhostBed
GhostBed Luxe‘s gel memory foam layer relieves pressure points, prevents motion transfer, and eliminates the need to toss and turn when youre asleep. Although youre experiencing shoulder pain, youll be able to sleep on your side with enough support and comfort throughout the night. You dont have to wake up soaked in sweat, either. This is an excellent choice for hot and side sleepers seeking targeted pressure-point support.
Quality Of The Mattress
It makes sense that the quality of your mattress is directly related to back pain. Dr Smycz explains that how well you look after the mattress is a major factor. You need to make sure the mattress is protected and looked after.
If your mattress is in good condition in terms of quality, age, and treatment you should not be waking up with back stiffness, said Dr Smycz.
Youll know its time to replace your mattress if you feel chronic back pain that greets you in the morning.
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What Causes Neck And Shoulder Pain
Studies have found that approximately 70% of adults will experience neck pain at some point in their life. This pain is often characterized by muscle tightness, pain that gets worse when the head stays in a certain position for long periods of time, decreased ability to move the head, headaches, and/or muscle spasms.
Shoulder pain often manifests as stiffness, diminished range of motion, pain when raising the arm overhead, general discomfort in and around the shoulder, and so on. If your pain is caused by a chronic pain condition, you should also see our lists on the best mattresses for fibromyalgia or the best mattresses for arthritis.
Several factors can contribute to neck and/or shoulder pain. Sometimes these pains are related, and sometimes not.
Sleeping Tips Tohelp Relieve Neck And Shoulder Pain
The way a person sleeps can help prevent neck and shoulder pain. It can also ease neck and shoulder pain that stems from a non-sleeping cause. Adopt the following tips to sleep better with neck and shoulder pain.
- Sleep on a mattress that balances plenty of spinal support with some pressure relief.
- Invest in pillows that support healthy spinal alignment. Side sleepers need a pillow that will keep their neck elevated in line with the head and the middle of the shoulders. Back sleepers need flatter pillows that support the spines natural curvature. Stomach sleepers should look for pillows no more than 3 in height. Our best pillows for neck pain piece lists a number of options that will keep the spine properly aligned.
- As noted above, be mindful of sleeping positions. People dealing with neck pain should stick to back and/or side sleeping, while people with shoulder pain are better off on their back and should avoid side sleeping until their condition clears up
- Avoid sleeping in odd positions, such as on the couch with the head on an armrest
- Travel with a small pillow to support the neck while sleeping upright in a train, plane, or car
- Before climbing into bed, practice some gentle neck and shoulder stretches. This helps loosen tight muscles and lessen pain so its easier to fall and stay asleep
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Change Your Sleeping Position
Did you know that there are some sleeping positions that are considered healthier than others? Health experts say back sleeping is the best sleeping position above all others.
This is because sleeping on your back helps your head, neck, and spine stay in neutral alignment which is absolutely key to reducing your chances of neck pain at night.
So what does that mean for the other sleeping positions? If youre a side sleeper experiencing shoulder or pain, you may need to train yourself out of that position.
Side sleepers put a lot of pressure on their shoulders and other pressure points like the hips and knees while they sleep. All hope is not for side sleepers though!
If you sleep on a contouring and supportive mattress that cradles the shoulders , you may be able to get away with staying in this position pain-free. Check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers to make sure you have a mattress that properly supports this position.
However, if you arent ready to purchase a new mattress or pillow and are experiencing shoulder pain, avoid sleeping on the affected side. If possible, sleep on the opposite side and place a pillow between your knees for added comfort and to help maintain a good sleep posture.
What about stomach sleepers? Stomach sleepers arent in danger of putting direct pressure on the shoulders however, stomach sleeping can be dangerous and harmful to the neck .
