Today's Post comes from a Yahoo Answers- Q: I am 22 weeks pregnant with severe neck pain- Last Saturday night I slept very uncomfortably trying to get all my pillows just right. Ever since then I have had incredible neck pain. It hurts every time I move my neck around. It is even worse at night while I try and sleep my neck stiffens up and when I go to turn my neck kills and it makes me want to cry. I am not sure if this is pregnancy related or if I just have torn a ligament in my neck and need to wait it out. Anyone have this problem?
A: When you are pregnant your body is completely different with added hormones, weight and an overall feeling that you are not able to get comfortable, especially at night. Plus you have to be extra careful with what medications you take. It appears that you have strained your neck muscles. So here are a few suggestions for you on how to get some neck pain relief while pregnant:
1) Don't sleep with so many pillows- you want to have one good cervical support neck pillow. One that will make sure that your head and neck are properly aligned while sleeping. Sleeping with too many pillow can create forward head posture which puts a ton of pressure on the neck muscles and nerves- which means neck pain, stiff neck and overall decrease in neck range of motion. Check out the Tri Core Support Neck Pillow or the Linear Gravity Cervical Support Neck Pillow
2) Because you are pregnant you want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible- take two pillows and place them under your knees- this will take pressure off the lower back when you are sleeping on your back. Incidentally, sleeping on your back during pregnancy is not recommended- especially during the later months. Avoiding it all together is a good idea because the extra weight of the uterus lies on the spine, muscles, intestines, blood vessels etc. This can be the cause of aches and pains, reducing the circulation of blood to you and your baby. Furthermore, it can cause a decrease in blood pressure ( for some it can cause an increase as well) causing dizziness. If you are a side sleeper, then you can put pillows under in between your knees. ** According to Sleep Expert, Donna Arand from BabyCenter.Com sleeping on your left side is recommended during pregnancy. It benefits the baby's blood flow allowing nutrients to get to the placenta. It also aids in helping your kidneys eliminate waste products efficiently and fluids from your body, reducing swelling in your ankles, feet and hands. To assist in sleeping on your left side, place pillows behind your back and and between your legs for ultimate comfort.
3) Ice your neck during the day- this will help to decrease inflammation, swelling and pain in the neck and best of all, it will provide an analgesic effect. Use a 6x20 ice pack for maximum pain relief in the neck and upper back.
4) In the morning, do neck stretching exercises- The most important thing is not to do these to the point of pain, only to the point of feeling a stretch in your neck. You will notice that as you do these everyday, your range of motion will increase and the muscles in your neck will loosen up. You can also do them in the hot shower- this can be very relaxing and it will give you tremendous pain relief.
4) Visit your chiropractor for neck pain- they have many effective techniques such as cervical adjustments, gentle mobilization and neck exercises that they can do to ease your neck pain. All without the use of medications or side effects. Use google to find a chiropractic office close to you or ask around for a referral - You can also search for a chiropractor on the internet
Additional Resources:
- 6 Ways to Improve your neck posture
- Fast and Easy Neck Stretches for Pain Relief
- How to Use the Traction Side of the Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow for Maximum Pain Relief and Better Sleep
- Dr.Bellingers Down Loadable E-Book: The Neck Pain Relief Kit
- Neck Pain resulting from a C5, C6, C7 or C8 Radiculopathy
Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.
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