Sleep Relief For A Pinched Nerve Neck: Expert Tips | Dr. Daniel Bridge
Video Transcript
Are you dealing with a pinched nerve in your neck (cervical radiculopathy)? The pain from that can be debilitating and make sleep an absolute nightmare. Here are three practical and effective strategies I recommend for getting a good night sleep while dealing with a pinched nerve in your neck:
Pay attention to your sleeping position: It’s important to keep your spine straight and in alignment while you sleep. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it can twist the bones in your neck, stretch out ligaments, and put pressure on nerves. Instead, try sleeping on your side or back. If you’re a side sleeper, make sure your spine is straight from your low back all the way up to the top of your neck. If you’re a back sleeper, use a thinner pillow to avoid cranking your head up or twisting too far to one side.
Choose the right pillow: For side sleepers, I recommend a shredded memory foam pillow that can be fluffed up to fill the gap between your neck and your shoulder. Make sure your head is straight and your neck is in a neutral position. If the pillow is too flat, your head will sink in, and if it’s too tall, you’ll be cranked up, stretching out ligaments and tendons.
For back sleepers, use a thinner pillow or take out some of the filling from a thicker pillow to avoid cranking your head up too high. Also by rolling up a towel you can place that behind your neck to support the natural curve of your neck.