How To Easily Conquer Painful Neck/Back Stiffness in the Morning with Proper Spinal Alignment

“Did I run a marathon yesterday?” 

If that’s what you ask yourself when you get up in the morning and the answer is, “No, I hardly left the house,” then it may be time for a wake-up call. 

Feeling stiff and achy most mornings could result from two factors that affect sleep quality: poor sleep posture and unsupportive mattresses. 

However, before you spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on new high-end bedding, there’s a simple, far more affordable solution. One that in minutes flat may help prevent you from feeling like a Monday morning quarterback who was sacked 7 times on Sunday. 

More on that solution shortly. 

“Sleeping On It Wrong”

But first, let’s discuss how vital it is to address proper spinal alignment during sleep. You’ve probably woken up several times over the years with your arm or fingers feeling numb. Many people blame the phenomenon on “sleeping on it wrong.” 

Falling asleep with your arm pinned under your side is just one root cause of waking up with discomfort. There are other poor sleep postural alignments that you should also be aware of. Just as proper dental hygiene requires a multi-faceted approach (brushing, flossing, mouthwash, regular checkups), a few sleep hygiene techniques may mitigate or prevent morning stiffness. 

The Worst Sleep Postures & Mistakes

Preventing poor sleep posture is the first step. Especially if you frequently adjust your sleep position in the middle of the night. A consistently unhealthy sleep posture may strain your cervical/lumbar vertebrae, leading to inflammation in the neck/back. 

Other poor sleep postures and sleep hygiene practices include: 

• Flat Pillow: Using a flat pillow or no pillow at all can lead to poor sleep posture. When the head is not adequately supported, it can cause the neck to bend unnaturally, leading to discomfort and potential neck pain.
  

• Super Thick Pillows: On the other hand, using a pillow that is too high or thick can also contribute to poor sleep posture. It can cause the neck to be excessively flexed, leading to strain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
  

• Falling Asleep On The Couch: Sitting for prolonged periods has been linked to numerous health concerns, and couches are the antithesis of proper spinal alignment. Humans were not designed to sit for hours on end. Additionally, falling asleep in a seated position on a couch often causes the chin to drop forward, putting added strain on the neck. It doesn’t take a doctorate in chiropractic to understand how falling asleep in the wrong position can easily throw off spinal alignment, leading to stiff, achy muscles.
  

• Unsupported Curves: Failing to support the natural curves of your spine while sleeping can result in poor posture. To support a proper sacroiliac spinal curvature, use a pillow between your knees.
  

• Legs Crossed: Sleeping with crossed legs can cause not only pain in localized regions of the body such as the hips, but also the neck and lower back. That’s because the cervical spine position can potentially go out of alignment due to the spine compensating to maintain your center of gravity above the pelvis.

The Impact of Poor Spinal Alignment During Sleep

In addition to causing cervical or lumbar discomfort, poor sleep posture, research shows, can lead to insomnia, sleep apnea, and other conditions that impede sleep quality.  

When we sleep in awkward positions or on unsupportive mattresses, the natural alignment of the spine is disrupted. This can lead to many problems, including morning stiffness, backaches, and neck pain. As we toss and turn at night, the spine can become misaligned, causing stress on the muscles, ligaments, and discs. Over time, this can result in chronic pain and inflammation in the neck & lower back. 

Posture Pump® Products: A Research-Backed Solution for Neck/Back Stiffness in the Morning

For far less than the cost of a new bed, Posture Pump® products are an affordable solution that’s easy to use. Since 1994, millions have used these Disc Hydrators® to alleviate the symptoms caused by poor spinal alignment, which may relieve lower back and neck discomfort. Backed by Research studies , Posture Pump® products have garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, including those from medical professionals who recommend Posture Pump® to their patients.

“Dear Posture Pump®, thank you for your excellent product. I have a ruptured C5-6 disc in my neck. My neck pain had persisted and I was considering surgical options. After giving the Posture Pump® a try I could tell the difference after the first night. I have had a significant improvement in my range of motion. I treat a lot of chronic spinal pain patients--many with multilevel disc disease and no clear surgical targets. Given my own personal experience, the low cost and ingenious simplicity of Posture Pump®, I have been enthusiastically recommending it to my chronic back and neck patients.”

- Al N., M.D.; Stevens Point, WI

How Does Posture Pump® Work To Relieve Stiffness First Thing in the Morning?

Posture Pump® devices gently decompress and hydrate spinal discs, relieving pressure and promoting proper alignment. One of the most well-researched non-surgical alternatives for relieving neck and back pain, Posture Pump® products can be used in the comfort of your home, allowing you to take control of your spinal health and experience the benefits of proper alignment.

Other Ways To Relieve Painful Stiffness In the Morning 

While using Posture Pump® products can be highly beneficial, there are additional steps you can take to improve your sleep posture and maintain spinal health:

• Choose a supportive mattress and pillow: Invest in a mattress and pillow that provide adequate support and promote proper spinal alignment. Look for options that conform to the natural curves of your body and distribute your weight evenly. According to the Sleep Foundation, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. However, if after using the Posture Pump®, you feel significant relief, you may decide to keep your mattress for longer.
  

• Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises: Engage in regular exercises that target the neck and back muscles. Stretching can improve flexibility while strengthening exercises can support the spine and promote better posture.
  

Practice good posture throughout the day: Maintaining good posture during your waking hours is just as important as during sleep. Be mindful of your posture when sitting, standing, and performing daily activities. Sit up straight, keep your shoulders back, and avoid slouching. Also avoid excessive forward head posture (“nerd neck”) by limiting time staring at your smartphone.

Conclusion

Poor sleep posture and unsupportive mattresses can lead to spinal misalignment. This in turn may cause morning stiffness, backaches, and neck pain. However, by taking proactive steps towards improving sleep posture and considering the use of Posture Pump® products, you may find relief from these symptoms and enhance your sleep quality.

Posture Pump® offers effective solutions for restoring and maintaining a healthy neck curve, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain. With millions of satisfied customers benefiting, you can be confident that these patented Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression (EED®) technology devices will help you achieve a more comfortable sleep experience.

Posture Pump® products require minimal effort and only 5 - 15 minutes of usage per day/as needed. With easy-to-use hand pumps and uniquely angled air cells, expansion and contraction (up and down motion) of these air cells creates alternating hydration of the spinal discs and joints. When the air cells are left inflated for an extended period (up to 15 minutes), postural shaping and decompression occurs. 

Remember to address your neck posture sooner rather than later. By incorporating the recommendations provided in this article, from exercises to Posture Pump® products, you can take control of your spinal health and enjoy a better quality of sleep. Don't let morning neck/back stiffness and pain hold you back from living your best life.

Questions about Posture Pump® Disc Hydrators®? Visit our FAQ page or call 1-800-632-5776.