Best Sleeping Positions to Relieve Neck and Back Pain

Updated: January 16, 2025

When you climb into your bed at night, you should be able to look forward to a good night’s rest and the promise of waking up refreshed and feeling ready for the day. Better sleep is scientifically linked to more excellent physical and mental health, as well as better clarity and reduced depression symptoms. 

However, if you have neck and back pain, you could struggle with getting adequate rest and even grapple with feelings of anxiety or stress surrounding sleep.

You don’t have to resign yourself to a lifetime of poor sleep and aches and pain. FIX24 Joint Biomechanics in Scottsdale is here to cover the best sleeping positions for neck pain, aimed to help you get better rest at night and set you up for better days ahead.

Side Sleeping When Dealing with Neck Pain

Side sleeping is one of the best ways to sleep with neck pain. Not only is side sleeping one of the most common ways adults sleep, but it can reduce the risk of pain in the spine and neck. Additionally, when you sleep on your side, you might experience reduced snoring and fewer instances of acid reflux.

If you opt to try sleeping on your side, make sure you’re adequately supported. A pillow under your neck can provide comfort and support and help keep your head in a neutral position. 

You might try a body pillow to see if it helps keep your body aligned and comfortable. Avoid thick stacks of pillows or anything that doesn’t feel quite right since it could trigger neck or back pain.

Sleeping On Your Back

Back sleeping is another common sleep position amongst adults, and for good reason. Studies suggest that sleeping on your back can help alleviate back pain. Sleeping on your back can help with spinal alignment since it helps keep your head and neck in a neutral position at night.

Pillows can also be helpful if you’re trying to get comfortable sleeping on your back. Try placing a pillow under your knees to support your spine and maintain its natural curve at night. The right mattress can also be highly beneficial to a good night’s sleep, especially if you struggle with debilitating back and neck pain. Try different ones to see what your preferred firmness level is, and adjust your pillows and bedding accordingly.

Common Causes of Neck Pain in Adults

Neck pain is very common among adults of all ages and lifestyles. Lifestyle choices and habits such as poor posture and muscle strain can cause neck pain. Nerve compression and injuries, including car collisions or weightlifting, can also cause it. 

In some cases, neck pain is caused by diseases like cancer or meningitis. If you are experiencing extreme neck pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see a healthcare provider so you can receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Waking up with Neck Pain? We Can Help!

A good night’s sleep is within your reach. If you’re trying to find the best sleeping position for neck pain, FIX24 can assist. 

We treat back and neck pain by using cutting-edge mechanical engineering techniques. Whether you have chronic pain syndrome or have been dealing with back pain as the result of a car accident or poor posture, we can analyze and address the source of your discomfort.

FIX24 Joint Biomechanics has a focus on joint biomechanics, nerve function, and organ physiology, ensuring that we can diagnose and treat the whole person. 

Check out our website to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment today to get started with realigning your body and healing your neck and back pain.

Image Source: Jo Panuwat D/Shutterstock

However, if you have neck and back pain, you could struggle with getting adequate rest and even grapple with feelings of anxiety or stress surrounding sleep.

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