Dealing with neck pain can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your sleep. Waking up with a sore neck or even finding it hard to fall asleep can make the pain feel worse. If you’re experiencing neck pain on the left side, it’s important to be mindful of your sleeping position. 

The way you sleep can either aggravate your neck pain or provide relief. So, let’s talk about the best ways to sleep with neck pain on the left side to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed, rather than stiff and sore.

What Causes Neck Pain on the Left Side

Before we dive into how to sleep, let’s briefly understand why your neck hurts. Neck pain can be caused by various factors, such as poor posture, muscle strain, or even an underlying issue like a herniated disc.

If the pain is on the left side, it could be related to muscle tension, pinched nerves, or an issue with your cervical spine. Sometimes, sleeping in the wrong position can worsen the pain, so it’s essential to adopt the right posture while you rest.

How to Sleep with Neck Pain on the Left Side

Best Sleeping Positions for Left-Side Neck Pain

The key to managing neck pain while sleeping lies in proper alignment. Here’s how to sleep with neck pain on the left side:

1. Sleep on Your Back with Proper Support

Sleeping on your back is often the best position for neck pain. The goal is to keep your head, neck, and spine aligned in a neutral position. Here’s what you can do:

  • Use a supportive pillow: A pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck is essential. A cervical pillow or a rolled towel placed under your neck can help maintain proper alignment.
  • Avoid high pillows: Using a pillow that is too high can push your head forward and strain your neck muscles. Opt for a pillow that keeps your head aligned with your spine.
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed: Place your arms by your side or rest them on your stomach, keeping your shoulders down and relaxed.

2. Sleep on Your Side (Right Side) with a Pillow Between Your Knees

If you prefer sleeping on your side, try sleeping on your right side (away from the left side pain). This helps reduce pressure on the left side of your neck. Here’s how to make it more comfortable:

  • Pillow support: Choose a pillow that fills the gap between your head and the mattress. Your head should be aligned with your spine, not tilted up or down.
  • Place a pillow between your knees: This helps to keep your spine aligned and reduces pressure on your lower back, which can also affect your neck.
  • Avoid sleeping on the left side: Sleeping directly on the left side can strain the muscles and worsen pain, especially if there’s already tension in the neck.

3. Avoid Stomach Sleeping

Sleeping on your stomach is one of the worst positions for neck pain, particularly when the pain is on the left side. This position forces your neck to twist unnaturally, leading to more tension and discomfort. If you’re a stomach sleeper, try to break the habit by gradually training yourself to sleep on your back or side.

Additional Tips for Sleeping with Neck Pain

Besides finding the right sleeping position, there are other things you can do to reduce neck pain while you sleep:

1. Apply Heat or Ice Before Bed

Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the left side of your neck before bed can help relax the muscles and reduce stiffness. Alternatively, if there’s swelling or inflammation, you might find relief with a cold pack. Just make sure to use the appropriate treatment for your specific pain.

2. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Stress can contribute to muscle tension, so before going to sleep, try practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching. This can help ease the tension in your neck and prepare your body for a restful night’s sleep.

3. Invest in a Good Mattress

The right mattress can make a big difference in your sleep quality. A mattress that is too soft or too firm may not provide the proper support for your spine. Look for a mattress that promotes a neutral spine alignment to keep neck pain at bay.

How Flynn Chiro Can Help with Your Neck Pain

As a chiropractor in Melbourne, I see many patients dealing with neck pain, including those who struggle with pain on one side, like the left side. Often, the issue can stem from muscle imbalances, poor posture, or spinal misalignment.

At Flynn Chiro, I assess your posture and spine alignment to determine the root cause of your neck pain. From there, I develop a personalised neck pain treatment plan that may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and posture correction techniques. By addressing the underlying causes of your pain, I help you achieve long-term relief and improve your quality of life.

If you’re finding it difficult to sleep due to neck pain, I can guide you through strategies to improve your sleep posture and offer additional treatments that support your healing.

Final Thought

Neck pain on the left side can make sleeping uncomfortable, but with the right approach, you can ease the pain and wake up feeling refreshed. Pay attention to your sleeping position, choose the right pillow, and incorporate relaxation techniques to support your healing. If neck pain persists or affects your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a South Yarra chiropractor. Together, we can identify the cause of your pain and develop a plan to restore your health and improve your sleep.

If you need help managing neck pain or improving your sleep quality, visit Flynn Chiro in Melbourne, and let me help you get back to living pain-free.