Just May Be From The Way You Sleep!
Sleep and work are the two consistent activities that consume most of our time.
If you are suffering from neck and shoulder related problems think about the way you sleep at night.
Side sleepers typically do not lie directly on top of the shoulder. The side sleeper position pushes the shoulder forward which forces sleeping on the shoulder’s back portion. The “up” arm is resting across the body in a hugging manner. The next 6 -8 hours both shoulders are in a forward presenting position. Prolonged exposure to this aberrant motion creates an inflammatory condition because the brain perceives that there is something wrong with the joint. When joints are in a particular position for extended periods of time the muscles that attach to these joints will shorten. Neutral joint position should be the resting position.
Our joint’s physiology requires motion to stay healthy. When a joint is in a position repeatedly the body creates inflammation that brings in cells to heal. “Smart self-healing system is the body!” If joint mobility does not return to its normal homeostatic (neutral) position the inflammation will begin to affect the tendons and other supportive tissues causing tendonitis. Further shortening of the pectorals, biceps, and anterior deltoids will ensue. And then pain. This is the process that will lead to bone spurs, frozen shoulders, and eventually a shoulder surgery down the road.
All of this is avoidable if you recognize this condition is beginning. If you are one already suffering, here is the remedy.
- When you go to bed lay on your side as you usually do. Take another pillow and lay it down in the vertical position on the bed behind your back. Roll back up against the pillow. Now both shoulders are in a neutral position. Your head will naturally roll to the down side. This is great position for all of you that snore.
- When you wake up in the morning, do some 360 degree arm wheels. 6 forward and 6 backwards. This will help tear out any myofascial scarring that develops overnight.
- Get in a doorway and do a one-arm pectoral stretch for 20 seconds in each direction.
- See your Chiropractor who does extremity adjustments. Dr. John does excellent extremity work, ‘wink, wink.’ The adjustment to the shoulder joint will put the humerus in the correct position.
Habit is the cause of our problems. The daily routines, 365; 24/7 is what creates our issues. Take action and reap the rewards.