tension!

[Katharina]

This is not really flight-related, but I thought I'd ask anyway: Every morning I wake up with dreadfully tense neck, shoulders and upper back. If feels like my spine is stapled together, if you know what I mean. I can hardly bend my head forward. Stretching or massages don't seem to help - it simply fades away in the course of the morning. The only fun thing about it is that I can scare everyone with those loud cracking sounds my muscles/bones (?) make as soon as I move my shoulders... images/icons/grin.gif This is apparently unrelated to whether I slept well or not, on a hard or soft mattress etc.

I think it might be because I sleep on my stomach, with my head turned sideways. I know this is bad for the back. But what can I do - I simply cannot sleep in any other position! Even if I managed to go to sleep on my back (which I don't), I would turn again as soon as I was asleep. Is there any way to 'train' such sleep habits?

[Audrey]

Katharina,

Have you tried using a pillow designed specifically for people who sleep on their stomachs? It might give your neck/back the proper support that it needs in that position. When I switched pillows (and I bought good quality), it made a difference for me. Just a suggestion.... Sweet dreams!

Audrey ;o) images/icons/grin.gif

[Katharina]

thanks, I'll look into that! Have you ever tried these Japanese magnet plasters? You stick one on each shoulder, and they're supposed to get your circulation going and thus release tension. Tried them today. Well, no instant improvement, but perhaps it does help gradually.... (there's always positive thinking!).

[Audrey]

Katharina,

That sounds interesting, especially to someone with a circulatory problem! Where could something like that be purchased? Are they expensive? Very curious....

Sincerely,
Audrey images/icons/grin.gif

[bridget74]

Katharina,

Sounds like you and I share a common problem. I'm horrible about holding tension in my neck and shoulders.

First and foremost, don't sleep on your stomach! It throws your neck and back out of alignment. I had to train myself to sleep on my side. To do this, I had to begin sleeping with a pillow next to my side. So in other words, I'd pull a pillow up to my stomach, and rest my upper leg on it (kinda like spooning with your pillow, I'll admit images/icons/grin.gif ). But it helps keep you from flipping over on your stomach.

Also, make sure your pillows are the right height to your body. Your head should tilt neither up nor down from your body. And avoid curling your neck in under you (in the fetal position). I used to do this, and it caused me all sorts of problems.

And there's something to be said for a good massage therapist. Find a good one, and he/she can give you some pointers on posture. I found one at the Cooper Aerobics Center here in Dallas who is just wonderful. She gave me all sorts of little pointers on my posture, and was able to work on my high-tension spots.

Just my 2 cents. Best of luck!

Bridget

[robert_daddario]

Your problem is related to your health...

We often slept on the wing of the plane or in the wheel well...if weather was bad.

Point is we never woke up with pains and discomforts....

If you can't live a day at a time...you will continue to experience the tensions your talking about...

If your condition is a constant happening you need professional help...medication is usually given...to tone down your mind and nervous system.