Sleep and Plastic Deformation

Throughout life, people sleep in some of the most unusual and contorted positions. When these unsupported sleeping positions occur over a period of time, stiffness, pain and lack of sleep occur.

Constant improper sleep habits lead to Plastic Deformation. This condition occurs when the soft tissue which supports and holds the skeleton together gets overstretched for a long period of time, causing the tissue to loose it's elasticity and it's ability to hold the skeleton together as it once used to.

As an example of plastic deformation, think of a rubber band. Normally the rubber band can be stretched out and then it rebounds to it's original shape. When you put the rubber band around a stack of papers for several weeks, and then remove it, the band does not return to it's original shape, it is deformed. Hence the name Plastic Deformation.

When you sleep without proper neck support over a period of time, the neck and upper back tissue deforms to the forces that are present. If a person sleeps with two pillows under their head, essentially propping the head into flexion, there is a significant stretch of the soft tissue in the back of the neck and upper spine. If one sleeps on their stomach with the head turned to the right, then the stretch is on the left side of the neck. Back sleeping without proper support also causes this stretching to occur.

After a period of years, one awakes with pain or stiffness without "any good reason". Muscle spasms and tightness are a common complaint. The good news is that Plastic Deformation as a result of improper sleep posture can be prevented with cervical support pillows.

Proper posture during sleep begins with the proper pillow to support the tissue that has become or is becoming weakened due to plastic deformation. At first those who have been sleeping without proper neck support sometimes find that using proper support feels strange, sometimes a little uncomfortable at first. However within a 5-10 day break in period, sleeping comfort is better than ever. Pain, stiffness and tightness upon arising changes to waking refreshed and healthy.

We at PainReliever.Com are dedicated in providing you the best quality, professional grade support products available at warehouse prices. The Orthopedic Pillows we offer are prescribed to patients with neck pain across the country by doctors to help support the soft tissue of the neck and upper back.

Best of health,

Dr. Tracy A. Norris, D.C., C.C.E.P.
Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner

Important info on pain!

Pain due to chronic muscular pain can be helped by stretching the muscle fibers gently in twenty minute sessions. Application of a good topical pain relieving gel can feel very good to a sore aching back.

Ice packs are extremely important in relieving pain. Cold therapy actually kills more pain than heat does, although not as pleasing a feeling at first as heat, ice is the preferred therapy for pain. There are more cold receptors than there are hot. Therefore when you stimulate the cold receptors it blocks more pain. Ice reduces inflammation and irritation in the muscles, joints, and nerves. Ice treatment should last about 10 minutes on an extremity, and 15-20 minutes over the lower back region. Never ice longer than 20 minutes, as blood circulation must be maintained to the tissue.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended to explain what has been experienced in my private practice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. If you suffer from pain, please consult your Chiropractic Physician or Medical Doctor for proper evaluation.