Suggestions to Help with Morning Achiness in Neck/shoulders/back?

I have this same problem and I went to my doctor for it. She didn't recommend a chiropractor or anything fancy, but a few simple exercises I could do at home. First, though, she said to make sure that no matter how I am sleeping (and I do need a new mattress soon), to make sure my spine is straight. What helped me immediately (I'm a side sleeper) was to use a flatter pillow. I had a nice cushy pillow, but it was forcing my neck to bend my spine. But the exercises she told me to do were simple shoulder/neck strength training exercises. I do them every day 2 sets of 15 reps, and I have no more pain. One is the straight up & down shoulder press (with light weights). Another is cross punches at shoulder height, with or without weights. The 3rd is shoulder raises - hold weights in your hands at your sides and simply lift and lower your shoulders straight up & down slowly. These have been amazing for me and my shoulders look really toned now, too! She didn't suggest it, but I also found that stretching my arms straight up and then straight out every morning and every night just plain feels good. So does lying down on my balance ball "hugging" it - it feels like it really opens up the area between my shoulder blades. I was living off of Advil and Aleve for months before I finally decided the pain was interfering with my life. I didn't expect to have such immediate results with easy exercises, but I did. Good luck. I know it's a horrible feeling to wake up achy every day knowing you'll be tending to kids and life all day! This helped me feel really good in the morning, and the exercises take less than 5 minutes. And in a few months, my shoulders are going to look really nice in a tank top :)

If your mattress is the culprit, sometimes putting a large piece of particle board (half to 3/4 inch thickness) will help support between the mattress and the bed spring. Using a full body pillow (like when you were pregnant) also helps support and elevate your legs. No smushy down pillows - no support. A mattress pad only adds softness, not support so don't waste your money.

Yes, a chiropractor would be nice but it sounds like you're in a pinch for money. Many of us have been where you are at and have to make do with practical solutions. I am the queen of that! You may only need a new good top mattress and not the full set. I don't shop Ebay, but you may find someone closeby who is selling a new or like new mattress. I found a hide-a-bed a long time ago in the newspaper and it was brand new! Good luck!

K.

I highly recommend a chiropractor. I am not sure where you are but Bucktown chiropractors really helped me. They have a website if you look it up.
Hope you feel better soon

Drinking lots of water is helpful too. Also, when I cut out dairy my aches completely went away. Always good to check diet!

Did you exert yourself or have an accident when it began? Be aware of any habits or repetitive motions that may be causing the problem.I tend to carry stress in my neck & shoulder area so I see a massage therapist on occasion. If you are interested I know a couple therapists & a good chiropractor on the N/Wside. I also use a memory foam contoured pillow & regularly soak in a hot bath with Epsom salts.

If you can swing a massage it will help tremendously. If you need to go a less expensive route try a massage school near you. The schools usually charge between $35 and $40 for a 1hr massage. Also, a hot bath followed by some neck and shoulder stretches. If you are at a loss for what stretches to do google shoulder stretches. this should at least help a little.