Occipital Neuralgia

If cervical alignment is disrupted during sleep, the posterior neck muscles remain in a state of abnormal tension for a long time, intensifying pain upon waking in the morning. An appropriate pillow height is 8–10 cm, which maintains the physiological lordosis of the cervical spine; if it is too high, it leads to cervical flexion and compression of the greater occipital nerve, while if it is too low, it causes cervical extension overload. When sleeping on your side, the pillow height should be adjusted to shoulder width, and memory foam or a pillow specifically designed for the cervical spine can be helpful. Using a smartphone in bed can also cause cervical curvature, so it is recommended to stop before sleep. Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic In Korean medicine, sleep is a time for the body's Yin energy to recover; if sleeping posture is poor, Qi and blood cannot circulate properly and become stagnant in the back of the neck. Recovery during sleep is particularly vulnerable if there is a deficiency of Yin energy in the kidneys. At Dongjedang, we help improve Qi and blood circulation in the back of the neck through acupuncture treatment, while providing detailed guidance on correcting sleeping posture and pillows. Replenishing Yin energy with herbal medicine tailored to your body condition also enhances recovery during sleep.