This is a rather specific question: if you lie down on the floor on your back, does the back of your head touch the floor and is this comfortable for you?
(Don’t try this at home if you have trouble getting up from the floor)
Duncan Moran Yes and Yes - more comfortable with arms sticking out than straight down the side. And I was reassured that it was not too difficult to get up again.
Timo Koola @Dunk thanks! I can't do this comfortably (I need to push down the head and I am pretty tense), and I am trying to figure out what to do about it
Miraz Jordan I've been having problems with stiffness and tension in neck, shoulders, back. The other day my massage therapist gave me an exercise I've now done once (and felt better for) that may help you. Lie flat on your back. Put your feet on a low chair. Have a 90 degree angle at the knees and hips (so your thighs are vertical, your lower leg horizontal). Lay your arms flat at a 45 degree angle from your body, palms up. Roll up a small towel and put under your neck. Lie still for 10 to 15 minutes. No pushing or anything. It allows the spine to relax. Deceptively simple, but I'll be doing this every day. She said for me to do it 3 times per week.
Timo Koola @Miraz oh, yes, this is something I used to do when I had really back lower-back pain 15-20 years ago. I often added ice under my lower-back. Pretty sure that part is no longer recommended practice