Best Pillow For Facet Joint Pain

Other Tips For Sleepers With Neck Pain

In addition to choosing the right pillow, you can reduce neck pain through lifestyle changes like adopting proper posture, taking stretching breaks, and generally being more active. People who experience neck pain should avoid shoulder bags, slouching, and long periods of sitting at the computer.

• Choose the Right Mattress: Your bodys overall position is influenced not only by your pillow, but also your mattress. Plusher mattresses allow your body to sink down further, meaning youll need a lower-loft pillow. The opposite holds true for firmer mattresses, which will require a higher pillow to maintain proper alignment of the neck and spine.
• Engage in Physical Therapy: From daily habits to more serious regimens, there are plenty of exercises you can do to relax your neck muscles and relieve strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. A certified massage therapist or chiropractor may also be able to help. Always consult a health professional before starting any kind of treatment.
• Use Ice or Heat: Many people with neck pain receive instant relief from a hot or cold compress, or from taking a warm shower. This may not cure your neck problems, but it can be a helpful short-term solution.

A Good Pillow Is Designed To Keep The Spine In Natural Alignment

The human neck curves slightly forward , and it is very important to maintain this curve when in a resting position. If the height of the pillow is too high when sleeping sideways or on the back, the neck is bent abnormally forward or to the side, causing muscle strain on the back of the neck and shoulders. This type of position may also cause narrowing of the air pipe, resulting in obstructed breathing, and sometimes snoring, which can hinder sleep. Conversely, if the height of the pillow is too low, the neck muscles can also be strained.

Based on the bodys measurements and personal preference, the pillow should maintain a height of 4 to 6 inches, properly supporting the head and neck .

Are You Particularly Large Or Small

Pillows come in many sizes to fit any size. Some come in just one size and most will fit into this category. The average height for a pillow is about 4 inches and this will fit most average size adults. Some pillows offer 2 size heights in one pillow . The material, being a soft chemical free memory foam, will have an effective height of 3 and 4 inches. Some pillows for neck pain come in different sizes that are measure by body height or neck to shoulder length, like the popular side sleeping pillow, which is great for those who are side sleepers or have neck and shoulder pain. The therapeutic functional pillow comes in different sizes from child to extra large adult. The inflatable pillow is one that can be adjusted for height and is great for all size individuals.

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Sleeping In A Reclining Position

Sleeping in a reclining position is preferable for sleeping with lower back pain and/or sciatica. Specifically, pain that feels worse when standing up straight, and better when bending forward, is a sign that sleeping in a supported reclining position may be beneficial. Options for support while sleeping in a reclining position include:

• Adjustable Bed. With this type of bed, the upper and lower portions of the bed can be raised and lowered in a customized fashion . There are many advantages to an adjustable bed, including the ability to easily raise and lower portions of the bed throughout the night. Adjustable beds are available at a variety of price points and designs.

Elevating the knees by placing a pillow under them, while at the same time lying flat on a bed, can also help relieve back pain caused by many conditions.

Best For Traveling: Ecosa Memory Foam Pillow

This products ergonomic design reportedly supports the curvature of the neck. It also has adjustable pads that allow for varying heights.

The pillow also comes with two types of compression bags, making it a convenient option for people who travel.

Price: The Ecosa Memory Foam Pillow has a list price of $100.

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Causes Of Lumbar Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint degenerative osteoarthritis is the most common form of Facet joint pain. It is the result of degenerative changes to the joints that are located between the bones of the spine, known as the facet joints. This condition is often tied to the degenerative changes of the spines intervertebral disks.

The cartilage inside the facet joints can break down, leading to joint space narrowing and inflammation, which can trigger pain signals in the surrounding nerve endings the muscles in the area then stiffen and spasm, leading to typical symptoms of lumbar facet joint syndrome.

What Pillow Materials Are Best For Back Pain

There are benefits and drawbacks to each pillow type, but memory foam pillows are often considered to be the best for back pain. Back pain can manifest in different ways, and every shopper will have different needs and preferences. Some may find that down, poly fill, or latex pillows are more comfortable. Well break down common pillow types here.

Memory FoamViscoelastic foam, or memory foam, conforms to the shape of the head and neck by responding to heat and pressure. This type of pillow offers a customized feel that reduces tension in the neck and shoulders and helps keep the spine aligned. Pillows can have a solid memory foam core, or shredded memory foam fill. There are a couple drawbacks to memory foam to keep in mind, namely that it can have an initial odor and tends to retain heat.

BuckwheatBuckwheat pillows are filled with the outer shell of buckwheat seeds. The hulls have a naturally open shape that encourages airflow and helps dissipate heat. Buckwheat pillows often have an adjustable loft, as the hulls can be added or removed to change the firmness and height of the pillow as needed. The hulls conform to the shape of the head and neck to reduce aches and pains. That said, the buckwheat hulls may be too firm for some. They are also prone to making a rustling noise when the pillow is shifted.

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What Makes The Saatva Mattress Stand Out

• The bed has the traditional innerspring feel that many seniors are accustomed to. It even comes with free white glove delivery, giving them one less hassle to worry about when shopping for a new mattress.
• The coils help to hold up the body, while the pillow-top relieves pressure on the joints. The mattress should also help keep the spine in neutral alignment so folks dont exacerbate their arthritis symptoms while sleeping.
• With its innerspring design, the Saatva mattress promotes airflow and doesnt trap a significant amount of heat.

Read our full Saatva mattress reviewfor more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Seniors for more great options.

Or Sleep With Ice Packs

Everyone says heat for arthritis but for me ice is the best, especially if I cant sleep, says Jennifer D., 28, of Washington, D.C. Heat makes the rashes from my psoriatic arthritis feel worse so I have ice packs I keep in the freezer and put them down my pajamas at bedtime. It takes some getting used to but its worth it for me to sleep better. Her trick is to buy ice packs that dont leak or sweat so she doesnt wake up in a wet bed.

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The Best Mattresses For Arthritis

• Layla Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Hips
• Saatva Best Mattress for Seniors With Arthritis
• Nolah Evolution Best Mattress for Arthritis in the Lower Back
• Helix Midnight Best Customizable Mattress for Arthritis
• DreamCloud Premier Best Hybrid Mattress for Arthritis
• Bear Hybrid Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Arthritis
• Leesa Best Mattress for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
• Puffy Best Memory Foam Mattress for Arthritis
• Titan Plus Luxe Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Arthritis

How We Chose Our Products

Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty. You can read more about our testing methods at the bottom of this roundup.

When thinking about the best mattresses for arthritis, we wanted to choose beds that offer a good amount of support. This helps sleepers keep a neutral spinal alignment, which helps prevent pain. Thats why we only included mattresses that scored at least a 3.5 out of 5 in this category. And of these eight beds, five scored a 4 out of 5 or higher on support.

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What Makes The Layla Mattress Stand Out

• The soft side of the mattress features a thick layer of copper-infused memory foam thats extremely good with pressure relief in the hips and shoulders. We felt very little joint pressure side-sleeping on the Layla.
• We felt supported when we were back-sleeping and, flipping the mattress over, we felt good support for stomach-sleeping.
• The Layla is also going to be one of the coolest-sleeping mattresses for arthritis. Along with the copper infusion, it boasts a Thermogel cover that draws heat away from the body.

Read our full Layla mattress reviewfor more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Hip Pain for more great options.

Do You Travel For Business Or Leisure Use A Favorite Chair Or Recliner For Sleeping

Traveling can be stressful, resulting in tension headaches and stiff neck muscles. Riding for long periods can place the neck in poor posture causing strain. Even though many recliners look and feel comfortable, many do not provide proper neck support. Fortunately, there are pillows for neck pain that can help. For reclining or traveling, u shaped pillows can help provide support and comfort. They can also prevent the head from falling to one side, which can result in a stiff neck. There are pillows for neck pain that support posture while sitting and this can be helpful for poorly designed seats. For those who sleep away from home, there are smaller versions of standard pillows that are compact and still provide the support and comfort you need.

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How We Choose Products

Medical News Today chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria where possible:

• Certifications:MNT will choose products that feature CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that these products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
• Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
• Materials and fill:MNT selects products comprising different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
• Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.

Body Pillows Fit Many Needs

A pillow as long as the body can serve several functions for people who prefer to sleep on their sides. The top portion can support the head and neck, while the bottom portion supports the knees and legs. One style, in a J shape with space for the ear, is designed to hold the head in correct spinal alignment.

Using one body pillow is sometimes preferred to using separate pillows for the head and knees. Women who are pregnant may also appreciate the added support for the abdomen.

Throwing the top leg too far across the body pillow while side sleeping can cause the lower back to twist and should be avoided. The legs should remain aligned, one directly over the other, with the pillow in between.

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Ortorex Memory Foam Pillow Questions

Best For Snoring: Marnur Memory Foam Pillow

The pillow may help support the neck and shoulders and promote spine alignment. Additionally, the supportive nature of this pillow may help reduce snoring.

Other features include:

Other methods to help relieve neck pain are also available.

According to a 2019 article , an individual can apply heating pads or ice packs to help relieve neck pain and tension.

A person can also perform exercises and stretches. One example includes standing with the back against the wall and pushing the head back on the wall for 20 seconds. This may help strengthen the neck muscles.

However, it is essential to contact a doctor or physical therapist before trying exercises. They will be able to advise on how to do the exercises or stretches safely.

Other treatment options include:

Below are some frequently asked questions about cervical pillows.

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Best Overall: Comfilife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion

• No size or firmness variability

Who else recommends it? Bustle and The Strategist both picked the ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion.

What do buyers say? 85% of 83,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

We chose the ComfiLife cushion as our top pick because it is made of memory foam, and the cushion is topped with cooling gel that will keep you comfortable temperature-wise. Its also specifically designed to relieve pressure on the coccyx.

One of the best parts about this cushion is that it can be used anywhereat your office, in your car, or at home. It also supports better posture, which will also provide relief to your lower back and general alignment. Its machine-washable and has a convenient handle that helps with transport.

Price at time of publication: $60

Material: Gel-enhanced memory foam | Washable: Yes

How Does Sleeping Position Affect Joint Pain

As with any condition that causes pain or discomfort, arthritis could make it harder to get restful, quality sleep. Aches and pains may make it harder to fall asleep or could lead to tossing and turning during the night. The position someone uses could either reduce or contribute to pain. Depending on an individuals pains, they may prefer any sleep position. However, most experts usually recommend back or side sleeping. If you continue to experience arthritis and/or joint pain that interrupts your sleep, we recommend talking to your doctor.

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Cushion Lab Back Relief Lumbar Pillow

Price: $

This upper mid-back cushion can be used while reclining or sitting. Its ergonomically designed to provide support for the lower back and spine.

Its made from extra dense memory foam thats hypoallergenic. It has an elastic, adjustable strap that keeps it in place while youre driving or seated in a chair.

A removable cover is made from polyester and rayon, and its also machine washable.

Do You Prefer Firm Or Soft Pillows

Some individuals have a preference for either a firm or soft pillow. In general, a softer pillow will provide better relief from pain. Firmer pillows will help to restore the curve of the neck better. Pillows vary in firmness levels. Even memory foam pillows can be firm depending on the density and if it is an open or closed cell foam. Firmness can also be subjective, with some thinking a pillow is firm, while others feeling the same pillow is soft. In general, our memory foam pillows are soft, along with the inflatable and water pillows. The neck pillow tends to be firm along with buckwheat pillows, however, the egg crate pillow is one of the best firm pillow options.

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Contour Products Backmax Foam Bed Wedge System

Price: $$$

This firm bed wedge system is made from medical-grade support foam. It has multiple sections that can be used together or unzipped and used separately.

Its designed to be used in multiple positions on surfaces like your bed, couch, or floor.

As a full-sized bed wedge system, it follows the natural curve of the spine, alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve. You can also use it to elevate your legs or to prop up your lower back. And the back wedge can be used separately to support your back while sitting or reclining.

Its available in two widths: 20 inches and 28 inches. Keep your bed width in mind when you buy, especially if youre co-sleeping.

This bed wedge system comes with a zipped, washable cover.

Neck Arthritis Pillows And Sleep

Sleep disorders in people with neck arthritis are common. In fact, sleep disturbance affects up to 10.2 million U.S. adults with arthritis, according to a 2011 study by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The study estimated that people with arthritis are almost three times as likely to have insomnia as their healthy counterparts.*

I spoke with two New York City physical therapists to find useful tips on sleeping with neck arthritis and was pleasantly surprised to find that at least one of these tips may even save you money.

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