Keep A Supportive Posture
Pain can definitely be caused by poor posture, because that places undue strain on the ligaments and muscles which support the neck. When your neck is slanted forward, this is an example of poor posture which contributes to neck pain. Keep in mind that for every inch the head is slanted forwards, that causes an extra 10 pounds of weight to be placed on the neck and the upper back. If youre slanted forward as much as 5 inches, that will result in an extra 50 pounds of force being exerted on your back and your neck. Stand erect as often as you can think about it, and keep your chin tucked inward to help avoid adding this extra stress on your neck.
If you are experiencing any kind of neck pain, be it from poor posture while working, sleeping wrong on a pillow, being hunched over a device, or any other reason, give us a call at Wolke Chiropractic & Rehabilitation. Let us help you get back to a pain free life! Schedule online or give us a call @
What The Research Shows
If you rely on research to guide your choices, you wonât find much agreement on neck pillows. One review of five studies, published in 2006, concluded that there wasnât enough evidence to recommend them for neck pain.
One study, published earlier, compared the effects of water-filled pillows, roll, and standard pillows on sleep quality. This research found that a water-filled version lessened morning pain and made for better rest than a roll pillow or standard model.
Yet another study found that a roll-shaped pillow noticeably improved chronic neck pain.
Keep in mind that nobody — not the people in these studies, nor your friends and family — can know what will work best for you. If your neck aches in the middle of the night or you wake up with stiffness and pain, it might help to try some kind of neck pillow.
Show Sources
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.
Read Also: Is It Better To Have More Coils In A Mattress
Chiropractor Recommended Pillows Orthopedic
One of the most popular cervical pillows recommended by chiropractors has a system to measure for correct size, posturally sound positioning for back and side sleeping, an area to accommodate the shoulders, upper back support, and consideration for jaw problems.
Types Of Neck Pillows
The best pillow for neck pain depends on a lot of things — including your sleep position, the cause of your neck pain, and what feels comfortable to you. Common types include:
- D-core, which has a D-shaped indentation in the middle for your head
- Standard contour pillows — the wavy ones, with a lengthwise indentation for your head
- Horseshoe-shaped
Neck pillows come in a variety of materials, including down, memory foam, cotton, and synthetics that can wick away heat and sweat. The material you choose matters, but only if it makes the pillow feel comfortable to you. Experts say that, in general, comfort trumps all — although material that keeps you cool may help you sleep more deeply.
You May Like: How To Remove Diarrhea Stains From Mattress
Best Contoured: Nature’s Guest Orthopedic Cervical Pillow
This contoured cervical pillow is designed to cradle the head and neck for proper alignment. The customizable design includes a zipper opening that allows you to adjust the inner microfiber filling to your liking this way, you can make the neck pillow as soft or as firm as you’d like. It even has a soft, cooling outer layer for a good night’s sleep. “This pillow has got to be one of the most comfortable pillows I have ever tried,” one shopper wrote. “And I have headaches, neck issues, and a whole lot more pain, so I am constantly buying pillows. At least once a month. And they all end up feeling like I am sleeping on bricks. But this one feels like a cloud. I am in love with this pillow!”
Chiropractor Recommended Pillows For Neck Pain Relief
If you have neck pain or stiffness, then sleeping can become somewhat problematic if you do not have the right pillow. It is very important to get just the right amount of support for your neck while in a pillow comfortable enough for a good nights sleep. There are a wide variety of chiropractor recommended pillows which can help someone with neck problems get a better sleep at night.
If you have a neck condition that prevents you from sleeping comfortably, chiropractor recommended pillows are ergonomically sound to keep your cervical spine in a neutral posture, thus avoiding postural strain and related pain or aggravation of an existing condition. This may necessitate specific areas for back and side sleeping as sleeping on the side requires a higher loft to accommodate the shoulders, functional pillows accomplish this
You May Like: How To Buy A Good Mattress Online
Do You Sleep On Your Stomach
Some experts state that sleep positions dont matter if you have the right pillow. Truefor the most partexcept stomach sleeping.
As head and neck doctors, we never recommend stomach sleeping. We have found over the years that sleeping on your stomach is one of the most detrimental things you can do to your head, neck and spine. Consider it a micro-trauma. Over and over again, night after night, you torque your neck when you sleep on your stomach. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the upper neck potentially creating health problems. Plus, you dont hold your adjustments as well when you sleep on your stomach making it difficult to stay in alignment.
Stomach sleepers must turn their head to one side to be able to breathe. Over time, this stresses the neck muscles, causing chronic neck pain and stiffness. Its a hard habit to break it, but your health is worth it.
The Best Pillow For Neck Pain Requires Some Research On Your Part
The truth is there is no one best pillow for neck pain. There are many causes for neck pain, therefore, no single pillow is best. To find the best pillow, you should first seek the reasons you are experiencing neck pain. This may require professional help from medical doctors, chiropractors or physical therapists.
Many companies make claims that their pillow is the best. At Neck Solutions, we say If you are not sure, dont buy. The best neck pillow is not one that jumps at you from advertising or even reviews. Often, the problem with testimonials is that they can be falsified. Competition can invest in paying people to buy the product and write good or bad reviews, often telling them what to say and how to say it. Friends and relatives are often called upon to help. Giveaways are common and you should take note of this as it may bias the review. Even if true, what may be the best pillow for one person may not be the best for you, even if they sound like their condition is similar to yours.
What I take from reviewing journal articles on cervical pillows is that if you are experiencing neck pain, changing your current pillow may make a difference. A 2019 study in Health SA indicates introducing a cervical pillow provides additional significant benefit to chiropractic care for chronic neck pain and was recommended as an adjunct management tool.
Also Check: How To Pick The Correct Mattress
Water & Air Inflatable
Water and inflatable chiropractic recommended pillows provide the similar benefit of variable give in response to the neck. A water pillow will adjust as the water flows within the pillow to cushion your head at the best positions. An inflatable pillow works on the same principle using compressed air. One advantage of these pillows is that they are able to be adjusted for height and firmness. The air pillow is light since air is much less dense than water.
Best Organic: Avocado Organic Molded Latex Pillow
Eco-friendly and comfortable, the Avocado Molded Latex Pillow features an organic cotton cover that is soft-to-the-touch. At the center of the pillow is its moldable charcoal-infused latex core, which offers a higher firmness level than most pillows and is ideal for those in need of greater neck support that is evenly distributed. According to the brand, this type of firmness is best suited for people who sleep on their back and side. Hot sleepers will also enjoy this pillow because of its breathability and ability to wick away moisture and repel odors. “I have a lot of neck problems, and this pillow really makes a difference on how I wake up next morning,” one shopper said, praising how the security, stability, and height of the pillow promotes proper alignment. ” very sturdy yet nicely comforting, with just the right amount of cushion and softness.”
You May Like: Can You Use Old Box Spring With New Mattress
What To Look For In A Pillow
A pillow should be designed to support your head and neck in a neutral position aligned with the rest of your spine. The necessary height of your pillow will vary depending on the position you sleep in, which depending on your spinal health, should either be your side or your back. Your pillow should provide lasting support to your head and neck, without continually needing to adjust your sleeping position to get comfortable. There should be no space between your neck and pillow.
A good quality pillow will support your head and neck throughout the night allowing you to wake having a good night sleep feeling refreshed.
At Back to Basics Chiropractic we use and recommend memory foam pillows and have found the complete sleeprrr range of pillows to be the most supportive pillows currently available.
For a complete range of pillows that we recommended and use in our clinics .
Best Cooling: Layla Kapok Pillow
Made from copper fibers and breathable kapok fabric, which is renowned for its soft and airy cloud-like feel, this top-rated pillow from Layla, an editor-favorite sleep brand, prevents heat from being trapped while cradling your neckso every side is the cool side. Inside, reactive memory foam provides optimal cushioning and moldability so it can conform to your head and neck, ensuring proper alignment and support. Additionally, it can be adjusted to match your loft preference for even more comfort. It’s earned a seal of approval from back, side, and stomach sleepers alike. “Super soft, just the right amount of support, loft, and versatility when adjusting and moving around,” one reviewer wrote. ” It feels luxurious and like heaven when laying down. It keeps a neutral temperature No more neck or shoulder pain!”
Read Also: Is It Good To Sleep On A Hard Mattress
Therapeutica Orthopedic Sleeping Pillow
Pros:
- Unlike comparable pillows, this orthopedic cervical pillow is made of a super firm molded foam, which keeps your neck secure and held in a more controlled position to encourage proper neck alignment through the night.
- The pillow comes in five different sizes and requires you to measure your neck-to-shoulder width to choose the right one for you. As a result, the pillow feels custom made just for you.
- The pillow comes with a soft, durable 100% cotton cover that keeps it plush even though its incredibly firm.
Cons:
- This pillow is great for back sleeping, but side sleepers might find the raised sides a bit uncomfortable throughout the night.
This molded-foam, ultra-firm cervical pillow is built for serious orthopedic applications. With a specialized recessed head, this pillow is ergonomically designed to promote a more natural spine alignment.
Do Higher Pillows Help With Neck Pain
Not necessarily. If your pillow is too high, it can throw your spine out of alignment and create even more pain, Nagle says. Ideally, you want to look for a pillow with a medium height to help you achieve this. If youre unsure if a particular pillows height is right for you, opt for an adjustable pillow.
Also Check: Can You Put A Tempurpedic Mattress On A Platform Bed
Chiroflow Premium Water Pillow
The Chiroflow Premium Water Pillow is highly recommended by chiropractors to decrease neck pain and increase the quality of sleep.
Because of the water core inside that pillow, it offers a smooth movement and great support in any sleep position. That water core allows you to support your head anywhere and it serves great support for pregnant women as well.
Medical research studies indicated that premium water pillow by Chiroflow decrease neck pain and easily adjustable according to the desired level of water to support neck and body throughout the night.
You can easily fill the chamber of the pillow by filling the pillow with ordinary tap water without the need to add or buy chemical additives. This water sensation gives a soothing, comfortable sensation towards pain-free nights.The Chiroflow pillow is present in many sizes to fit standard and queen size cases. It is a great aid for sleepers in ant positions.
The inner side of the pillow is made of cool Dacron StaLoft Hollfil fiber fabric for a comfortable and durable night of sleep. It is made of polyester and water inside serves as an insulator to prevent retaining of the hear and act against the moisture.
The cover is easily washable and dryable so that you feel refreshed anytime you want to wash it. Not only that but also offers a great warranty guarantee for many years to secure customer satisfaction.
Pros
Recapping The Best Neck Support Pillows
Chronic neck pain is a miserable condition. It can lead to stress headaches, stiffness, joint pain and a litany of other side effects that all make for discomfort. Finding the right sleeping configuration for your neck can fully cure the problem in some cases, which can save you from much more drastic options like surgery or pain medication. Before choosing a neck pillow in the expectation that itll immediately remedy your pain, consult a doctor to get an expert medical opinion on your condition.
Also Check: What’s The Difference Between Innerspring And Hybrid Mattress
Best Sleeping Positions For Neck Pain
Generally, if youre experiencing neck pain, its best to sleep on your back or side.
Sleeping on your stomach, especially if youre sleeping with a pillow thats too thick, can put excess pressure on your cervical spine and cause neck pain.
Keep your neck aligned with your body. You may want to place a pillow under your knees to keep your spine in proper alignment.
Best Height Adjustable Pillow: The Pancake Pillow By Gravity Sleep
The Pancake Pillow is height adjustable. The product comes with six thin pillows that can all fit in a single pillowcase.
The company claims that the Pancake Pillow is suitable for those with neck pain and those who sleep on their side, back, or stomach.
This cervical pillow also comes with the following features:
- queen and king sizes
- a weight of 4.81 pounds
Price: The Pancake Pillow by Gravity Sleep has a list price of around $80.
Read Also: Where Is The Closest Mattress Firm
The Best Pillows That Will Help Reduce Neck Pain
Neck pain is one of the most common ailments treated by chiropractors, alongside sprains, strains and low back pain, the Canadian Chiropractic Association reports. And since the average person spends a third of their lifetime sleeping, its essential to find a pillow that properly supports your neck and spine. Are you looking to buy a new pillow to help reduce neck pain? Weve got you covered with the best pillows for every kind of sleeper.
All products featured on HGTV Canada are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy through links in this article, we earn an affiliate commission.
How Can The Chiropractic Pillows Help
Often, exercises and stretches along with Chiropractic adjustments are recommended to build up stability, help heal muscles, ligaments, and restore motion to tight, stiff joints. In addition, the pillows can help protect your neck while you rest and sleep. Considering we spend about a third of our life sleeping, it is wise to make sure your sleeping posture is helping instead of hurting your neck.
Chiropractors often see results of neck injuries where patients may experience muscle spasms, neck pain, headaches, shoulder and neck pain, nausea, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, dizziness, concussion, limited neck motion, numbness, or reduced ability to hold the head erect. In these cases a comfort and support from the Chiropractic Pillow can help through the healing process and allow more comfortable rest.
Read Also: Do Innerspring Mattresses Have Fiberglass
When Is It Time To Replace Your Pillow
On average, a pillow should be replaced every 18 months. The old-age rule you pay for what you get applies to pillows as much as it does to many other products. A higher-quality pillow will last longer than an inexpensive option. Here are a few things you can do your pillow to see if you need a new one. First, take it out of the pillowcase to see if there are any stains or fold it in half and see if the pillow stays folded. If either of these is true, it is time for a new pillow. Also, if you are routinely waking up with neck pain and stiffness or have morning headaches, these are all indications that a change in pillow may be in order.
