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Pillow For Neck And Shoulder Pain

What Is Neck Pain

Pillow Positioning to Reduce Shoulder and Back Pain

The neck is responsible for bearing the entire weight of your head, and its not surprising that this delicate part of the body is highly susceptible to injury. The 2018 US Burden of Disease study found that neck pain is rising in importance as a leading cause of disability among the American population. Most sources estimate that between 25 and 30 percent of people suffer from neck pain every year. While many episodes of neck pain resolve naturally, for some it can become a chronic condition with adverse consequences for their quality of life.

Neck pain can be caused by a number of factors. It may stem from an injury or a chronic condition such as arthritis, or it may arise from daily habits such as poor posture or too many hours of sitting at a computer. While symptoms vary, people with neck pain often experience:

  • Neck pain, especially during repetitive activities or long periods of sitting upright
  • Limited range of motion
  • Poor sleep quality

If you have severe pain or additional symptoms, or if youre not sure whats causing your neck pain, its a good idea to visit a doctor to rule out underlying conditions.

Regular exercise and a healthy body weight are thought to have a positive impact on chronic neck pain. The American Chiropractic Association notes that neck pain often goes hand-in-hand with high stress levels and obesity.

The 10 Best Pillows For Neck Pain

So you can catch all the Zzzâsâ¦

If you struggle with neck pain, youâll know how frustrating it can be. It can interfere with your daily life and cause so many problems and inconveniences. But, what if we told you there are ways you can reduce the amount of pain you experience, and one of those is by simply buying a pillow?

Weâve scoured the depth of the internet for some of the best products we could find. From memory foam to pressure relief, these 10 best pillows for neck pain will help you sleep easier at night and improve your quality of life. Right thatâs it, weâre off to bed with a cup of coffee and our favourite bookâ¦

Anyone else just want to lay down on this pillow right now and go to sleep? Yep, so do we. This product works to alleviate neck pain by correcting your posture as you sleep.

Erm, if a memory foam pillow that is hella comfy is going to do all that while we literally just lie there, we are so in.

Best Pillows For Neck Pain

Snoozing with a supportive pillow is a great way to maintain healthy posture and guard against neck pain. No one wants to start the morning with an ache, or a stiff neck, that can last all day! Of course, with so many options on the market, it can be tough to determine which pillow will bring you sweet dreams and which will leave you feeling sore and stiff. But dont worry my best pillows for neck pain review is here!

In this guide, Im presenting thetop ten pillows designed to alleviate neck pain and unlock your best sleep potential. Plus, Ill impart my own tips and tricks for finding the pillows that match each sleeping position, so youre better equipped to find the one that meets your unique needs. Lets get started!

Disclaimer: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative, but shouldnt replace advice or treatment from a medical professional. If you experience chronic pain or discomfort while sleeping, its best to consult a healthcare professional.

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What To Consider When Purchasing A Pillow For Neck Pain

Most people dont give much thought to their pillow, beyond choosing a pillow thats nice and squishy for immediate comfort. This means that when we do realize our pillow may be contributing to our neck pain, we may not know how to go about choosing the best pillow. If youre in this position, you may be susceptible to misleading marketing and end up choosing a pillow thats ill-suited for your needs.

To help you get started, weve made a list of the most important factors. Focusing on these factors and having a basic understanding of pillow features and construction can help you find the pillow that works best for you.

Choosing The Right Materials To Guard Against Neck Pain

Premium Side Sleeper Pillow Adjustable Neck Shoulder Pain

Once youve settled on the right loft and firmness, its time to focus on the material details. From foam to feathers, pillows can be filled with all kinds of materials So lets explore some of the most popular ones below:

If youre still not totally sure which material sounds right for you, dont worry were about to get up close and personal with each one. But before we do, theres one last thing to consider: when to replace your pillow.

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What Makes The Tempur

  • Thanks to its unique shape, this pillow works best for back and side sleepers dealing with neck pain.
  • The thick, firm piece of TEMPUR material is very supportive, but also has a bit of give.
  • TEMPUR-Pedic has a version of this pillow thats been infused with gel for hot sleepers.

Read more about the most popular TEMPUR pillows!

What Is The Best Sleeping Position For Neck Pain

Two sleeping positions are easiest on the neck: on your side or on your back. If you sleep on your back, choose a rounded pillow to support the natural curve of your neck, with a flatter pillow cushioning your head. This can be achieved by tucking a small neck roll into the pillowcase of a flatter, softer pillow, or by using a special pillow that has a built-in neck support with an indentation for the head to rest in. Here are some additional tips for side- and back-sleepers:

  • Try using a feather pillow, which easily conforms to the shape of the neck. Feather pillows will collapse over time, however, and should be replaced every year or so.
  • Another option is a traditionally shaped pillow with “memory foam” that conforms to the contour of your head and neck. Some cervical pillows are also made with memory foam. Manufacturers of memory-foam pillows claim they help foster proper spinal alignment.
  • Avoid using too high or stiff a pillow, which keeps the neck flexed overnight and can result in morning pain and stiffness.
  • If you sleep on your side, keep your spine straight by using a pillow that is higher under your neck than your head.
  • When you are riding in a plane, train, or car, or even just reclining to watch TV, a horseshoe-shaped pillow can support your neck and prevent your head from dropping to one side if you doze. If the pillow is too large behind the neck, however, it will force your head forward.
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    The Wrong Loft Pillow

    Flat pillows often cause necks to crane out of alignment, creating knots and muscle tension. Remember, always make sure your pillow promotes a neutral alignment. When resting on your side, your ears should line up with your shoulders and your chin should align with your sternum. Back and stomach sleepers, youll want to ensure your necks line up with your sternums as well.

    Best Pillow For Neck And Shoulder Pain

    The 6 Best Pillows for Neck Pain – Better Spinal Alignment for More Comfort!

    Having neck or shoulder pain can badly affect your daily life. After all, you cannot be productive with this constant pain. However, there are some factors due to which you may wake up with a sore neck and stiff shoulder. It might be the sleeping position, either due to the pillow you are using or your sleeping position. Neck and shoulder pain is widespread and, most of the time, an exhausting issue. An unbalanced pillow can cause pressure on the neck due to a lack of support.

    We have reviewed some of the best pillows, have a look and pick the best one according to your preference .

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    Homca Memory Foam Cervical Pillow 2 In 1 Ergonomic Contour Orthopedic Pillow For Neck Pain Contoured Support Pillows For Side Back Stomach Sleepers

    • Armrest Design: There are specific grooves that allows your arms to go under for comfortable sleep. You can lay on your stomach and warp your arms around the wings for perfect support. This cervical pillow for neck pain is suitable for all kinds of sleeping posture
    • Quality Sleep: Hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend pillow case feels silky soft and smooth to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. You will fall asleep faster and deeper. All material are chemical free for better health
    • Removable Pillowcase: HOMCA neck pillows for pain relief sleeping is fine texture, feel soft, not wool, not the ball. It is very easy to clean, machine washable. HOMCA is committed to providing the best quality and service
    • Reminder: If you feel that the pillow’s height is insufficient to meet your sleeping needs, please contact customer service to get the booster pad
    • Ergonomic Orthopedic Pillow: The neck support pillow is made of pure memory foam. Premium firm and not too soft to provides the maximum comfort and greatly ease your head, neck, shoulder and back muscle while you sleep on your back or side

    Is A High Medium Or Low Loft Pillow Better For Neck Pain

    It depends on what type of sleeper you are. If youre a stomach sleeper, it may be best to choose a pillow with a low loft to minimize the pressure on your spine. If youre a back or side sleeper, a medium loft pillow that allows your head, neck, and spine to form a straight line may be right for you.

    Finally, if youre a side sleeper with bigger shoulders, a high loft pillow may be suitable. Note the pillow should equal the distance between the ears and the edge of the shoulders.

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    Why Do I Wake Up With Neck And Shoulder Pain

    Sleeping in the wrong position or on a pillow that is too high or too low will cause you to wake up with neck and shoulder pain. If your pillow is too flat, it means your neck is not supported and can cause stiffness with neck pain. Always use a firm contour pillow because it provides extra support to your neck when you sleep.

    Dreamcloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow

    Side Sleeper Pillow for Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain Relief

    Neck pain can be even more aggravating if youre sleeping hot. Thats why anyone who struggles to stay cool at night should look into the DreamCloud Best Rest Memory Foam Pillow. In addition to cradling the head and taking pressure off of the neck with its deep-contouring memory foam, it has a breathable cover and an infusion of coppergel. Both of these traits help the pillow and thus the person sleep incredibly cool.

    Full DreamCloud Best Rest Pillow review coming soon!

    Price: $99-$129, with a 50-night trial period.

    Perfect For: Anyone who wants to stay cool while soothing their neck pain.

    A contouring pillow with a dash of coppergel for extra cooling!

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    Brooklinen Natural Down Plush

    Stuffed full of Canadian down feathers, this Brooklinen Natural Down Plush Pillow features a high fill power of 600. When shopping for down products, its important to note that fill power determines how fluffy and lofty itll be . Sleepers in the market for big ol feather pillows are sure to enjoy this one.

    That said, this pillows tall 5-inch profile is easily compressed into a low loft of 2-inches, as natural down is a very soft material. In fact, this pillow has a malleable quality that lets you push, press, and fold it to meet your unique needs. As for me, I like to fold one corner under my arm when Im on my side for extra comfort.

    Meanwhile, sleepers with allergies might like to know that this down has been treated with Ultra Fresh Antibacterial Additives, an OEKO-Tex technology used to make it hypoallergenic. So if you tend to avoid real down because of sensitive skin or allergies, just remember that this pillow was crafted to be extra resistant to mold and mildew.

    Learn everything there is to know about this pillow in my full Brooklinen Natural Down pillow review!

    Price: $$, which is a great value for a natural down pillow. Plus, Brooklinen offers a 365-day return policy and a lifetime warranty.

    Perfect For: Sleepers of all styles looking for a soft and lofty pillow filled with 100% real down!

    Other Remedies You Can Try

    There may be more to your neck pain than your pillow and sleep position. Here are some other things you can do besides finding the perfect pillow to treat your neck pain :

    • Massage – massage in the area of pain can be especially effective at providing relief when done by a professional
    • Go to a Chiropractor – Chiropractors are a great resource for pain sufferers. They can help you identify issues with your sleeping position and perform an in-depth evaluation of your pain areas and offer ideas to treat them
    • Over-the-counter pain relief – for times when your pain is at its worst, over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be a great help
    • Try adding more movement to your day-to-day routine – many neck exercises will reduce inflammation in your neck. Working these exercises into your daily routine may reduce neck pain over time
    • Try Inversion – inversion tables can offer great relief for your entire spine by taking up to 250% of the strain off your vertebrae depending on the angle of inversion. While some dispute its claimed benefits, most agree it can help with back and neck pain.

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    Finding The Right Loft & Firmness For Neck Pain

    When it comes to relieving neck pain, neutral spine alignment is the name of the game. Youll hear me mention this a few times, but promoting neutral spine alignment is your pillows most important job .

    Now, you might be wondering, How am I supposed to know if my spine is in neutral alignment? Well, heres a trick I like to use: If your spine is in neutral alignment, your ears should be in line with your shoulders, and your chin should be in line with your sternum. So when youre lying in bed, take some time to see if your chin is being craned upward, or if your ear is pressed into either shoulder. If so, its time to readjust and regain a healthy posture.

    That said, its important to match your pillow to your preferred sleeping position in order to keep a healthy posture. To find the right fit, youll need to keep a close eye on the pillows loft and firmness rating. So lets take a closer look at the best loft and firmness for each position:

    Before we move on to the next factor, remember that you can find a more in-depth explanation of how to keep a healthy sleeping posture in my complete guide to picking the right pillow!

    Shoulder Pain And Sleep

    Best Type Of Pillow for Sleeping with Neck Pain, Pinched Nerve, or Herniated Disc

    According to Ruben Gobezie, M.D., founding director and chief of surgery at the Cleveland Shoulder Institute, discomfort in bed and sleep problems are common issues for people with shoulder pain. Patients frequently feel discomfort regardless of which sleep position they employ. Some also feel numbness, tingling, and muscle spasms.

    While any of the conditions listed above could contribute to shoulder pain-related sleep problems, Dr. Gobezie notes three specific conditions are the most common culprits:

    • Bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa sacs that cushion bones around joints in the body. Inflamed bursa produce more liquid which can lead to painful swelling.
    • Biceps tendinopathy, a condition that occurs due to prolonged deterioration of the biceps tendon that connects shoulder bones and muscles. Tendinopathy is characterized by sharp pains around the tendon.
    • Tears and other injuries to the rotator cuff, a grouping of muscles that cushions and stabilizes the shoulder joint.

    Before seeing medical attention for any of these conditions, Dr. Gobezie recommends taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also try sleeping in a recliner, applying ice or heat to the pain-affected areas, or wearing a compression sleeve.

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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.

    Best For A Hypoallergenic Pillow: Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow

    This pillow contains shredded memory foam and polyester fiber. People can add or remove filling to reach their desired loft.

    The pillows maker states that this pillow provides total body support. The cover and fill are hypoallergenic and machine washable.

    Price: The Dream Rite Shredded Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow has a list price of around $26.

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    How To Choose A Pillow For Shoulder Pain

    Finding a new pillow to reduce shoulder pain might seem like a straightforward task, but there are several factors to consider based on your body type, normal sleep position, firmness and thickness preferences, and level of pain. Below, well list some of the most important variables to take into account when choosing a pillow and discuss the most common pillow types based on fill material.

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