How To Choose The Best Pillow For Neck Pain

One of the most prevalent conditions that people suffer from is neck pain. Moving might be really unpleasant if your neck is stiff. And most of the time, it's not your posture that's to fault, but rather where you lay your head down at night.

This is why it's important to understand how to pick the finest pillow for neck discomfort.

When it comes to pillows, neck pain is frequently disregarded and might become chronic if you don't think about switching to the proper one. Sometimes neck pain radiates down the arm and the back, and it can also result in throbbing headaches. It becomes a different situation once your back begins to experience neck ache.

Therefore, the greatest neck pain pillow can be chosen in a few different ways. You'll discover some of the top pillow suggestions designed to promote better neck and back health.

What are the causes of neck pain?

Some of the main causes of neck pain are habits like slouching while working or studying, looking down while using your phone, and similar ones. But when you stop to think about it, these habits started somewhere.

When you try to pinpoint the cause of neck pain, you may think of poor posture, a slow gait, and other things. However, as we already indicated, another factor serves as the primary trigger. Although there may be other causes, neck pain brought on by a pillow is a common one. Finding the ideal pillow is still a challenge.

It happens due to a lack of proper pillow position for sleeping. Making the wrong decision might have an adverse effect on your neck as well as your ability to sleep through the night. Additionally, it contributes to an uncomfortable sleeping position, which influences your posture even when you're up.

Selecting a certain neck cushion is one suggestion that is frequently made for neck pain.

Why does a pillow matter so much?

"Neck and shoulder pain can be excruciating, and it's critical to sleep on a pillow that won't aggravate your injuries," says Allen Conrad, DC, a chiropractor at Montgomery County Chiropractic Centre in North Wales, PA.

In fact, orthopedic doctors also agree to this.

"If the head is in an ergonomically disadvantaged posture for the duration of one's sleep, that would produce neck and head concerns," says Navinder S. Sethi, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at The Centre for Advanced Orthopedics in Olney.

According to medical studies, getting the proper pillow is critical. While not every researcher or doctor agrees on the ideal type of cushion, there are some constants:

• Shape: According to a 2014 article in Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, "pillow form and substance play a critical influence in cervical curve, pillow temperature, and pillow comfort, and orthopedic pillow may be an excellent pillow for sleep quality."
• Posture: "Sleep posture is vital and prevents neck and shoulder musculoskeletal pain," says a 2017 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy.
• Quality of Sleep: According to a 2016 PeerJ study, "the cranio-cervical pressures and cervical spine alignment were height-specific, and they were thought to indicate quality of sleep."
• Height (also known as "loft"): "The shape and height of the cushion may have a substantial impact on cervical alignment," according to a study published in Clinical Biomechanics in May 2021.

How to choose the right pillow for your neck?

Choosing the ideal pillow for sleeping is a terrific solution to the issue. Change the pillow and see if it helps before going to the doctor or experimenting with different types of neck pain medications. In most cases, switching to a different pillow can significantly reduce pain.

There are many various types of pillows on the market, each with a distinct height, level of softness, and filling substance. When choosing a pillow for your neck keep these points in mind.

1. Use a pillow that is good for your sleeping posture

It's interesting to learn that a person's sleeping position has a significant impact on the choice of pillow they should use. Otherwise, you risk experiencing physical problems with your neck and back.

Examining your sleeping position is one approach to choose the best pillows for neck discomfort. Therefore, consider a pillow that adjusts to your sleeping posture if you're wondering how to find the finest cushion for neck discomfort.

Today, there are numerous pillows for every sleeping position and a variety of sleeping postures. For those who sleep on their backs, stomachs, sides, etc., there are several pillow styles available. While back sleepers require thin, extra-soft pillows, side sleepers benefit from firm pillows.

2. The filling of your pillow

The fillings used in neck pillows for neck problems come in a variety of types. Some of the most popular material combinations used in these pillows include water, fibre, down-feather blends, and memory foam.

Because memory foam pillows conform to the shape of the head and body, pressure points are greatly eliminated. One of the greatest neck pillows is one that adapts to your sleeping habits. Again, it is advised to avoid using feather-based pillows if you have allergies or are prone to asthma because they could cause severe reactions.

3. The size of your pillow

In order to sleep comfortably and relieve neck pain at the same time, you must take the pillow's size into account while purchasing one. You must consider both your height and weight while selecting the appropriate pillow size.

Larger pillows are needed by those who are heavier, and vice versa. One of the phases in selecting the finest pillow for neck pain while you sleep is to follow this guide. A neck pillow for neck pain often comes in small, medium, and big sizes. You can also have a custom-made pillow if a normal size doesn't help your sleep.

4. Neck curve support pillow

To prevent neck pain from a pillow, you might think about purchasing a pillow that supports the neck curve. The neck curve should be taken into consideration when selecting the best pillow for neck discomfort, which most people fail to do. The pillow with a curve support is the one with the finest neck support among a variety of pillows.

Compared to standard or pillows filled with feathers, these varieties offer the ideal pillow position for sleeping. If you're looking for neck pain alleviation, the pillow you buy should be able to support your back and upper neck while you're resting sideways or even on your back.

5. Height of your pillow

One method for selecting the best pillow for neck discomfort is to evaluate the height of the pillow. It has the ability to completely alleviate neck pain. The nicest pillows are never too fluffed or overly flattened. They stay at the perfect height, ensuring a proper pillow position for sleeping.

Furthermore, some pillows are taller than others, which can put tension and stress on the neck muscles. This can also happen if the pillow's height is too low. When the neck muscles are constantly strained, you are bound to experience a great deal of pain and suffering.

There are a few factors to consider in addition to our tips on how to choose the best pillow for neck discomfort. Pillows deteriorate, droop, and become deformed with repeated use. If you have neck pain, you should keep an eye on the condition of your pillow.

Change the neck pillow as soon as you notice symptoms of wear and tear. If your doctor recommends a specific type of cushion for neck discomfort, follow their advice and get the appropriate pillow. You can also choose the best pillow that is personalised for you to welcome a restful night's sleep.

6. Cervical pillows

Cervical pillows are designed to provide neck support while also keeping your spine in good alignment as you sleep. A cervical cushion fits to the shape of your neck. It's higher where your neck is and tighter where your head is. Your pillow, like your chair when working on your computer at your desk, should be ergonomically designed to support your neck.

Cervical pillows are available in a variety of shapes and materials. When switching from a standard pillow to a cervical pillow, you may notice that the cervical cushion feels weird at first. Using it for small amounts of time during the day, such as while you're in a recliner or having a little rest, can help with the transition.

7. Horseshoe pillows for travelling

A horseshoe pillow provides an excellent neck support when traveling by car, airline, or train. If you suffer neck pain, don't sleep on the plane with your head drooping to the side.

Make sure your neck is properly supported. Call or arrange an appointment online with Premier Spine Institute to learn more about sleeping properly, or if you have neck or back pain that prevents you from living life to the fullest.