Neck pain is nobody’s friend, and it is not an ideal sleeping companion.
Pain-filled nights can leave a person dull, groggy, and not ready to face the day ahead.
Unfortunately, certain sleeping positions can further aggravate neck pain to the point it robs you of a good night’s sleep. This problem can be resolved by finding the perfect pillow for your body and sleep positions.
If you suffer from neck pain, the toll it takes on deep sleep will not be news to you. What does make a difference, however, is choosing the right pillow can make a huge difference in whether you lie awake watching the clock or snuggle cosy into a lovely dream.
Finding the right pillow can be difficult. The first order of business is determining the primary position you sleep in. Certain shapes of pillows cradle the head and neck more comfortably, depending on the sleeping position.
Now that you have determined your favourite sleeping positions, you are ready to shop for a new pillow. Be certain to keep the five tips in mind before you settle on your new pillow.
#1: Ask for a recommendation from your chiropractor.
Before selecting your new pillow, talk to the person who understands the cause of your neck pain, your chiropractor. He or She will give you some valuable pointers on choosing the pillow that will be most beneficial for you. At Bolton Spinal Health we like to provide you with personal care. This means we will only give you advice that will benefit you. For example if your problem is in the Neck area we will not give you stretches to do on the leg we will focus on the neck area to ensure you get the most from your care plan.
The type of pillow you use to sleep on is crucial to learning to sleep well and Bolton Spinal Health uses a specific brand of foam pillows that allows you to sleep soundly and protect your spine at night. These pillows are Tempur.
#2: Do your research.
Head to the Internet and search for pillows by your sleeping position. Read the reviews from people who also have neck pain, and see which pillows helped them. Note the pillow name, price, and store that sells it. There are a lot of brands on the market. The most important factor is the size of the pillow relative to your frame. Tempur have so many different variations and we can order the size you wish to try in before you buy.
#3: Think about the filling.
Pillows are filled with a variety of materials, and you will need to consider which one is right for you. Feather pillows may offer neck comfort, but if you are allergic this is the wrong choice.
Memory foam is a popular choice because of its ability to form to your body’s shape. Give some thought to the type of filling that best suits your sleeping style.
Our chiropractors at Bolton Spinal Health have found that people are better able to maintain a healthy and supple spine with pillows that are on the firmer side.
#4: Consider the size.
Pillows should generally be between 4-6 inches in height, and should alleviate the pressure points around your neck and shoulders. Extra thick pillows or especially flat ones are most likely the wrong choices.
Your size should also be considered when choosing a pillow. A large person needs a bigger pillow, while a more petite person should go with a smaller pillow. The bottom line is the pillow should provide support and comfort and hold your neck in a neutral position.
#5: Don’t try to ‘make do’ with a budget pillow.
Pillows designed to reduce neck pain are not going to be cheap. With all the less expensive pillows available, it’s tempting to settle for a more modestly priced option.
Before you end up spending a smaller amount of cash on a pillow that won’t alleviate your current problem, remember the many painful nights and horrible mornings that you would have paid a lot of money just to feel good. Then open your wallet and buy the pillow that will minimise that from ever happening again. Parting with the cash will not be a waste. We promise.
Neck pain and the lack of sleep that result in a serious issue. Addressing it with a good chiropractor is the first step toward improving the situation.
Shopping for the perfect pillow is a close second in importance. By following the tips and taking the time to choose the right pillow, you will be snoozing away pain-free in no time at all!
As we mentioned in the blog post. We do stock Tempur pillows. If you do wish to ask one of our Chiropractors about your pillow please feel free to bring your pillow with you to your next appointment and we will be happy to help you.
