Some people sleep with as many pillows as they can and others like to sleep with just one. The pillow we use is more important than most of us realize. The different kinds of pillows range from flat, medium, bulky, to materials like foam, feather, air, water, or memory foam. Neck pain can arise when you don’t have a pillow that will align with your body properly.
The main goal of a pillow is to support the neck more than the head. There was a study hosted by Dr. Liselott Persson of the department of neurosurgery. Researchers tested what different pillows would enhance sleep quality in people suffering with neck pain and headaches. They used 4 different pillows, 1 “normal” pillow and 3 of which were specially designed. Over 4-10 weeks these pillows were tested. The verdict concluded the best pillow was a soft pillow with good support.
A few factors will tell you what pillow will conform to your neck. First, consider your neck length and girth. When you look in the mirror, do you have a neck that us short vs. long, narrow vs. wide? A measurement taken from the neck to the point of the shoulder determines if the pillow should be small, medium, or large. Another important factor to look at is whether you are a back, belly or side sleeper. The shape of water-filled or air-filled pillows can be varied by the amount of water or air added. Regardless if which pillow you use, it can take several days to get used to the new pillow. A chiropractor’s office can help you assess what pillow will be correct for you and give you further adjustments for that neck pain in general.
Content Courtesy of Chiro-Trust.org. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Augustine of Augustine Chiropractic in Wesley Chapel, FL, has over 31 years of experience treating patients for their neck pain and their ailments through personalized chiropractic care treatments. The locally owned and operated chiropractic clinic offers both in-office treatments and at-home therapy regiments to help people recover and heal from auto injuries and other conditions. The staff is dedicated to providing alternative and therapeutic solutions for better overall health. Give them a call today at (813) 994-6008 to schedule and appointment and visit their website to learn more about their services!