Using a Neck Pillow to Reduce Neck Pain

If you wake up every morning with an achy neck, you may want to try sleeping with a neck pillow. Senior Physiotherapist Shubhangi Gaikwad at The Saudi German Hospital in Dubai explains…

Protecting the Cervical Spine
Anything that causes you to lose your neck’s natural position for a long period of time, such as sleeping with your neck bent or extended, causes stress on the spine and its supporting structures and can result in neck pain. In a recent study of 128 people with chronic neck pain, it was found that a combination of exercise treatment administered by a physical therapist along with the use of a neck support pillow was more effective than exercise alone in relieving chronic neck pain.

Neck Pillow
A neck pillow is a specially designed pillow that supports your neck and head in a natural position. There are a variety of neck pillows in the market that aim to reduce neck pain and give you a good night’s sleep. All are designed to create a natural resting position for your head that maintains the lordotic curve of your spine. Choices include neck pillows made from foam or stuffed with fiberfill or other materials, as well as styles that are inflatable or are filled with water. Inflatable and water-filled pillows allow you to customize the firmness and support. Physical therapists and medical doctors recommend neck pillows for their patients with neck pain.

How to Use One
People sleep in different positions and are shaped differently, so the foremost step to avoid your neck pain is the selection of your neck pillow. Neck pillows are designed for sleeping on your back or your side. If you sleep on your back, your neck pillow should support you without your head being tilted backward or forward. If you sleep on your side, your neck pillow should keep your nose in line with the center of your body. Remember, any unnatural sleep positions that cause your neck to twist or bend can easily translate into neck pain by morning.

Also, for comfort and a restful night’s sleep; make sure your neck pillow is allergy tested and washable.