Choosing a pillow wisely should be a primary concern for anyone struggling to live with neck and back pain. How do you know which pillow is healing for your body? You have to find a balance - a sweet spot - resting between pillow type and your specific sleeping habit. If you sleep on your side, you’ll need a firm pillow to prop up your head. If you sleep on your back, you need a thinner pillow than side sleepers. If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll need an extremely thin pillow.
Now, let’s take a look at types healing pillows perfect for those suffering from neck and back pain.
Neck pillows and memory foam pillows both lend your neck, back and head sculptural support not found in other types of pillow designs. Neck pillows have a feature called a “baffle” which establishes a dependable foundation for your neck. These unique pillows grasp your head and neck. They relieve your cervical spine. Memory foam pillows are fantastic constructions for anyone with hyper tender areas. They special material magically reduces pressure between your head and neck against the pillow. Regular foam pillows are also an option for people simply seeking solid support beyond traditional pillows, but they don’t reduce pressure like memory foam.
There are two hard pillows well suited for people who struggle with neck and back pain. Microbead pillows and buckwheat pillows are made from highly sturdy materials that are relaxing even though they are as strong as nails. Made with miniscule beads called “EPS beads”, microbead pillows create a strong foundation which adjusts to your body without losing shape. Buckwheat pillows are just as durable but made from organic material. Composed of buckwheat seeds, they also adjust to your head and neck without losing shape.
If you are dealing with neck and pain, chances are you’ve tried all kinds of techniques. Pillow stuffing is a common approach that tends to work temporarily. The stuffing usually loses shape and becomes more of a problem for your pain than relief. Many try yoga and yoga is great, but the relief brought by a yoga sessions dissipates without a pillow balanced to your pain and sleeping habits. No one should spend their days and nights trying to block out what feels like never-ending pain. Get a pillow designed to alleviate your pain or call us to help diagnose your pain and layout a treatment option just for you.
If you are suffering from back pain, you know how difficult it can be to get a comfortable night's sleep and to awake without experiencing pain or stiffness. Many different factors can influence your sleep quality, but one of the most crucial elements is your sleep position. Some are better than others for combating discomfort and getting proper recuperative rest.
Sleeping on Your Back
Some sleepers swear by this position, while others actively avoid it. Nevertheless, many people prefer this sleep position or find themselves in it when they wake. To make the best of back sleeping, you should consider placing a pillow underneath your head and neck and another underneath your knees to relieve pressure on the back. The posture places the back in its most natural, aligned positioning. This can also help with cramping; however, for those who snore, this position is likely to exacerbate the condition.
Sleeping on Your Side
One of the most popular sleep positions, side sleeping is good for reducing back strain. Placing a pillow between your knees or thighs can help reduce pressure on the hips and other joints. A full sized body pillow is less likely to slip out during the night and can be very comfortable. If you tend to roll one hip forward, you should use caution and try to avoid doing so, because it can increase both lower back and hip pain. This position can also help with sinus pressure; however, those with shoulder pain may find it markedly less comfortable. To alleviate that, switch sides during the night when possible.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
Not a highly recommended position, but one that makes many people feel more secure as they drift off to sleep, stomach sleeping is a more challenging sleep option for those with back pain. The answer is to sleep with a pillow beneath your pelvis and abdomen, easing the curve of the spine. You may want to forego resting your head on a pillow in this position. For those with some types of degenerative disc disease or paracentral disc herniation, stomach sleeping may help, but otherwise, if possible, you may wish to give up this position, as it offers few benefits beyond potential psychological comfort.
If you have tried all of these positions and are still having back pain issues, contact us for more information and potential solutions for your pain and sleep quality issues.