As with so many things, when it comes to neck pain, an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure. It’s true that some causes of neck pain, such as age-related wear and tear, are not under your control. On the other hand, there are many things you can do to minimize your risk. One place to start is to look at how you sleep and what effect this may have on neck pain.
If you struggle with sleep, you’re not alone—especially if it’s neck pain blighting those
coveted Z’s. Research shows that about two-thirds of people experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Whether you suffer from chronic neck pain or the occasional stiff neck after a poor night’s sleep, a pillow that supports your neck’s natural curvature is essential.
The cervical region of your spine is composed of your neck area. Sleeping with a cervical pillow helps support this upper portion of the spine by keeping your head and neck positioned properly and relaxed. Cervical pillows can provide relief from neck, back, and hip pain, and in many cases, can even aid in reducing snoring.
Cervical relief pillows are available in different designs, and matching the right design to your sleeping habits can make all the difference. If you often switch from back- to side-sleeping throughout the night, there are designs for that too.
Consider- When asking cervical pillow
There are many factors that affect sleep––caffeine intake, stress, sleep apnea, bedding, mattress, pillows, and room temperature all play a critical role in supporting longer and quality sleep. Here we take an in-depth look at pillow features designed for relieving pain and improving sleep quality, plus what to look for when buying the best pillow for your neck pain.
It’s important to note that it can take up to two weeks to adjust to a new pillow. If you experience discomfort, it’s recommended to alternate sleep between your new and old pillows during the transition. When shopping for the best pillow for neck pain, you’ll want to evaluate your sleeping position and preferences regarding pillow shape, height, and temperature regulation––a pillow’s material, allergen specifications, and laundering options should also be considered.
Cervical Support
Choose a pillow that is firm enough to fill the space between your head and neck. The amount of cervical pillow bed path and beyond support that’s right for you depends largely on your size and weight, but your sleep position also plays a role.
The practice of properly supporting your cervical spine region during sleep can help reduce neck pain, along with headaches, muscle tension, and lower back pain
Spine Alignment
Choosing a memory foam cervical pillow that supports proper spine alignment during sleep is critical in reducing neck pain. Spine alignment also influences the quality of sleep you get each night. Alignment is important because when your spine rests in its neutral position while you sleep, all associated muscle and ligament groups rest as well, rejuvenating your entire body.
Cooling
Cooling pillows offer relief if you struggle to sleep during the summer months or if you’re simply a hot-natured sleeper. There are a variety of pillow materials available to help keep you cool: feathers, organic wool, memory foam, and gel.
Wash ability
Even if your pillow comes with a cover, you should use a pillowcase and launder your pillowcase weekly to prevent dirt and oil from seeping through. If you faithfully change your pillowcases, it’s only necessary to wash your pillows two to three times per year. If you are a heavy sweater, an allergy sufferer, or share your pillow with a pet, you might want to consider an additional cover to protect your pillow from damage.
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