Signs Your Pillow Is Causing Neck Pain
There’s nothing quite like finally laying down to sleep after a long day of work and fulfilling responsibilities. But are you waking up each morning not feeling refreshed, or with neck, shoulder or back pain?
If so, it could be a sign that you’re long overdue for a new pillow or a pillow that better suits your sleeping position. And since we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, it’s worth taking the time to learn what type of pillow works best for you and your sleeping style.
A pillow that is too soft, too firm, or even too old can hurt your body and lead to poor quality of sleep and unwanted pain, but a good pillow can alleviate (and even prevent) common body aches and pains.
Your Pillow Is Too Thick And Firm
A pillow’s job is to provide support for your neck and upper back while you sleep, something we all need due to the natural curvature of our spines.
We usually think the thicker and fluffier the better when it comes to pillows, but that’s not always the case. If your pillow is forcefully bending your neck toward your chest while sleeping on your back, or to one side when sleeping in the fetal position, it could be that your pillow is too thick.
If you fall into the category of back sleepers, consider getting a mid-soft pillow to alleviate the strain on your neck and upper back. A mid-soft pillow can help assure that your head isn’t too elevated while supporting your neck.
Your Pillow Is Too Thin And Soft
If you commonly sleep on your stomach, find a pillow that feels best for you — be it thin or thick, while being mindful of how your neck feels when falling asleep. But if you’re part of the 47 percent of Americans who are side sleepers, know that a thinner soft pillow will give you very little to no support.
Side sleepers need the most support when it comes to pillows, so it’s best to shop for one specifically designed for this sleeping position. Consider adding a pillow between your knees to keep your spine from rotating during the night and alleviate pressure from your hip and pelvic area.
Are neck and back pain interfering with your daily life? Consider comprehensive chiropractic care with Dr. Kimberly Muhlenkamp-Wermert at Live Well Chiropractic Center. We help treat and prevent pain and injury with non-invasive healthcare services and a focus on nutrition, exercise, and spinal health. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kim today by calling 513-285-7482 or emailing info@livewellcc.com. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for our latest updates and tips!
