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Cervical Pillows & Neck Pain

Cervical pain is a debilitating health problem that often contributes to loss of sleep. If the cervical spine is not being supported properly when one lies down, it can increase instability. Whether the pain is acute or chronic, a cervical pillow can alleviate your neck pain.

  1. What a Cervical Pillow Does

    • Cervical support pillows offer much needed relief. Having a supportive pillow helps relieve pain by altering the arc of the cervical spine. A cervical pillow should keep the neck and head aligned with the spinal column while sleeping. The right neck pillow will reduce pressure placed on the neck. Many pillows do not offer support to the natural curve of the neck, thereby creating or contributing to neck pain. However, a pillow should support the back of your neck and the back of the head.

    Benefits of a Cervical Pillow

    • Cervical pillows work by improving your posture while you sleep. Cervical pillows help improve sleep by relieving stiff muscles between the neck and shoulders. Because of the relief of stiff muscles and increased blood flow to the brain, cervical pillows often help relieve headaches and migraines. Unlike regular pillows, cervical pillows help support the cervical spine whether you are on the back or the side.

    Density and Design

    • A cervical pillow should bend easily and be shaped. When shopping for a cervical pillow, consider the foam and fiber mixture and whether the pillow is still pliable. If a person sleeps on their back, a lower contour is more helpful than for those who sleep on their sides. There are designs that work well for those who sleep on their side and back.

    Size of Cervical Neck Pillows

    • The right pillow will not lift your head up too high or be so low that your head and neck tilt back. When looking for a neck pillow, it is important to find one that offers comfort and support while you sleep. There is not a one size fits all pillow, so trial and error may be necessary to find the most comfortable pillow for your neck. One of the best methods to find a cervical pillow is to have someone measure the area from the base of the neck to the left shoulder. This will help determine what cervical neck pillow will be most comfortable.

    Warning

    • If a cervical pillow actually causes pain, stop using it as a pillow should not cause discomfort.

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