Have you ever woken in the morning with a stiff neck? Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you have periodic neck pains? These could be caused by your pillow.
Although the neck pains could go away after some time, the uneasiness may remain. The neck pain could get worse and this can hurt your normal routine. Don’t overlook this problem. You should get to the root of the problem and get it addressed.
The Causes of Neck Pain
The neck and spine area need proper support when you are sleeping. If proper support is not there, then neck pains and backaches can be expected. Sleeping position can be a factor, but to fix this problem , you should purchase the right pillow that matches your sleeping habits.
Changing your pillow can solve the problem. You will not feel neck pain unless you have some other condition besides a poor choice in pillow. You can purchase a Memory Foam pillow with cushioning.
How to Choose the Right Pillow
You should research causes and pillow types before choosing your preferred pillows for neck pain. You don’t want to rush into a department store and choose one off the shelf. You have to consider certain factors to find the perfect pillow that would address your neck pains. Here are the factors that you need to consider.
- The pillow needs to be wide enough to fit your head and neck. Most people feel that the backs of their head is the only body parts that have to be rested on the pillow. This is a big misconception because aside from the head, the neck should also be rested on the pillow. With the head and neck properly supported, neck and back pains can be avoided.
- Stick to using a single pillow for your head. You can have other pillows but they should be for other purposes. Having too many pillows beneath your head can cause your head to tilt resulting in pressure on your neck areas.
- Pick a pillow that suits your sleeping position. If you sleep on your back, you would not have any preferences because any pillow will work, but, if you are a side sleeper or you sleep on your stomach, you need to pick a pillow that is slightly flat and well-cushioned. This is to ensure your neck would not get strained by your unorthodox sleeping position.
- Side sleepers are also advised to have a body or knee pillow to make sure that their backs are kept straight throughout the night. The body or knee pillow will prevent your knees from knocking together while you are asleep, relieving stress from your spinal area.
- You have to know the material inside your pillow. Some materials can be potential allergens that would cause allergies and irritations to your skin. Some materials are better for sleeping than others. It is important to note the material used for the pillow. Silk and soft cotton are good materials that you can opt for a pillow.
Remember that not all pain is relieved with the right pillow. Chronic pain might be indicative of a much larger problem, such as cancer in your spine or shoulders, headaches or stress. If you have found the perfect pillow for your slumber, but you still experience pain, you should visit a doctor to discuss possibilities.
In addition, to release tension in your neck, you could try acupuncture or massage therapy. Both of these treatments complement other options available to you. Visiting your doctor, acupuncture, and massage therapy along with the proper pillow should relieve your stiff neck. I hope these tips help you solve your neck pain.
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