Pillows play a crucial role in supporting the structures of the neck, head, spine, hips, and even shoulders. Additionally, using the best pillow for neck pain is comforting thus you are in a position to prevent or alleviate the most common forms of neck and back pains and other joint pains.
A pillow serve to align the body during sleep and relieving pressure. It is important to ensure that the pillow you use fits your unique curves, shape, alleviate any pressure points, and good for your sleeping position.
Pillow support is also crucial for people with spine problems. The right pillow can help the spine rest comfortably thus the body has a chance to heal at ease. Here are some tips to help you choose the best pillow for neck pain.
Reasons for Neck Pain
It is possible to experience stiffness or neck pain occasionally. Many people experience neck pain due to their posture during sleep. This is one of the major cause of neck pain.
Other causes of neck pain may include contact sports or injury from a fall. Severe neck pain or that which is accompanied by symptoms may require attention of a doctor especially if it is persistent.
The major causes of neck pain include the following;
Muscle tension and strain
This kind of neck pain is as a result of behaviors or activities such as poor posture, keeping your neck in a bad position when sleeping, and working in uncomfortable position for a long time without adjusting your position.
Injury
The neck is one of the most sensitive body parts that is vulnerable to injury in case of a fall, accidents and in sports where the ligaments and neck muscles are forced to move out of their normal range. The spine is affected when cervical vertebrae and neck bones fracture.
Heart attack
Neck pain can be an indication of heart attack. This can be in line with other indication of a heart attack like sweating, nausea, vomiting, jaw or arm pain.
Meningitis
Meningitis victims experience a fever and headache and often are prone to a stiff neck. It is wise to seek medical attention immediately in case you experience meningitis symptoms since the disease is a medical emergency and can be fatal
Other causes of neck pain include congenital abnormalities, infections, cancer of the spine, and tumors.
Different Types of Pillows for Neck Pain
Pillows have different qualities despite playing a similar role. You need to choose a pillow depending on your sleeping position, the comfort of the pillow and personal preferences.
Here are different pillows that you can consider having in order to prevent or alleviate neck pain.
Cervical Pillows
Cervical pillow, also known as orthopedic pillows. They have a distinctive shape that makes them ideal for preventing neck pain. Most cervical pillows are made with memory foam and are more comfortable if the concave side of the pillow is turned upside down. The pillows have different reaction because some people regard them as comfortable while others are opposed to this.
Memory Foam
This pillow is specifically designed to conform the head and hold it in place. These pillows are regarded as the best choice for people with neck pain. They offer pain relief and good support. They are usually smooth and have no lumps. Also, they are easy to maintain and durable. However, they can be smelly, expensive and hot.
Feather Pillows
These kind of pillows can be easily adjusted or manipulated to provide support where you need it. They are ideal pillows for people who change their sleep positions frequently. They are durable and easy to shape. However, they are not good for side sleepers and don’t offer good support.
Latex Pillows
These pillows have a high satisfaction ratings and they can offer you a pain-free night since they have guaranteed comfort. To get this satisfaction, choose one that has a perfect height for you. They are durable, cooler, and shapes themselves to the neck and head.
How to Choose the Best Pillow for Neck Pain
Selecting the right pillow can be challenging especially if you are doing it for the first time. A good sleep can give the relaxation you need and also good to maintain good mental and physical health. Therefore, you need a good pillow to ensure that you have a good sleep each day. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a neck pillow.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping position is one of the key things you will need to consider in your search for a neck pillow. If you sleep in different positions, then you will need to purchase a pillow with comfortable surfaces for both back and side sleeping. Tri-cervical pillows are ideal for people who sleep in all positions because you can sleep on the wings for side sleeping and on the rolls if you are a back sleeper. Thinner pillows are ideal for back sleepers whereas a firmer pillow works well for a side sleeper. Stomach sleepers a pillow that is thin and almost flat.
Neck Pillow Filling
It is important that you check out the pillow fillings before prior to purchase. Get to know if the pillow is made of down-feather combination, fiber, water, or memory foam. You can choose to purchase pillows with different fillings so that you can put your changing needs into consideration.
Pillow Size
You will need to consider your weight and height if you want to choose a pillow that will not disappoint you. Choose a pillow that is directly proportional to your height and weight. If possible, consider picking one that comes in different sizes.
Quality of the Mattress
When choosing a pillow, you need to consider the surface you sleep on. If your sleeping surface is soft, you will need a pillow with a decreased height allow more settling of your body. This is a good consideration for firm pillows and those with static sizes.
If you have a soft surface bed, consider picking a soft pillow like water or inflatable pillow. For a firm surface, choose a pillow with a higher height. Keeping in mind your body weigh during the selection process. For instance, weighty people with soft sleeping surfaces should choose a soft pillow but of good density and height.
Top 5 Best Pillows for Neck Pain
1. Mediflow Waterbase Fibrefill Pillow
Clinical studies have shown that Mediflow pillow reduces neck pain and improve the quality of sleep. The pillow provides responsive support and outstanding comfort. The waterbase provides enough support thus you fall asleep quickly. The waterbase support the neck in a way such that you will not need to wake up to fluff your pillow. With this pillow, be assured that you will not wake up often and you will wake up refreshed. It is a perfect solution for people suffering from chronic neck pain.
Features
Dimensions
Mediflow measures 71cm × 51cm × 11.5cm
Materials
Mediflow has a hypoallergenic, super-soft polyester fibre floats. This layer floats over a water layer thus provides outstanding support. Its cover is 100% cotton.
Waterbase system
The pillow has a thermal insulating layer. Its water pouch is adjustable and refillable. The water pouch is secured to the base of the pillow to provide responsive neck and head support.
Pros
- Very comfortable.
- Comes with instructions.
- Very supportive.
- Easy to fill with water.
Cons
- It weighs a lot when water is filled to the max.
2. Snug Single Contour Memory Foam Pillow
This pillow is designed in a way such that it keeps your spine in the right alignment and accommodates the natural curves of your shoulders. The pillow has guaranteed comfort and support.
Features
Materials
Snug contour memory foam pillow comes with computer cut flow channels that aid ventilation. The pillow is dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic. It has a Coolmax zipped washable cover. Additionally, this pillow is temperature sensitive thus can keep you dry and cool all night long
Dimensions
The pillow has a size of 61cm × 36cm ×11cm/8cm.
Pros
- The pillow is comfortable.
- Its big and can fit in a standard pillow cover.
- Good density.
Cons
- You can feel its smell when your nose is near it.
- A bit expensive than other pillows.
3. CalmingBreath 100% Organic Buckwheat Pillow
This pillow is very versatile. The buckwheat can be shifted to suit your position. It is a firm but comfortable pillow that help relieve shoulder, neck, and back pain. Additionally, it can also help reduce tension headaches. Basically, quality sleep is guaranteed and can be adjusted by shifting the filling by hand.
Features
Dimensions
CalmingBreath fits a standard pillow case. It measures 48cm × 74cm. More so, it weighs 3kg.
Materials
This pillow is made of 100% organic Buckwheat. It has an organic cotton cover. It has a zipper to enable you adjust pillow contents.
Pros
- Much cooler than other pillows.
- Supportive and comfortable.
- Better and deeper sleep quality as it suits different sleeping positions.
Cons
- A bit heavy.
- Expensive compared to other pillows.
4. Panda Luxury Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
This pillow has molded memory foam that offers ultimate comfort and support. Its breathable bamboo cover enables the pillow to regulate temperature during summer and winter thus keeping it cool.
Features
Dimensions
The pillow measures 60cm× 40cm × 12cm.
Materials
Bamboo pillow is anti-bacterial and resists fungi, mould, mildew, and dust mites. As such, it protects the skin against allergies or irritation thus it is ideal for people who suffer from sensitive skin and dust mite fever. The bamboo fabric is anti-static thus does not cling to your neck. The fabric resists wrinkling and does not require frequent washing.
Pros
- It molds very well thus supportive and comfortable.
- Warm.
- It is of good height.
Cons
- Expensive than many other pillow.
- Not very soft.
- Does not suit all sleeping positions.
5. Quiesta Memory Flake Pillow, Memory Foam Interior, Bamboo Fabric Case
Quiesta flake pillow has reached the optimum level of support and comfort. Its memory flakes can hold your neck firmly at a slight elevation and as such it reduces neck pain and relives tension your nick. It is ideal for people who use different sleep positions since it adapts to different shapes.
Features
Dimensions
The pillow measures 70cm × 47cm when fully expanded.
Materials
Made of firm and soft shredded memory foam. The memory foam used to make this pillow allows air to flow through it thus keeping it cool. Its polyester material and soft bamboo combine perfectly creating a washable pillow case.
Pros
- Economical.
- It has a good height.
- Looks good.
Cons
- Not very comfortable and supportive.
- Strong smell when new.
- Slightly over stuffed.
Remedies for Neck Pain
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is an effective way and can easily be done in the shower. Using the force of water on the affected area will reduce pain. Pour hot water on the neck area for 3 to 4 minutes then use cold water for about 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat this process as many times as possible. Hot water will ease the stiff muscles of the neck and increase circulation of blood, cold water will assist in reducing inflammation.
Epsom Salt Bath
Epson salt bath is used in reducing stress, relieving pain and relieving muscle tension. It contains a product called Magnesium sulphate that acts as a muscle relaxant that reduces pain and swelling. Add two cups of Epsom salt to warm water then soak your neck in it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this formula daily until neck pain is healed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidants that can be used in relieving neck pain faster. It also has a number of essential nutrients that can be used to relieve any pain that is related to nutrient deficiency. Soak a piece of cloth in apple cider vinegar. Place it on affected area then give it some time to penetrate Do this twice a day until you are healed.
Ice Pack
Use the cold pack to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Crush some ice cube and put them in a plastic bag. Then you wrap the bag using a towel. Hold the ice park on the affected area for about 15 minutes. Repeat this formula every 2 to 3 hours a day.
Exercise for Neck Pain
Neck exercise are crucial part of the treatment for neck pain. Most neck exercise programs consist of a combination of strengthening exercise, stretching, aerobic conditions, and trigger point exercises. Neck stretches help expand or enhance elasticity and motion in the affected parts. As such, stretches relieve the stiffness that makes you feel pain. Stretching ought to be done on daily basis. Neck strengthening helps keep an improved structure thus alleviate pain. Aerobic exercise are done so as to increase blood flow to the neck soft tissues and muscles and the upper back thus increasing the range of motions. Aerobic exercises can also be done every day using a stationary bike or a treadmill.
Conclusion
When choosing the best pillow for neck pain, take your time and analyze the various options you have. They are part of your investments and therefore you need to be sensitive when picking one. If you are looking a good pillow that will not disappoint you, I recommended that you choose Mediflow waterbase pillow. This pillow is very comfortable and supportive and comes with its instructions. Snug contour pillow is a good option too as it has a good density, has a good height and its materials are temperature sensitive. Bottom line let your sleeping position be your guide when choosing the best neck pain pillow.