Is Your Pillow Making Your Neck Hurt?

Could your pillow be the reason for your neck pain?

You’ll never look at your pillow the same way again.

Neck pain is an all-too-common pain condition that can be caused by poor posture, trauma, overuse of particular muscles, and car accidents, to name a few. But there is another common reason for neck pain that is easy to overlook --  the way you sleep and the pillows you sleep with.

How can you hurt your neck while sleeping?

It’s much easier to do than you’d think, but sleeping in certain positions that put excess pressure or discomfort on your neck and spine can cause you to wake up in pain. Different sleep positions can hurt your neck in different ways, for example if you are a stomach sleeper, you likely sleep with your head and neck twisted, or if you sleep only on one side, your neck and spine constantly have pressure in that particular area for extended periods of time. For this reason it’s important to take note of how you sleep and find positions that feel comfortable for you. 

Another factor in your sleep position, is the pillow/s you sleep with. Yes we said it, your pillow may be hurting your neck!

How to choose the right pillow:

In order to promote optimal neck positioning, you should generally aim to find a pillow that helps keep your neck parallel to the mattress versus twisted or bent to one side. Choosing the right material pillow to help you position your neck properly is of utmost importance. Adding props or cervical rolls/towel rolls inside the pillowcase can help as well.  While many of us are guilty of just choosing anywhere to lay our head down, memory foam and latex pillows are good examples of types of pillows that will conform to the shape of your head.

On the not-so-good list of pillows, there are feather pillows. Feather pillows (including down feather) while very soft and easy to find, are often not the best choice for sleeping. This is especially true for individuals who are more prone to neck and spine issues. Some people may also choose to sleep with body pillows that help you align your spine properly during sleep.  

one size does not fit all

The biggest thing we hope you take away from this article is to reevaluate your sleeping position and pillows, especially if you frequently wake up sore. The right pillow can make all the difference! Remember one size does not fit all when it comes to pillow shopping.

If you are frustrated by neck or back pain, call us at 347-560-6920 for an appointment with a neck specialist in Brooklyn.