Could a contour pillow be right for your neck pain?

If you're waking up with neck pain in the morning, chances are you're not getting the support you need from your pillow. If you've been in our office lately, you may have noticed the product display in our front lobby. In this display are pillows — contour pillows to be more exact.  If you're tired of the pain, it's time to give one a try. Here are 4 reasons why...

1. Contour pillows help keep the neck and back correctly aligned.
Proper body alignment is essential for warding off muscle pain and relieving muscle tension headaches. Without a contour pillow, you may sleep at an odd angle, creating or making existing pain worse. By placing a contour pillow under your neck, you maintain proper alignment.

2. Contour pillows retain their shape.
Traditional pillows work fine at first, but then they flatten out and stop providing support for the head and neck. If you've ever woken at night to re-puff or re-fluff your pillows, you know what we mean. Contour pillows are made from memory foam, which has chemical properties that allow it to mold to your body. After you get up, the pillow returns to its original shape. This means that a contour pillow will provide consistent support and help prevent neck pain.

3. Contour pillows reduce snoring and can improve the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Some people snore because their airways become partially obstructed while sleeping. This obstruction is especially prevalent in people who sleep on their backs. Raising the head slightly, with a contour pillow, may prevent partial obstruction of the airway, which reduces snoring and may help prevent the episodes of interrupted breathing that occur in people with sleep apnea.

4. Contour pillows reduce pressure on the joints.
Pressure on the joints is one of the primary causes of soreness and stiffness upon waking. When joints are stiff or sore, you may have a hard time getting out of bed or starting your day. Contour pillows cushion the joints, reducing the likelihood of soreness and stiffness.

Which way do you sleep on a contour pillow?
Place the flat side of your pillow down and orient the pillow with the larger of the two curves toward the foot of your bed. This placement will provide maximum support for your head and neck, regardless of whether you sleep on your side or your back. Settle into your pillow and let your head sink in. It will feel different at first, but you'll get used to it soon enough.

If you are experiencing neck pain, we encourage you to see us for an evaluation, and we'll discuss options for pillows, treatments, etc. so you can get relief and start feeling better. Call us at Pure Life Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment. 541-343-5633