Neck pain and Our Pillow!

The relationship between neck pain and our pillow is more important than most of
us realize! Though we all may have at one time or another slept on a variety of
surfaces, and used any number of pillows (flat, medium, bulky) made of different
materials (foam, feather, air, water, or memory foam), it’s usually not until
neck pain and/or headaches start to become an issue that we start to think,
“…how important is my pillow?” Thankfully, the question has been addressed in a
randomized peer-reviewed study. So, what did they find out?

The goal of a pillow is to support the neck more so than the head. In a study
headed by Dr. Liselott Persson, MD, of the department of neurosurgery at the
University of Lund in Sweden, researchers tested whether specific neck pillows
have any effect on neck pain, headache and sleep quality in people suffering
with chronic (>3months), non-specific neck pain. They also researched whether
there was an optimum or “best” type of pillow that was preferred by their 52
patient group. They used 4 different pillows, 1 “normal” pillow and 3 of which
were specially designed, each having a different shape and consistency. Over a
4-10 week time frame, the pillows were randomly distributed to the neck pain
group who then graded them according to comfort, the effects on neck pain, sleep
quality and headache using a questionnaire, and also described the
characteristics of an “ideal pillow.” Researchers and participants concluded the
“ideal pillow” (for reducing neck pain and headaches and improving quality of
sleep) includes a soft pillow with good support under the neck’s curve
(lordosis).

There are many styles of contoured cervical or neck pillows that vary
considerably. This study supports the use of a specially designed style over a
normal pillow. So what are some of the things to look for? First, consider your
neck’s length and girth.  When you look in a mirror, do you have a neck that is
short vs. long or, narrow vs. wide? This will direct you to a pillow that has a
larger “hump” for your neck to be cradled in if it’s a long neck and, the height
of the hump – taller for the slender neck or, shorter for the wide neck. Some
pillows have 2 options of “hump” sizes (located on the long edges of the pillow)
– one short and flat and the other side taller and wider. Others recommend lying
in the middle of the pillow if you’re a back sleeper vs. lying on the edge of
pillow when sleeping on your sides. A measurement taken from the neck to the
point of the shoulder determines if the pillow should be a small, medium, or
large. Water filled and/or air filled pillows can be varied by the amount of
water or air added. The bottom line of which is “best” is based on comfort and
support. Regardless of which you choose, it can take several days to get used to
the new pillow, so we recommend using the pillow for at least 1 week. By then,
you’ll know if you chose the right style. 

We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services. 
If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely
appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look
forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future. Visit www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.