What is The Best Pillow for Neck Pain?

How to Identify the Best Pillow for Neck Pain

The quick answer is that the Best Pillow for Neck pain is the one that is the most comfortable. There are several things to consider

Size
Firmness
Height
Sleeping Position

If you want to see the breakdown, read on.

Woman sleeping and getting a good nights rest. JOI Rehab Woman Sleeping on Her Side

A Pillow for a Good Night’s Sleep

One of the best home remedies for a stiff neck is the right pillow! Picking a pillow is a very personal decision. There is not a particular pillow that I recommend to help with neck pain. The size of the pillow is something to consider. If you have pain, you’re probably not going to get a good night’s sleep. So, comfort is key.

Best Pillow for Neck Pain

The best way to choose a pillow is to try them. The cheap pillows at Target or Walmart may be good for some. Just be prepared to replace them every few months. Here are some tip to consider when trying a pillow.

Make sure it allows your neck to remain straight if you lay on your side.
Consider more than 1 pillow if your head or neck is too low.
Make sure you head is only slightly elevated when lying on your back.
Don’t lay on you stomach. This is terrible for the neck.
Medium firm is typically best but the firmness is a personal choice based on preference.

Best Sleep Position for Neck Pain

There are only 2 sleeping positions that I recommend for neck and back pain.

Side sleeping – Place pillow between the knees
Back sleeping – Place pillows under the knees

With both of these positions, make sure your neck and head at in a neutral position.

Check out this Article to learn the Best Sleep Positions with back, knee, and shoulder pain.

Is it OK to Sleep on Your Stomach?

Image of a man in pajamas sleeping on his stomach with the head turned to the side. Poor Sleeping Position

The quick answer is no, don’t sleep on your stomach. When you’re young, stomach sleeping can be comfortable and cozy. But, you have to turn you neck to the side to breathe. As you age, the neck rotation for hours at a time while sleeping can wear on the muscles and joints in the neck. Eventually, it’s going to hurt!

How Can I Relieve Pain in my Neck?

A physical therapist may be able to help with your neck pain. Throughout physical therapy the therapist will also prescribe strengthening and stabilization exercises to help maintain posture in the neck. Treatments such as cold or heat application, deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound may be used prior and after treatments. They will also provide a program on the proper way to stretch your neck and increase motion.

One device used by physical therapists to provide pain relief and improve motion is cervical traction via machine or manual (therapist provided traction). Traction gently extends the neck, opening the spaces between the cervical vertebrae and temporarily alleviating pressure on the affected discs. Neck traction can either be done continuously or intermittently, alternating between short periods of pulling and resting.

Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.