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The Right Pillow for Neck Pain

Q: Can you recommend an appropriate pillow for neck pain? A few months ago I lost my balance while on a ladder. I didn't fall, but I jerked my neck with a whiplash action. My orthopaedist told me I had arthritis and gave me a rubber neck brace to wear; however, I wake up every morning with a painful neck. Is it possible that the right type of pillow would alleviate my pain?

A: The right pillow can make a difference in your sleeping position and thus can affect how your neck feels the next day, particularly if you are getting over a sprain or strain, which is what whiplash really is.

In selecting a pillow for neck pain, you will need to carefully choose one that fits you. First, look for a pillow that supports your neck but does not tilt your head forward when you are lying on your back. If you sleep on your side, the pillow you choose should support your head in line with your neck, not tilt your head up or down. The pillow should fill just the space between the mattress and your ear.

There are a variety of pillows for neck pain, but you might want to check out some pillows you already have. Feather pillows are particularly good for punching into the shape you want. Also, many people with neck pain find that using extra pillows to support their arms at night makes sleeping more comfortable.

Although your neck pain may have nothing to do with the signs of arthritis your doctor saw on your X-ray, it would be a good idea to ask him about exercises that are good for head and neck posture. Flexibility, strength and posture are important in preventing neck pain and decreasing the risk of injuries whether you have arthritis or not.

Marian Minor, PT, PhD, Physical Therapist

Stephanie

23 Dec 2011, 23:09

I sleep on my side. I have neck and shoulder issues(degenerative disc disease and arthritis in the neck). Can you recommend a good pillow. Thanks.

barbara

27 Oct 2011, 13:54

i have osteoarthritis from my neck to my lower back. i couldn't stand the pain and went looking for a pillow. i wanted something that was very firm. i found a pillow that has relieved so much of pain i can't believe it. the pillow is total latex and is firm,it has a contour to it so my neck and spine are in line. the pillow is called the original contour pillow. it is firm and you can get use to it. waking up with no pain is a miracle and i believe this pillow will help others.

maria

24 Oct 2011, 19:22

I am contemplating cervical fusion, for arthritic disk degen at C5 6 7, although my MD gives me a 60/40% chance of pain relief. Not so good, but the pain is constant.
I don't want to have it and gget no relief or be worse than I am now. I feel like I get an axe blow to the r side of my neck when I lean forward to do anything. Any thoughts

Allana

16 Apr 2011, 11:32

Hi I was in a car accident,and trying to find the right pillow for me. I am going to therapy for whiplash. The pillows I have does not help my neck. What do you recommed? Thanks Allana

Barbara McLaughlin

16 Apr 2011, 10:10

I have osteoarthritis with spinal stenosis and have been helped by epidural injections from a Pain Management doctor, however I have tried just about every pillow advertised - water, feather, etc. and have still not found the right one. Every morning the severe headache wakes me. It's in the neck, the back of head and eyes. I am unable to stay in bed due to the pain. The only relief I get is microwaving a cervical gel pack (it is kept in freezer) and can be used cold or hot. I find heat helps me best. That along with coffee (I guess caffeine helps) give me relief within a half hour. I'm sure if I could find right pillow I might not have these headaches wake me.

Herbert Levin retired pharmacist

06 Apr 2011, 12:04

Is there a way to relieve pain for people suferring from arthritis?
The answer to this question is yes.
I have tried to contact people who suffer from pain whether it is from arthritis or an any other cause. I never have any success.
Is there a way?
Thank you

K. Long

26 Oct 2010, 18:01

I had neck pain for a couple of years. started using Pike Street Micro Bead Therapy Pillow and it went away. I believe it helps because once you get your head scrunched at just the right height it stays there. It was not that expensive: around $30 at amazon.

reena

08 Oct 2010, 06:55

is memory foam pillows good for all people and all spine conditions?

jean sullivan

21 Sep 2010, 13:22

I have a contour pillow and would like to know what kind of pillow would be best for my neck.I had a disc replacement in my neck and cannot get comfortable without waking up and having neck pain. Thank You, sincerely,jean

Ed Delaney

21 Jul 2010, 10:18

I've had neck pain problems before and found it very hard to get comfortable in bed. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't seem to get the right position. I run hot during the night anyway which doesn't help especially during the summer. This combined with my neck pain didn't help. I did a little research and found a pillow at http://pillowsforneckpain.co.uk and this has helped quite a bit as its made of that memory material s it moulds better to my neck. I wish you well and I hope your neck pain goes soon.

Chandani

17 Jan 2010, 09:18

I have neck problem. I am trying to figure out that a cervicle resting pillow may be good for me..your suggestion please..

stembje13

04 Jan 2010, 19:43

I had surgery in June for cervical stenosis and am wondering about temp-ur-pedic pillows? what is a "reasonable" cost for a good pillow? what about memory foam pillows?

P Kitajo

16 Dec 2009, 04:23

I have systemic RH for 32 years. I have had around 60 operations including several joint replacements. I am unemployed right now and am having severe neck pain. I am right now going thru a 12 week series of injections in my neck. Does anyone know if I can get a therapedic pillow perscribed by my Dr and if insurance might pay for it like they do if you need a cane or walker?

dori carper

08 Dec 2009, 19:09

what is a water filled pillow?

12 Oct 2009, 19:37

There are alot of good neck pillows, however in my experience for whiplash injuries, I would recommend the cervical traction neck pillow - http://www.tractionneckpillow.com

Really the key is you want something comfortable that helps maintain and improve neck alignment.

Voncile

01 Oct 2009, 10:11

I mostly have knee & back Pain. I Had a Stroke 4 Yrs ago. Had six weeks of physical thearpy.

a fontana

10 Sep 2009, 11:58

I've found a water filled pillow has helped considerably to alleviate neck pain due to oervical osteoasteoarthritis . It can be adjusted by filling to level best for you. Best if neck is not raised abruptly. Gradual low rise is best for me. Found it at chiropractor's.Brand name is CHIROFLOW.

B.S.Filley

20 May 2009, 08:38

I have neck ostioarthrytis and am very interested in an expert opinion on what type of pillow to use. What about the pillows that have one side in a roll and the middle flat? Are they helpful? Are they expensive?

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The Right Pillow for Neck Pain

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