Is Your Pillow Behind Your Back Pain?
By Sara Butler
Almost everyone will experience back or neck pain at some point in their lives. Avoiding pain is nearly impossible because as you age you will become more susceptible to pain from normal wear and tear of your joints. But you can take steps toward prevention and get rid of any painful symptoms you might be experiencing if you focus on how you’re sleeping at night.
Why Sleeping is Such a Big Deal
You will spend one-third of your life in bed sleeping, so it makes sense to take action to make sure you’re spending all that time in a healthy posture. If you can let your chiropractor help you correct the way you’re sleeping, then you can resolve any current painful symptoms you’re having and take a big leap in preventing any more symptoms in the future.
The way you sleep is a big deal and critical to the prevention of back and neck pain, but another common cause of pain is the pillow you’re using at night. But your chiropractor at The Joint is here to help you figure out what you might be doing wrong.
Different Pillows for Different Folks
You may well be aware that sleeping on your back or on your side are the best positions for your spine, but did you know that you need a different pillow for each sleeping position? It’s true!
If you’re a back sleeper, you will want to choose a pillow that won’t cause your head to tilt up or back while lying flat. Your head and neck need to stay aligned with your spine and body, but choosing a pillow that is too stiff, too low, or too high can be the culprit behind neck pain.
If you’re a side sleeper, then you need to choose a pillow that fills in the space between the mattress and your neck without tilting your head one way or another. You need a pillow that is about four to six inches high in order to keep your neck neutral as you sleep.
What Pillow Should You Try?
If you’re a back sleeper, contoured pillows are great. They support your neck by filling in the space between your neck and the mattress, keeping your spine in line with the rest of you.
If you’re a side sleeper, down pillows can be a good choice. These pillows conform to your neck’s natural curves, helping you to avoid neck and back pain in the morning.
If you have questions about the type of pillow you need, discuss it with your chiropractor the next time you’re at The Joint!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.