Maintaining good posture throughout youth and middle age will avoid future neck and back problems later in life. People who suffer with spinal pain do so because for years they have been walking and sleeping with their spine out of alignment. To assist with realignment, a selection of neck support pillows is available for every variation of needed support.
Too often, we are unconscious of the way we sleep with regard to body alignment. Whether we fall asleep in a chair, while traveling or in bed, it is important to support the spine in order to get proper rest and wake up refreshed and pain free. The traditional rectangular pillow offers some support, but not sufficient enough for every way we tend to lay our heads.
The side sleeper has a tendency to curl up in the fetal position, which pulls on the spine. The back sleeper can hyperextend the neck if it is not properly supported. This position obstructs the airway causing snoring and morning stiffness. The stomach sleeper has to turn their head to the side, which can really lead to morning pain with the wrong pillow.
The right pillow for you could be either one of the following for any sleep position or condition:
° The air inflatable option with adjustment bulb
° Water filled
° Buckwheat filled
° Memory foam
° Down filled
° Gel filling with cooling sensation
° Orthopedic
° Travel version
° The roll option
A combination of fillers is also used for a different affect. There is even a neck pillow for arthritis, migraine, and tension sufferers. The traction option is available to those who have suffered whiplash. All of these options adjust to the natural contours of every individual. The best choice will be determined by the consumer and their specific sleep profile.
Neck support pillows can be found online, in department stores and at the local pharmacy. They can range from $12 for a simple roll pillow to $65 for more specific needs. While sleep is of the utmost importance for daily function, a good night’s sleep will help us to function in top form.