Do you ever get a cramp in your neck that won't go away? Have you ever woken up with neck pain that hampered your day before it even started?
Shoulder pain, back pain, and neck pain become familiar sensations as we age. The choices you make and the stress you experience can negatively affect your body, causing physical discomfort. There can be many factors that can contribute to a stiff neck in the morning...or it could just be your pillow.
Why do some pillows cause neck pain?
Finding the best pillow is difficult. Some people like to sleep on soft pillows, some people like to sleep on hard pillows. At the end of the day - or night - it comes down to your preferred sleeping position and how your pillow affects muscle alignment.
Ergonomics are important when choosing the right pillow for you. Choose a pillow that is high enough to keep your spine straight and not make your neck form an awkward angle when you sleep. Neck support is essential if you want to get a sleeping position that prevents neck pain. This preference varies from person to person and is highly dependent on whether you are a side sleeper, a back sleeper or a stomach sleeper.
Stomach sleepers should choose thinner pillows. If the pillow is too high, the pillow tends to put unnecessary pressure on the stomach sleeper's neck muscles, leading to neck pain the next day.
Be sure to check the firmness of the pillow. Even with proper elevation, if the pillow is too soft or doesn't have enough room, your neck may still be in an awkward position when you sleep, possibly causing neck pain.
When it comes to pillows, memory foam is one of the best materials for getting the right shape and feel to your head and neck. Whether you prefer to sleep on your side or on your back, a neck pillow is recommended to maintain the natural shape of your neck and head.