How to Buy a Pillow that Helps Prevent Neck Pain

Everybody loves pillows because they're soft and huggable and make us feel comfy at night. But truth is, not all pillows are the same. In fact, some pillows are not as innocent as you think. Some of them will actually even promote neck pain, so if you're in the market for something that prevents neck pain, there are a few things you should remember.

Here are tips you can use as you shop for the right pillow:

> It should support your neck's natural curve.

There are three curves on your spine. Looking at your neck - the cervical curve - from the side, you will find that it is C-shaped, the C's mouth facing your back. Looking at the spine in front of the person, it should look straight from top to bottom. The neck consists of seven bones, also called vertebrae, which are called C1 to C7. A good back sleeper pillow will support the neck's C curve and ensure the spine's correct alignment when you're lying supine.

> Make sure it actually feels comfortable.

We all have different ways to describe "comfortable." Some want soft pillows, others like firm pillows and others want a hybrid, which is probably a medium hard or medium soft pillow. For anyone to be able to sleep totally relaxed, their pillows must be comfortable. The material is also an issue when it comes to how comfortable the pillow will be. Don't buy anything you're not happy with in terms of firmness and, of course, the fabric as a covering. For more info about pillows, visit https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/09/buying-guide-how-to-find-pillows-for-you_n_1194582.html.

> Every neck is unique.

While there is a neck curve pattern considered ideal and neck curves can be measured, each one of us has a unique neck. That's why when you buy a pillow, make sure it offers some flexibility against your body size and shape. Pillows usually have soft, medium and hard varieties for every size. Sleeping on your side, you have to be sure that your head is supported by the pillow at qpillow, which should not tilt away from your bed. Your head and neck should always be perfectly aligned with your body. There must be adequate support to your neck, and the pillow must make a comfortable fit between your neck and head, and the bed.

> Check your posture.

Your posture also plays a huge role in the best type of pillow for you. A lot of people have what is known as Forward Head Posture, where the head is held forward, causing neck and back pain. If you have this posture, an orthopedic or chiropractic pillow is best for you. If you don't have this posture but your work requires holding your head forward most of the time while you're at work, this special type of pillow will also work best for you.

> Consider previous neck injuries, if any.

Finally, consider if you have had any neck injuries before. Whether you had a degenerative join disease, cervical disc hernia, bone spurs or whatever condition, you need to take this into consideration when buying a pillow. Proper support is crucial, along with a little tractioning that will relieve and stabilize your neck's weaker areas, all while relieving any unnecessary pressure or stress on your neck or cervical nerves.