I’ve had neck/shoulder problems for 5+ years. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t wake up with a stiff neck, stuck joint, or general muscle soreness/tightness. I have a slightly herniated disc at C6-C7.
Every doctor I’ve seen for this, from chiros to pain management guys, have told me to use a cervical neck pillow. I went through several of the cheap ones from Wal-Mart, before going out and investing in a pricy, higher-quality one from Sharper Image. It’s more or less a rebranded Tempurpedic. My pain never really got better, but it wasn’t getting worse.
A few nights a week, I’ve found myself using a good old regular foam pillow, and my pain/joint problems have decreased.
Is it possible the cervical pillows are hurting me? I’m thinking that the structure of my neck doesn’t “match” the hump and groove on the pillow.
3 Comments »
Archives
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- September 2008
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
- IL0VeNY1030 on aarv safety kids!
- sheckmancometh on aarv safety kids!
- FLATLANDFLYFISHER on aarv safety kids!
- yomasturbo on aarv safety kids!
- brouillettedrew on aarv safety kids!
Network
Friends
Cervical pillows in general are great for your neck. However, it may not be a great thing when you have a herniated disc as the pillow will put your head into extension, which may put pressure on the disc and thus the nerves. If you lay on your back, a simple pillow should be fine. If you are laying on your side, please make sure not to put your head in the depression of the cervical pillow as that may create a fulcrum effect and cause discomfort. Best advice, find any type of pillow that allows you to have a good nights rest.
Dr. M
Well, here in India, some village folk still follow the age-old practice of not using a pillow. They use their palms as a temporary pillow and say that it is the best way to sleep. I wish you good health.
You have to do what works for you. Doctors do not always know best. It very well could be that the “support” area hits you right at your herniated disc space. Do what works, get some good sleep and get better.