Now you Know about Chiropractic!

What Pillow is Your Game Changer?

Posted: February 15, 2017
By: Life is Good Chiropractic

 Back sleeper? Side sleeper? Stomach sleeper? All of the above? Not one position is technically the "right" way to sleep, although there are strong arguments for some over others. This is where pillows come in. Pillows are there for support, nothing else!!  The right pillow in the right place during sleep can lead to a sound slumber without neck and back pain upon waking.


Back sleepers

As the most common position when falling asleep. The pillow under the knees will take pressure off of your low back allowing your spine to assume its natural curves without stress. The pillow under your head should not be propping you up, but providing some support to the natural curve of your neck.


Side sleepers

This is the most common sleeping position throughout the night, and the best for your spine. Place a firm pillow between your knees to alleviate pressure off of your hips and low back. Another firm pillow should support your head and neck in a straight line with the rest of your body. Two pillows or soft pillows tilt your head and stresses the muscles on either side of your neck that can lead to stiff necks, headaches, and even torticollis in the mornings.


Stomach sleepers

Although this position is generally scolded upon, it happens to be a natural position that we all have slept in. Even when you tell someone that sleeping on your stomach is bad for your spine, it doesn't change much (they still do). Placing a firm pillow underneath your hips/stomach will reduce the stress on your low back and neck. This pillow placement may eliminate the need for a head pillow, but if you still need one, use it to support your head at a downward angle as opposed to totally turned to the right or left. 

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