Neck Pillows

There is no specific pillow for any specific neck condition. Studies are lacking in providing a relationship between pillow and specific neck condition. There are usually multiple conditions and factors related to neck pain, therefore, it is usually best to find a pillow that suits your particular sleeping conditions and comfort requirements. In general, softer - more accomodating pillows are recommended for more painful conditions usually from injury or inflammation. Once past this point, a firmer pillow can be used if well tolerated. A transition phase from an accomodating pillow to a firmer or different design pillow can be challenging and should only be attempted when pain and discomfort levels are no longer tolerated by an existing neck pillow.

The way you sleep and the surface you sleep on will make a difference in the neck pillow you choose.

Risk Factors For Neck Pain

An interesting study in European Spine Journal. 2007 May; 16(5): 679–686. sheds some light on risk factors for neck pain. By observing the results, we can see some trends for those of us who are at risk and take some measures to help prevent neck pain or use as a guide for intervention.

A total of 45.5% of the population studied reported neck pain in the past 12 months, of which 18.1% complaint of continuous neck pain. A total of 64.3% of the patients reported that there was a relation between their current job and the neck complaints. A total of 56.2% even mentioned that their complaints started during the current job. A total of 10.2% reported sick leave due to neck complaints. The work place and equipment were adapted in 24% of the patients due to neck pain. Work time was changed due to the same reason.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and complex condition with pain frequently involving the neck and back

Whereas muscle pain usually involves one or two regions of the body, the pain of fibromyalgia is more widespread with multiple tender points that have a quality different than the neck and back strain patterns we have discussed.

Women tend to be affected with fibromyalgia more than men, with the onset of symptoms in the 20's and 30's. Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed lending to its chronic nature, unnecessary medical treatment and emotional distress and frustration.

Predisposing factors for fibromyalgia have been postulated to be physical trauma, psychological stress, history of abuse and genetic.

Other chronic conditions are associated with fibromyalgia including chronic fatigue, sleep disturbance, myofascial pain, irritable bladder syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome and cognitive dysfunction.

The pain of fibromyalgia is often made worse by physical activity, stress, lack of sleep, cold and damp weather. Complaints often found associated with fibromyalgia are generalized weakness, daily fatigue, muscle and joint stiffness, generalized tenderness, unrefreshed sleep, disturbed mood, anxiety, frequent urination, irritable bowel and multiple chemical sensitivities.

Arthritis in the neck due to poor posture and related stress on the joints is divided into stages of degeneration

Over a period of time, poor neck posture may cause joints to deteriorate resulting in neck arthritis. The sensitive nerves can become pinched. Soft tissues like muscles and ligaments stiffen and become hard and inelastic as they try to assume a more supportive function. Because the joints become unstable the ligaments which attach bones harden and try to act like bones. The muscles used to move bones lose elasticity as they try to function like ligaments. This process of neck arthritis will continue and may result in severe neck pain and even disability.