Pillows- what kind of cervical pillow do you need?

Many patients ask us what type of pillow do we recommend for sleeping.

Optimally a back sleeping is best with the cervical or neck curve supported. The second best position for sleep is side lying with the neck in a neutral position and a pillow between the knees to keep the spine in a neutral position. The least optimal sleeping position is on the stomach, this position hyperextends the low back causing sacroiliac and back pain as well as causing rotational stress on the neck and upper back which may cause neck pain and headaches.

There are many great options for cervical /neck pillows for sleeping, and at our office, we recommend the Normalizer pillows. These pillows have two curves on either side, the smaller is for back sleeping, and the thicker side is for side sleeping. The thicker side should be the depth of the shoulder tip to the ear, keeping the neck in a neutral side position.

I will often recommend our petite normalizer pillow for women who have a smaller neck structure than males. Children who are at puberty need to use the petite pillow in this rapid growth time to support the cervical spine. Younger children need a proper support pillow as well, and the adult curve is not the correct height and may cause flexion and thus neck issues, always use the appropriate pillow for the age and body composition of the person. If you have any questions on if the pillow is the correct one for your child ask the doctor at our clinic and we will be happy to help fit you for the right pillow.

Dr. Joelle Johnson practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca

Do you know what pillow to use?

Are you sleeping on the right pillow?

   Many people ask us what pillows we recommend every day. There are many types out there from cheap to expensive. We mainly recommend a cervical pillow( the ones with the scoop and dip in them).  There are also many different materials used in the making of pillows, microfibres, foam and feathers to name a few. The biggest thing I tell my patients is that  we are all built differently, a women 140 lbs 5 foot 5 does not need the same pillow as a 230 pound 6 foot man.
    When sleeping the best position is on your back or the next best postion is on your side.The side lying pillow should be the depth of your ear to the tip of you shoulder when your neck is in a normal position (head not tilted).  When on your back your neck should be in the normal curve comfortably. You neck/chin should not be flexed forward as most people have too large of pillows thus reducing the normal neck curve and shortening the front neck muscles, overstretching the back neck muscles causing headaches, 'sleeping wrong' and 'neck pinches'.
Cervical Pillows can help to induce a proper cervical curve when used with back sleeping, thus reducing neck pain and headaches.
I usually recommend a normal foam cervical pillow for men, and the petite ones for women and teens as these are proportional to their size.
 Please don't forget your childrens spine!
Children also need proper neck support when sleeping, our 8 year old does not need the same size pillow as their parents. I like to  recommend a pillow that gently supports and is again smaller and proportional th their size. Theses ones are made of a memory foam to help induce the proper curve. Children 2-5 need and even smaller pillow that also gently supports the neck as they grow and develope the spinal musculature.At the clinic we carry all types of pillows for different body shapes and sizes.
Written By Dr. Joelle Johnson B.Sc.,D.C.
 We are located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellnes, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, T4R 2X3
403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca