Although side sleeping is one of the healthiest positions for the spine, those who prefer to sleep this way definitely know what it's like to wake up with a sore neck, a numb arm, or a deep shoulder ache indicating something is amiss. More often than not, their pillow is the culprit. And when they get tired of waking up TIRED (and in pain), it may be time to choose another pillow. What works best is ultimately a personal decision, but there are some guidelines that will help. DISC board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Brandon Hirsch, MD, was interviewed about this for Everyday Health.
“The best pillow height for an individual patient is the one that keeps their neck in neutral alignment (meaning the head is in a straight line with the rest of their back, and the middle of their ears is in line with the middle of their shoulders),” he pointed out. “What’s most important is keeping the spine in a neutral alignment to relieve pressure on your discs and joints.”
Wiith a wide array of options in pillow material, height, shape and firmness, it all comes down to finding the combination that keeps you most comfortable while making sure your neck and shoulders are supported properly.
“A patient with very broad shoulders will require a taller pillow to keep their neck in neutral alignment, whereas a petite patient with narrow shoulders would require a shorter height pillow,” Dr. Hirsch explained. “My general recommendation to patients is that they sleep with both their neck and low back in a neutral position. For many patients, putting a pillow in between the knees can help maintain their pelvis and lower back in a neutral position. For the neck, it is all about finding a pillow that is the appropriate height for your shoulder width.”
Read the full Everyday Health article HERE
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hirsch HERE.
