Ideally, a pillow will hold your head at the same height as the rest of your spine. If it is too flat or too thick, your head will be either too far above or too far below your chest. Therefore, your spine will be in an unnatural alignment. When this happens, it can lead to aches and pains all over the body, but especially in your back and neck. Using a big squishy pile of pillows isn’t a great idea either, because your head will be far too high. The best solution is to use just one, really good-quality memory foam pillow suited to back pain sufferers.
The exception to this is if you find using a pillow somewhere other than your head helps your back pain. For example, some people find that sleeping with an extra pillow under the lower back or knees gives extra support to their spine. In that case, purchasing two pillows is a great idea.
Also, if you already have an existing problem such as a bulging disc or arthritis, a suitable pillow can really help. Although your pillow is not the cause of your discomfort, in this case, good spinal alignment may well help to alleviate some of the discomforts you feel during the night. Therefore, your bedding choice is an important factor in managing your back pain long-term.
How to Buy the Best Memory Foam Pillow for Back Pain Relief
So, now you understand the link between back pain and your pillow, how do you go about selecting the best memory foam pillow to alleviate back trouble? As modern consumers, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to pillows. There are a huge number of models and makes on the market and all have different features and specifications.
Also, many claims to help with back or neck pain. You may believe that to buy a pillow to ease discomfort, you will need to spend more. Whilst there are many expensive brands on the market, this is not necessarily the case.
The truth is, there are many pillows out there that could help with your back pain, and you don’t necessarily need one designed specifically for the purpose.
Furthermore, there are many excellent home-brand and budget options that will still provide good support. So, how do you go about choosing the right product? Here are some key features to look out for.
Comfortable
While firm support can often be best, the truth is that if you are uncomfortable you won’t sleep well. You may even adopt an unnatural position to try to compensate for your uncomfortable pillow. This will only make your back pain worse. Therefore, you need to strike a balance between support and comfort.
Supportive
That being said, you need adequate support from your pillow. This is just as important as having a supportive mattress. Therefore, check that the pillow you are thinking of buying is firm enough to prevent your head from sinking in. This will keep your spine in a neutral position and help to relieve your back pain.
Consider A Curve
You don’t need to buy a curved pillow in order to support your spine, but it might be something you should take into account. Some pillows are made with a special shape that encourages your neck into the ideal position. This, in turn, improves your spinal alignment.
Budget
While it may be worth splashing out on a pillow if it will help to relieve your back pain, it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Consider what you can afford to spend, and then shop around to find the best memory foam pillow for back pain for your budget.
Extras
Some pillows come with all sorts of special features. These may include variable firmness, special complimentary cases, and many more. These are worth checking out before you commit to a purchase. Some even come in multipacks.
