I am a dental hygienist who ended up with a partial tear in the labrum of my shoulder. I was in so much pain I could barely put my shirt on without screaming, let alone complete a full day of work. My MD sent me for PT at the Rose Center, I did 4 ...
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Chiropractor Anderson CA
Do you frequently wake up with your neck hurting and find yourself looking for a Chiropractor in Anderson CA?
Do your fingers or hands ever go numb? If so, you need to consider the type of pillow you are sleeping on. If your pillow is made of feathers or foam and is flat, it is time for a new one. These flat pillows do not support your neck because they lack proper shape. If you sleep on your back, you need to have a pillow that supports your neck and will allow your head to drop back. If you sleep on your side, though, those pillows can create issues. If you have a feather pillow, it likely bunches up and loses its support while you sleep, leaving your head and neck without the support needed.
You may be asking how to pick a pillow then. Well, below are some ways to find the best pillow for you.
If you sleep on your stomach, it is very likely you have neck pains when you wake up. There is not a pillow available that can help. Your best bet is to learn new sleeping habits. When you lie on your belly and turn your head to one side, it can cause your neck to become imbalanced as the muscles on one side of your neck grow contracted and the muscles on the other side are stretched.
If you are a side sleeper, you should try a pillow that is thicker. It is best to use a high-density foam pillow that matches the distance between your head and the outside edge of your shoulder when you lay down. That way, your head be fully supported rather than tilting to one side all night, potentially pinching a nerve.
If you sleep on your back, the best pillow for you is one that has a neck roll built-in to help support your neck’s natural curve adequately. These pillows keep your head in a neutral position, slightly extending your neck. This is great for keeping the tension off your nerves, thus giving you muscles that are less tight when you wake up.
Finding a pillow that is best for you is a lot like finding the perfect running shoes. You may find a great one that works for you this week but need a new one next week. I personally have a few that I rotate through. There are many options for you to consider when it comes to pillows. You can purchase a custom measured pillow that we sell at our office, Chiropractor Anderson CA. Tempur-Pedic sells a memory foam pillow that many people tend to enjoy. There is also the pillow from the sleep number store that is thicker and has a neck roll to help support side sleepers. Regardless of the pillow you use, it is best to change it out each year with a new one.
Remember, too, that if you wake up with neck pain, you need to be evaluated by Chiropractor Anderson CA. Though a better pillow can help, it cannot take care of poor alignment that caused the problem initially or any imbalances you have. Schedule an appointment today so you can wake up tomorrow without a pain in the neck.