Back pain is something that a majority of the population suffers with on a daily basis, regardless of age.
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We resort to exercises, stretching, posture adjustment, painkillers, and ergonomic chairs, but we often can forget to consider how sleeping affects our bodies.
Many think purchasing a new mattress is the answer, but this can be very expensive, it might be good to try out a new pillow first. It’s a fraction of the price and can provide you with the support and alignment your body needs!
It is important to become informed about how a pillow can enhance our spine’s alignment when purchasing a new one, and before giving up and resolving to have back pain for the rest of your life!
How Does a Pillow Help Relieve Back Pain?
A pillow is not just for your neck and head, while it is important to consider possible neck strain when choosing the right pillow, you must also think about the way neck alignment translates into alignment of your spine, chest, and lower back.
You don’t need to worry about altering your natural sleeping position in order to remedy your back pain, the right pillow can do the job for you!
- For Side Sleepers – If you sleep on your side, your spine is pulled downward at the lower back by the upper leg. Placing a support pillow under your side can raise your lower back into an aligned position with the rest of your spine. As well, a firm pillow placed between your knees work to realign your hips and lower back while you sleep.
- For Back Sleepers – When sleeping on your back, the lower back, or lumbar, is straightened out of the spine’s natural “S” shaped contour, which often results in discomfort and aggravated chronic pain. A pillow placed under the lower back can be used to restore the spine’s natural shape.
- For Stomach Sleepers – A stomach sleeping posture places the highest amount of stress on the spine, by forcing it into an exaggerated curve. A support pillow under the pelvis can reduce this curve back to the natural contour by raising the lower back up. Chiropractors also recommend that if you sleep on your stomach that you use either a flat pillow for your head or no pillow at all.
How to Choose the Best Pillow for You?
Many chiropractors are beginning to advise on the best pillows for support and improved circulation.
However, it is important to remember that personal preference and comfort is also paramount.
When choosing a pillow that will allow you to wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to start your day, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Type of Pillow
There are many different styles of pillow that are designed to help you achieve a pain-free sleep.
- Knee Pillows – knee pillows are firm, contoured pillows that alleviate lower back pain when inserted between or under the knees. This is the most popular solution among specialist doctors and chiropractors for treating lumbar pain.
- Lumbar Pillows – lumbar pillows are firm, contoured or slanted cushions that are placed under the lower back when sleeping on your back, or under the pelvis when sleeping on your stomach.
- Body Pillows – body pillows are large, soft pillows that are reminiscent of hugging a duvet. They often have a cut-out horseshoe shape that allows the pillow to be manipulated to effectively replace all other pillows in your life. They are popular among pregnant women who suffer from lumbar pain and sciatica, and can be used to remedy chronic back pain.
- Memory Foam Pillows – Memory foam pillows are very popular for their ability to provide necessary support wherever you need it, at your neck, upper or lower back. It is important to remember that some may be too hard to have a restful sleep, so it is best to try these out if there is a trial period for the pillow and see what firmness works best for you.
Sleeping Position
You shouldn’t have to completely change the way you feel most comfortable when sleeping in order to fight against back pain. So, make sure you consider a pillow that accommodates your sleeping position preference; side, back, or stomach…or all of the above!
Type of Back Pain
Pillows are designed to cater to different needs and alleviate particular ailments, as mentioned above, take into consideration which type and firmness of pillow you will need to best address your personal ailments.
Pillow Shape
There are pillows that are created to mimic the natural contour of your neck or back, but remember that these shapes might not work for everyone’s body. And make sure that while the pillow should be firm, it should not be so structured that it does not allow you to have a relaxed and comfortable posture.
Support
there are a number of different styles of pillows that address back pain, as mentioned above, so be sure to choose the style that targets the areas where you need the most support.
Composition
Memory foam is a good choice of material for a supportive and long-lasting pillow, you won’t have to worry about the pillow flattening out over time and losing your support. You should also consider whether the materials used are CertiPUR-US certified for safety and performance, and whether they are hypoallergenic.
Comfort
One of the main concerns with comfort is the firmness of a pillow. While a firm pillow is good for providing necessary support, it is important not to sacrifice the ability to have a restful sleep.
Price
As important as your physical health and rest is, so is the affordability of the product. You shouldn’t have to break the bank for a new pillow, especially because this is supposed to be the frugal alternative to a new mattress and years of physical therapy!
Warranty
It is important to have an acceptable warranty period, so that you can make sure that the pillow is providing you with the necessary relief for an adequate amount of time, and that it is not losing its shape too soon. It is also good to consider a product that has a trial period, so you can find the pillow that is perfect for you!
Durability
Durability is important when choosing a pillow, the more durable the more likely it will remain effective and supportive and not cause unnecessary extra damage.
Where Should you Start your Search?
We realise that it is incredibly overwhelming to begin to look for the best-quality product, especially juggling all of these considerations mentioned above, along with your physical wellbeing on the line! The best way to begin your foray into finding the right pillow to end your back pain is to look at other people’s experiences. Here are five of the most highly commended, chiropractor recommended pillows to remedy back pain.
ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow – Memory Foam Wedge Contour
View On AmazonA bestseller in leg positioner pillows, this orthopedic knee pillow by ComfiLife provides relief from sciatica, back pain, leg pain, and hip and joint pain. The ergonomically-designed memory foam knee wedge fits comfortably between your knees to relieve pressure in your lower back. The ergonomic design maintains an ideal alignment of your legs, hips, and spine, allowing for better circulation and pain relief.
The high-density memory foam will not lose its shape or firmness over time or while you sleep.
This is the highlight for satisfied customers, many saying that it works the best for them because other knee pillows are too soft and not thick enough to provide adequate support.
It includes a zippered cover that is breathable, which makes cleaning easy. This pillow also has a full satisfaction guarantee, so if you are not completely satisfied you can return it for your money back, no questions asked!
Pros:
- 100% heavy-duty memory foam
- Multi-position use
- Breathable and washable cover
- Affordable
- Portable
Cons:
- Can be too hard and thick for some people
- Heat and weight responsive, so experience will vary depending on room temperature and your size
TruContour Lumbar Pillow for Sleeping Back Pain
View On AmazonThis pillow is a top choice among people looking for more lumbar support and elevation while they sleep. It is made from medical grade memory foam and allows for improved sleep posture through spinal support, whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach. There are two options, of Light or Super support, so you can choose which degree of support you are looking for, to cater to your size and preference.
The Super Lumbar Pillow allows you to adjust the thickness of the pillow as well.
This allows for an individual’s size to be taken into consideration, a larger individual might want to choose the higher density, thicker option to reduce flattening of the pillow.
Every pillow includes an extremely soft, machine washable, velour cover with a breathable mesh lining. There is also a 100% satisfaction guarantee that will allow you to have a full refund within 30 days if the pillow is not adequate, along with a one-year warranty.
Pros:
- 100% medical grade memory foam
- Multi-position use
- Adjustable thickness
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
- Washable velour cover
- 1-year warranty and 100% guarantee
Cons:
- Can be a little thin for some people, losing its shape over the course of the night
Bluestone Pregnancy Pillow, Full Body Maternity Pillow with Contoured U-Shape by, Back Support
View On AmazonDon’t let the name fool you, this pillow is not just for pregnant women. While is does provide much-needed relief from pain associated with pregnancy, it also helps relieve pain and discomfort related to sciatica, fibromyalgia, gastric reflux, lower back pain and ankle pain.
This oversized body pillow will make you feel like you are falling asleep while hugging a cloud!
You no longer will need multiple pillows to accommodate the alignment of your neck, shoulders, back, and hips. The pillow can be adjusted to provide support for any sleeping position, as well as while sitting upright.
The filling is made of hypoallergenic polyester hollow fiber, with an easy-to-remove 100% cotton outer cover.
Pros:
- Multi-functional support
- Good for any sleep position
- Hypoallergenic
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of room
- Too thin for some people
Comfort & Relax Ventilated Memory Foam Contour Pillow with AirCell Technology
View On AmazonThis is a best seller among contoured support pillows, which isn’t hard to believe since it offers incredible support for back, side, and stomach sleepers with its contour wave design. It is composed of a gel-infused memory foam, which promotes airflow to keep your head and neck cool during the night, that is also free of any toxic components and is CentriPUR-US certified.
The cover is removable and machine washable, made of soft and breathable jersey fabric.
This pillow is ideal for someone who suffers from upper back and neck pain and stiffness, as well as chronic headaches or migraines.
The contoured shape allows for your neck to rest in its natural alignment. This pillow will definitely help you wake up rested and ready to start your day!
Pros:
- CertiPUR-US certified for safety and performance
- Ergonomic wave contour design
- Air Cell Technology Gel Memory Foam promotes airflow and coolness
- Washable and soft cover
- Affordable
Cons:
- Foam has an odour, though not harmful and it will dissipate
- Quite large
- Too soft for some people
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Combination with Adjustable Fit
View On AmazonIf you’re not keen on committing to a solution that entails wedging pillows in every gap between your body and mattress while you sleep, there is still a way to help your back pain by changing up your regular pillow! The Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow offers the support of an orthopedic memory foam pillow, while remaining soft and fluffy like a feather pillow. The inner shredded memory foam allows you to customize the thickness to suit your comfort.
The cover is made from a highly breathable blend of bamboo, polyester, and Lycra, which is guaranteed to keep you cool throughout the night.
This pillow is credited with exceptional durability, reviewers commend its ability to retain its shape, which is important for alleviating undue strain on your neck and upper back.
While the other options for remedying back pain often address comfort and posture while asleep, this pillow is designed for your comfort when falling asleep, whether you are a side, back, or stomach sleeper.
There is also an unbeatable 120-night trial period and a whopping 20-year warrantee!
Pros:
- Durable
- Good for any sleep position
- Adjustable thickness
- Breathable, washable, micro-vented cover
- Eco-Friendly Biogreen® and Certipur-US Certified Foam
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
- 120-night sleep trial and 20-year warrantee
Cons:
- Expensive
- Too firm and inflexible for some people
Will a New Pillow Solve all of Your Back Problems?
It is important to remember that these recommendations are not all-inclusive, if you suffer from chronic back pain you should also consider the mattress you are using, as well as seeking out professional advice about exercises and sitting posture to help ease discomfort.
Closing Overview
While there are measures that can be taken during the day to alleviate back pain, like practicing good posture, exercising and stretching, a good night’s sleep can make all the difference.
That is, however, only if the sleep is not aggravating your condition, which is why finding the right pillow is so important.
We have offered you five of the best options among a variety of styles, that have made thousands of people able to enjoy a pain-free sleep, hopefully with these tips and suggestions you can too!