Back Pain Pillows
Back pain pillows are part of the ever widening line of products designed to minimize the symptoms of common
dorsopathy
conditions. Special pillows for back and neck pain come in many styles and applications. Most are available at orthotic supply stores, doctors, bedding retailers or online. Purchasing
back pain relief products
over the internet is a great convenience for patients who have been restricted in their activities, due to their
chronic pain.
Always remember that although pillows are nice creature comforts, they are unlikely to solve your back or neck pain problems alone. Pillows may help to minimize symptoms when sleeping or sitting, but will not address the underlying cause of pain.
Back Pain Pillow Types
Many styles of special back pain pillows are made from memory foam, which maximizes comfort and support. Others may be polyester or down filled. The cheapest pillows may simply consist of a piece of inexpensive closed cell foam covered in fabric. Be sure to compare quality and materials when purchasing any pillow and do not just consider the price. Here are some of the many types of back and neck pain pillows on the market today: * Curved ergonomic cervical pillows replace old flat style sleeping pillows. The shape of these pillows cradles the head and allows for a natural sleeping posture for the neck. These pillows claim to decrease the overall stress on the spine, especially in the upper back and neck. * Wedge shaped lumbar pillows (small) can be used under the lower back to provide support for painful
lower back injuries.
These pillows can be used effectively when the patient is lying on their back (supine) or seated. * Wedge designs (large) are also popular to provide an incline for the upper back. These pillows make it possible to maintain an almost seated position in bed. They are similar to
adjustable beds,
in that they make rising from a reclined position much easier.
* Large flat cushions can be used to elevate ankles and feet. Some back pain patients get relief from
sciatica
through the use of these leg pillows. * Knee pillows are often used when a patient is lying on their side. These shaped cushions maintain the space between the knees, decreasing
lower back pain
and pressure. They are also commonly called knee or leg spacers. * Facedown pillows are cut out to provide a comfortable prone position for the head and face. These pillows resemble the upper portion of a
chiropractor's
bench or massage table. * Roll pillows are favorites to hold for many upper back and shoulder pain patients. In this application, they can support the shoulder and take the weight off the arm, reducing pain. These can also be used to elevate the knees, be placed between the knees or be wedged behind the patient when seated. * Full body pillows can replace knee pillows and roll pillows, by doing 2 jobs at once. A full body pillow can also prevent unwanted rolling in one’s sleep. * Travel pillows are used for napping during plane or train trips. These horseshoe shaped pillows provide support for the head and neck when one must sleep sitting up. Many varieties of specialty pillows listed above can also be purchased in inflatable models, which are ideal for traveling.
Recommendation on Back Pain Pillows
I have tried many of these devices during my decades of suffering with agonizing back ache. I tried so many styles and brands that I really do consider myself a bit of an expert on back pain pillows. (What a useless and unmarketable base of knowledge. lol.) I got rid of my ergonomic curved pillows and now use a conventional poly-filled pillow. I need my pillow to be overfilled, since I have wide shoulders, sleep on my side and have a tricky neck at this stage of life. Too flat seems to aggravate it. I also sleep with a pillow between my knees, but only for comfort. My final recommendation is to hug a loved one instead of cradling a pillow. Nothing is better than sleeping next to the one you love most. That is a feeling that NO back pain pillow can match.
Back Pain Pillows to Back Pain
7/28/06 Revised 2/3/12
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