One of the most difficult tasks for chronic neck pain patients is finding a pillow that secures them in a neutral, comfortable position throughout the night. Too high a pillow places the neck in constant flexion (forward bending-not good for the discs) and too low of a pillow often isn’t supportive enough. No matter how responsive a patient is to physical therapy, a malpositioned neck while sleeping can significantly contribute to a chronic neck pain.
Instead of having a patient purchase an expensive memory foam pillow I will often recommend using a regular pillow with a towel roll supporting the natural curve of the neck. Although people do well with this configuration, the setup often falls apart at some point during the night.
I recently had a patient who has been on the search for the ultimate pillow. After 3 years of restless sleep and painful mornings, she purchased the Water Pillow and states it is the most comfortable her neck has been in a long time. It is a regular pillow with an adjustable water bladder which allows for individualized firmness and height.
I have not personally tried it, but her recommendation is one that I value and hope can help others who have neck issues.
