What is the best pillow for cervical degenerative disc disease?

With cervical degenerative disc disease the tissues of the cervical spine become degeneratively damaged, causing discomfort, pain and even endangering the health of the body. The man needs to take the right measures. First of all, choose the right sleeping gear to reduce the load on the spine. We recommend the right cushions that doctors advise the use of cervical osteochondrosis.

Night rest is important for the recovery of the body, but during sleep the spine is exposed. We are not able to control the position of our bodies, so there are distortions and displacements of discs. An orthopedic cushion fixes the cervical spine, reducing discomfort for people suffering from osteochondrosis. Don’t forget that the neck is an important part of the body which affects blood circulation in the brain and the nervous system.

Maintenant

1. Pillow sizes
2. What form of pillows to choose when cervical osteochondrosis
3. Stiffness of the cushions
4. The quality of materials
5. How to choose a pillow for cervical osteochondrosis

Pillow sizes

People are guided by their own preferences when choosing sleeping gear. But with cervical osteochondrosis it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of experts. The size of the pillow should take the width of the shoulders into account – it should not be too wide.

In selecting a suitable model, you should measure the distance from the beginning of the neck to the end of the shoulder. The size of the optimal cushion corresponds to the parameters of the human body, otherwise there is discomfort.

The height of the product becomes an important criterion. High cushions lead to curvature of the spine, and too low ones cause pain and headaches. People with cervical osteochondrosis should support all parts of the spine at the same level. Therapists draw patients’ attention to mattress pushing, which causes variations in levels.

1. the height of the pillow for sleeping on the side – not less than 10 cm;
2. The height of the pillow for sleeping on the stomach and on the back is less than 9 cm.
3. The width and length of the pillow is standard – 70×60 cm, but also on sale are compact models – 50×40 cm.

What pillow shape to choose for cervical osteochondrosis?

In sleep, a person completely relaxes the muscles, getting rid of tension. In cervical osteochondrosis it is important to relax the entire muscular corset, maintaining the correct position of the head and spine. During waking hours the muscles support the spinal column, but during the night the support is minimized. Pillow solves the problem without discomfort and discomfort. Otherwise, due to residual tension, a person will not rest, and wake up with a headache.

Sleeping aids should address the main tasks:

1. Maintain the natural curvature of the spine in the cervical spine;
2. Support the head at the level of the spine;
3. Give proper support to the vertebrae;
4. promote muscle relaxation.

Doctors recommend paying attention to the above conditions when choosing an orthopedic pillow. If you experience discomfort or feel soreness in your back or neck after sleeping, you should probably choose other bed accessories. Orthopedic pillows are used not only by patients with osteochondrosis, but also by healthy people for prevention.

Pillow models differ in size, shape and materials. They are suitable for different cases of the disease and the degree of progression of cervical osteochondrosis. But remember that doctors distinguish only two “correct” types of orthopedic pillows:

1. in the shape of the crescent;
2. Rectangular pillows with slightly convex edges.

Products of this type fix the vertebrae in the correct position and maintain optimal height. The head should be slightly elevated so that the usual circulation is maintained, but the spine at the distance between the back and neck should not bend. A person relaxes and enjoys full rest.

Orthopedic crescent-shaped pillows

Crescent-shaped pillows encircle the cervical spine and provide soft support for the head in the correct position. fixation in one position eliminates distortions even if a person spends a restless night. Due to the correct position and distribution of the load, the muscles rest, so a person does not experience discomfort and painful sensations.

The crescent shape fixes the cervical spine and prevents the vertebrae from shifting. Such a pillow is suitable for prevention and for sleeping with neglected stages of cervical osteochondrosis. Due to the wear-resistant and elastic materials, the products retain their appearance after prolonged use. But a person has to sleep on his back all the time, which is not to everyone’s liking.

Advantages

• reliable fixation in the correct position;
• Effective help in mild and neglected pathologies of the spinal column;
• Even load distribution;

Disadvantages

• Only one sleeping position is available – on the back.

Orthopedic pillows with convex edges

Pillows of rectangular shape with convex edges are closer to the classic look. Products do not limit a person to choose the appropriate sleeping posture – on the back, on the side. Body position changes during the night, which eliminates muscle numbness and normalizes blood circulation. Despite this freedom, the spine remains straight, without curves and stress.

Before buying it is important to find out what kind of pillow will suit you best. It is necessary to maintain the head at the correct height – slightly elevated above the line of the spine. When choosing, pay attention to the manufacturing materials, strength and durability of materials. Doctor-recommended orthopedic pillows do not crease and retain their original shape.

Rectangular pillows with convex edges are the best choice if you determine the correct height, choose a resilient and durable product.

Advantages

• The familiar shape of the pillow for the head;
• Optimal support for neck and head;
• Freedom in the choice of position for sleep;

Disadvantages

• Difficulty in choosing the right size, especially height.

Stiffness of pillows

The task of an orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis is to provide proper and even support. But orthopedists advise to select the stiffness with your own preferences. For people who sleep mostly on their backs, pillows of medium stiffness are suitable.

The stiffest pillow will be needed for people who sleep mostly on their side. In this position, it is more difficult to keep the spine in the correct position. People who spend the night mostly on their stomachs choose soft pillows, because otherwise there is an additional load on the cervical spine.

The quality of materials

Pillows for cervical osteochondrosis have important properties, which depend on the specific manufacturing material and filler. The list of requirements includes:

1. shape retention;
2. Hypoallergenicity;
3. durability;
4. easy cleaning.

The first point is the most important, because otherwise the pillow simply will not cope with its tasks. There are a dozen materials to choose from, but only 3-4 of the list are leading in popularity.

Bamboo fiber

Bamboo cellulose fiber is made from plant stems by mechanical or chemical processing. It is difficult to find models with pure bamboo fiber on the market, and often synthene or hollofiber is added inside the pillow. Fiber does not cause allergic reactions, but evenly supports the spinal column.

A pillow with bamboo fiber is suitable for prevention, but if cervical osteochondrosis has already formed, you should look for other options.

Advantages

• hypoallergenic;
• budget;
• easy care;
• low weight;
• Lightness, breathability;
• hygienic, ecological cleanliness;

Disadvantages

• Low hygroscopicity (does not absorb moisture, so it becomes wet);
• Short-lived (small service life);
• increased softness (crumples under heavy load);

Latex

Synthetic latex is used to fill the pillows. The material is created with the characteristics especially for orthopedic products. If the latex foam has no more than 15% synthetic additives, the filler is labeled as natural “100% Latex Natural”. Such pillows have a regular shape and always return to its original position.

Pillows with latex filling create the best support, do not sag and retain their shape. But you have to put up with a specific smell and high cost.

Advantages

• Elasticity and elasticity;
• ease of care;
• antibacterial;
• durability;
• noiselessness;
• Relieving tension in the cervical region;

Disadvantages

• Allergic reactions in 1% of people;
• high cost
• pungent smell;

Buckwheat husk

Pillows with buckwheat husk relieve painful sensations in cervical osteochondrosis. The products are dense and elastic, so the head is supported at the same level. The filler evenly distributes the load and guarantees a comfortable sleep.

Buckwheat husk is gaining popularity among those who suffer from neck and spine pain. Pillows with this filler in 20-30% actually relieve discomfort, and in the rest help to achieve a restful sleep. But 5-10% of people note the stiffness of the pillow and noise that interferes with a peaceful sleep. The average product weighs 4-5 kg. It is important to remember that the husk wears out, so the service life of one pillow is 2-3 years.

Advantages

• elasticity and smooth support;
• Hypoallergenic;
• massage effect;
• air permeability;
• pain reduction;

Disadvantages

• The noise and rustling of the husks;
• shortness of life;
• heaviness;
• rigidity;

Cooling gel

Gel orthopedic pillows for cervical osteochondrosis are advised by doctors and therapists. Products are attractive with precise anatomical forms – they repeat the curves of the cervical spine, providing ideal support during sleep. In its properties, the filler is similar to latex, but the gel has a higher elasticity and a different density.

Pillows with a gel filler are pleasant to the touch, cooling gel refreshes the skin. The average thickness is 10-12 cm, but it is important to choose the right dimensions. If you follow the recommendations, then the person will enjoy a quiet rest. Gel, unlike latex, has no odor and is usually more durable.

Advantages

• hygienic and environmentally friendly;
• durability;
• “memory effect” of the material;
• Exact repetition of human body curves;
• The absence of unpleasant odors;

Disadvantages

• Suitable for one particular body position;
• Need to be precisely sized and shaped individually for each person.

How to choose a pillow for cervical osteochondrosis?

The right pillow makes life easier. Sleeping accessories help with neck pain and are used for prevention. The models on the market have a set of characteristics and properties. The pillow holds the head in a position that relaxes the muscular corset and straightens the spine. If unnatural curves appear, the pillow should be replaced.

Doctors recommend to pay attention to the width of the shoulders – the width of the correct pillow is 1-2 cm more. Manufacturers make the height proportional, so you do not have to measure it. The shape determines the position of the body during sleep. Anatomic products and crescent-shaped pillows restrict movement, but exclude displacement of the vertebrae.

On the filler depends on the elasticity of the pillow, service life, the presence or absence of odors, noise level, etc.d. In case of constant pains choose pillows of anatomic shape and dense filling, and rectangular products with bamboo fiber or husk will do for prevention.

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