What do Contour / Cervical Pillows do?

Neck pain and headaches are two of the most common reasons people go to see a doctor. A large number of people are working on computers throughout the day, or are constantly looking at there phone with their neck at practically a 90 degree angle. 

When people look at computer screens, or carry themselves with poor posture, they tend to jet their head forward. Normally, the spine is curved from front to back, and these curves help with pressure and forces on the spine. With a forward head, the only way for that to happen is when the spine straightens out. This ruins your neck's ability to absorb shock, and additionally, the farther forward your head goes from the mid-line, the weight of your head starts to go up dramatically. With a proper posture, your head weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. With a forward head, the weight can actually go up to 40 pounds and up!

This is were a cervical pillow comes into play. The pillow is designed with an indent in the center, one thicker side and one thinner side, and the sides are built up thick and firm. The idea here is that when sleeping on your back, your neck will roll around the pillow, thereby reestablishing the curve of your neck. Larger people, or people father along using the pillow will use the thick side, and if that is uncomfortable, or you are just starting, use the thinner side. This type of pillow is also helpful for side sleepers with the built up sides. The pillow will help to keep your head straight while side sleeping (that way you don't have to shove your hands under your head). 

This pillow is very helpful for people with neck pain and poor posture. It may take a few days to get used to, but after that, you wont want to go back to anything else.

Come and visit your Midtown New York Chiropractor, Dr. Ryan Tichauer, to see if this is something that may help you.