Cervical osteochondrosis leads to deformation of the spine. As a result, a person experiences severe pain that occurs even with small, light movements. A properly selected pillow is an important part of treatment.
Content
What are the benefits of orthopedic pillows?
Orthopedic pillows have a number of advantages:
Helps to relax the muscles of the back and neck. Thanks to this, clamps are eliminated, blood circulation is normalized. This helps to relieve pain, normalize tissue nutrition.
Eliminates sleep problems. A person falls asleep faster, sleeps more soundly and calmly, and does not wake up in the middle of the night from the feeling that their neck is stiff or from other discomfort.
Supports the spine in the correct, physiological position. This helps to avoid the progression of the disease or at least slow it down. It will also be useful for healthy people as a preventive measure.
Varieties
There are several types of orthopedic pillows on the market.:
Roller. It is used for various types of osteochondrosis, and is most helpful for straightened cervical lordosis. With this diagnosis, a person's neck is straight, there is no natural bend. The roller creates pressure on the cervical vertebrae during sleep, returning them to their natural position.
Crescent. Suitable if the pain extends not only to the neck, but also to the shoulders. Give preference to products made of soft materials that do not lose their shape. For example, memory foam.
Rectangular. It is considered the most universal. The main thing to pay attention to when choosing products of this shape is the material from which they are made. Ideally, this is memory foam or natural latex.
With massage effect. Since cervical osteochondrosis compresses nerve endings, numbness in the arms and shoulders may occur. To get rid of them, pillows with a light massage effect are used. They normalize local blood circulation and eliminate clamps.
With a notch in the middle. Supports the cervical spine in a physiological position, does not create excess pressure on the blood vessels. In the center there is a recess for the head. Even if a person starts tossing and turning in his sleep, the neck will maintain the correct position. At the same time, the relief in the center will provide a light massage effect.
With shoulder notch. Suitable for those who like to sleep on their side. The pillow adjusts to the contours of the body. When using it, there is no need to put your hand under it: the head will be supported at an optimal height without it.
Rules of choice for cervical osteochondrosis
Consult your doctor before choosing a pillow. The specialist will give recommendations that are suitable for you personally, taking into account the specifics of the diagnosis.
When choosing, it is important to consider a number of factors. Let's look at each in more detail.
Filler
The most commonly used fillers for orthopedic pillows are::
Height
For an adult, the optimal is considered to be height 10-15 cm. You shouldn't take too high. The size should be selected taking into account the person's build. Large, obese people will suit taller models.
A pillow that is too high can be harmful. The cervical vertebrae will shift.
Consider your sleeping position
Depending on your preferred sleeping position, the recommendations also change.:
On the back. Both classic pillows and bolsters will do. The main thing is that they are not too high. No more than 10-13 cm.
On the side. The head in this position is high above the bed, it needs increased support. The height of standard models is not enough. The best choice is a wave-shaped product made of memory foam.
On the stomach. Not the best position, especially with osteochondrosis. This is not only an unphysiological position for the neck, but also simply uncomfortable for the patient: intense pain may occur.
Degree of hardness
It is selected taking into account the preferred position. Soft models are better suited for those who like to sleep on their stomach. Medium hardness is suitable for resting on the back. Increased hardness is necessary for those who sleep on their side.
Top producers
Among the manufacturers of orthopedic pillows, the best are considered to be:
German Grass. Austrian manufacturer using innovative materials, high quality raw materials.
Ascona. Russian company with its own laboratory. All models are tested before release.
Ormatek. One of the largest Russian manufacturers, whose products are exported to America and Europe.
The best pillows
When choosing, take a look at the following models:
User Reviews
Frequently asked questions
It is normal that after prolonged use of a soft down pillow, an orthopedic one seems uncomfortable at first. Try to get used to the new model and after a few days the old feather one will seem uncomfortable.
You can't completely give up the pillow. The head will be thrown back, which will lead to overstraining of the local muscles.
Probably, the product was chosen incorrectly, does not suit you. It needs to be replaced urgently.
It is difficult to immediately understand that the product was chosen incorrectly. But over time, you will understand that the quality of rest has not changed or has even become worse. Sometimes pain appears, it is not possible to fall asleep for a long time. It is not possible to get used to the product.
The first 1-2 weeks you need to get used to the product. In about a week you will notice an improvement in the quality of sleep and general well-being. Morning swelling and headaches go away. You wake up rested and full of energy.
