Chances are that if you sit at a desk most of the day, you might have some exposure to neck or shoulder discomfort. I used to do a lot more stuff than sitting at a desk all day, but alas, no longer. I still try to exercise but it isn’t as frequent, and when I do stretch during the day, I stretch my spine by pulling my head forward, as opposed to yanking it furiously to either side or rotating it backwards and compressing the spine. I used to do the forced twisting thing a lot, but I only do it gently now and never over-exert with my hands. I do, however, use my hands behind my head to pull my head forward while leaning back, effectively stretching my spine. I will often get a pop that’s more like stretching out a flexi straw and it is much more satisfying and less gruesome than the ol’ neck-snapping twist maneuver. It’s said you’re probably better off stretching with that technique than others which can twist or compress the spine. Granted, it’s probably better not to do it at all, but still, I’m wondering if anyone’s tried one of those special neck pillows to help keep things straight when sleeping.
I can’t help but think that my pillows are too soft and my head rests at bad angles as I sleep. I know that an improved sitting posture is probably key, but maybe a firmer neck pillow might also help out. Something with some “memory foam” or the like? Anyone use these to help with a stiff neck? Do they work?
Yes, I use the Tempurpedic with memory foam. It is the one developed by NASA. It took a little getting used to and I still miss being able to snuggle up to the pillow. But it has definitely given me some relief with my neck. I miss it when I’m on vacation.
Getting the right size is important. They make one that is larger for tall people.
I got a specially shaped pillow that must be ordered in one of 4 sizes a couple months ago as part of neck pain remediation and it helped at first but I figured out a week ago that it was giving me headaches because it immobilized me too thoroughly for too long. YMMV!
i’m a side sleeper. i’ve had damage to my spine due to fencepost trauma (thanks, Bun). i can get ferocious stiff neck pains from sleeping on my stomach.
i have one of those shaped memory foam-type pillows. this one is an extra-large, which translates to extra-thick. (i’ve had it for quite a while, so i don’t remember the label specifics too well. i think it’s supposed to be designed for big people --i.e., taller than average).
i specifically bought this thicker version because i’d gone through several other versions of these shaped pillows that are supposed to help keep you aligned while you sleep. they weren’t helping much. so i figured a deeper pillow would mean less head-tilt when i was on my side.