AeroDan,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I never had any neck pain. I get a bit of grinding when I move my head but no stiffness.

But, I know that my neck posture will impact my brain even without any other symptoms. That is why I call it a subtle neck injury.

A bit of postural strain put on an unstable or weak neck can cause inflammation that changes nerve function and/or blood flow.

The quality of sleep I got and still get sleeping in a recliner with my head and neck straight is strong evidence.

Some do not feel comfortable without a pillow elevating the head. A bed wedge can provide some lift to the head of the mattress so a thinner pillow can be used. In time, sleeping flat cam be learned. The goal is to reduce the strain on the C-1 to skull (C-0/occiput). It tends to be the joint that suffers the most during a concussion.