reverse cervical spine curve - anyone use 'traction neck pillow things'?
 

Hi all

I hope I'm not asking too many dumb questions ... But who knew there was such a thing as a reverse neck curve ... Or that it was so painful... Or that people sell pillows to help with it...

For years I have either slept with a VERY thin pillow or no pillow, often on my stomach - although I roll around a lot trying to get comfortable and sometimes sleep on the couch or floor, again with no pillow.

So now I know there is a reverse curve in my cervical spine around C5/6 area, among other things, I've found that many of the recommended stretches and PT exercises I've already been doing.

There is also a variety of 'proper' pillows that seem to cist heaps, but purport to help or improve the curve in the neck (some say they will cure it with the right chirp and exercises!)

Anyhoo - has anyone actually had any relief at all from any of these pillows???

Regards

Katherine (in Australia)

My neck had straightened due to repetitive motion/work injury, neck,shoulders , arms hands etc..:(
I tried many pillows and PT for many sessions.. & very good chiropractor with time away from work finally resolved most problems.. I had anterior spurs @ c 4/5/6 but nothing bony impinging nerves.

The contour pillows work well for me, the gel /memory foam one @ Costco is a good fit for me , I use the smaller side of the curve as the large side is too high for me.
Part if it is finding the one & style that fits best for you..

That will be tricky! I'm going to try a pillow under my knees and a roll under my neck for part of tonight. And I'll try not to sleep on my stomach.

well the neck thing stayed there most of the night. I did wake up a bit, sometimes on my stomach. And I did my normal 'hang my head over the edge of the bed traction' that I used to do, but had stopped. Pins and needles still in my hand with mid pack pain between shoulder blades - not too bad.

But I did stop a headache from getting too bad before I got up. No panadeine/panadol osteo yet and I've been upright 3 hrs.