Pillow for straight neck

December 26, 2009 - 9:53pm | 4 posts

hejiankang

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Pillow for straight neck

I am confused about what pillow I should use for sleeping. It sounds like Esther's book suggests using just use a regular pillow for sleeping and I assume that is for people with normal neck. I have a straight neck without much of a curvature in my spine(could be due to bad posture when young), so can I use a contour pillow to hoepfully get some contour back (at least not getting it straighter) or should I use a regular pillow? I have been using a contour pillow for the past 7 years (a chiropractor suggested that) and still suffering from neck pain, although it seems worse when I don't use the contour pillow occasionally. Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Sharon

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December 27, 2009 - 5:31pm | 1 post

Esther Gokhale

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09/10/2008 - 8:36pm

If you look at pages 44, 45, 83, 140, 147 and elsewhere in the 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back book, you see people from all over the world (different ages, genders, times of history) with necks as straight as straight can be. You may reconsider whether you truly need more curve in your neck. It's the same for significant curvature in the upper lumbar spine. I say usually not.

It is, however, important to go by comfort, so you want to pay careful attention to what makes you feel most comfortable. Seven years of doing something one way and still having problems doesn't sound great. I think it may be time to try something else. Read the book carefully and try to come to one of our Foundations courses. If there isn't one scheduled in your part of the country/world, you can request it here: http://www.egwellness.com/instruction/gokhale_method_intensive.html#city_form

The important things for your neck are length and shape. Try elongating the back of your neck gently on a regular pillow (put your head and 1-2 inches of your shoulders on the pillow) for a few nights and see how that feels.

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January 3, 2010 - 12:46am | 1 post

hejiankang

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Thanks Esther for the advice on pillow. I actually have been sleeping on regular pillow instead of my contour pillow for a couple of months after reading your book. So far I am still not getting use to it and I have bought 4 different pillows with different firmness to try. I am only 5' tall and firmer pillow seems harder on my neck. I will give it more time to see if I can find the pillow with the right firmness, thanks.

Sharon

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January 3, 2010 - 7:34am | 1 post

Esther Gokhale

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Try something very soft on top of something with some substance. Good luck!