7654 – 156 Street Edmonton, AB T5R 4K7

How Pillow Choices Influence Your Cervical Spine Health

Sleep is the one thing that can be elusive for many people – especially for someone who experiences pain in their neck, back, or elsewhere in their body. Our clinic, Symmetry Spinal Care, is no stranger to hearing stories from patients looking for neck pain relief in Edmonton. Notably, most of them complain that they struggle to get quality sleep. And several of these individuals suspect their lack of ample shut-eye has something to do with their pillows.

 

All About Sleep

When you've had a good night's sleep, you are more relaxed, patient, and pleasant to be around - just a more sociable person in general! However, when you don't get enough sleep – or if your sleep quality is poor – all of those things go out the window. 

Studies explain that this happens because sleep directly impacts several aspects of health. Notably, many people fail to get a long and comfortable sleep because of certain factors, including: 

  • Stressors (grief, work-related problems, financial woes, unemployment, etc.)
  • Lifestyle and diet choices (caffeinated drinks, high carbohydrate dinner, etc.)
  • Sleeping hygiene
  • Choice of bedtime arsenal: pillow and mattress

The list goes on, and the sad part is that all these things impact your mental and physical well–being. That is why our very own Dr. Blair Schmaus often shares helpful sleeping tips to patients seeking lasting neck pain relief in Edmonton.

 

Why Is Sleep Important?

Long restorative sleep is essential to various physiological processes. For starters, it can help your body heal after an injury. Studies also explain that it helps your body ensure a smooth energy metabolism, so you feel energized and ready to take on daily challenges. Additionally, sound sleep will help you have better memory recall and improve your focus and creativity.

If you fail to get enough shut-eye at night, you become at risk of developing all kinds of problems, including: 

  • Weight gain
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Increased sensitivity to pain
  • Stiff muscles in the neck, shoulder, and back 
  • Impaired immune system

 

How Can Your Pillow Possibly Hurt You?

When you think of a pillow, you would think fluffy, cute, and comfortable, but that is not always the case. Not all pillows are made with your health in mind, so your choice of pillow purchase directly affects your sleep and health. The wrong pillow can cause chronic neck pain because it may not provide adequate support to your head, shoulders, and spine. So if you're having trouble sleeping or waking up in pain, it might be time for a new pillow!

 

Things to Consider When Picking A Pillow

The right pillow should be comfortable, supportive, and adjustable. A pillow that feels good on your shoulders, neck, and head will help you achieve a better night's sleep. Be sure to choose a pillow that is the right size for your body. It may not provide proper support if it's too large or small for your frame.

Look for one that is flexible or adjustable in height so you can customize the support it provides based on what feels best for you at any given moment during the night or day. The ideal sleeping position is slightly upright (this also helps prevent snoring), but some people like to lay flat, while others need more of an incline to breathe better or avoid neck pains or headaches. 

In addition, choose a pillow with the right firmness for your body. If you like soft cushions, look for one with a hypersoft (H5) rating, which means it will be softer than most average pillows but firmer than a foam pillow. If you prefer harder pillows, look for one with an H7 rating. It will be firmer than most average pillows but softer than a memory foam pillow.

Pricing is another factor worth considering – especially if money is tight! You might even want to check out an online coupon code before buying something new, so there's no surprise at checkout time. 

 

Neck Pain Relief in Edmonton

If your neck pain has been troubling you for some time, your recent pillow change won't be enough to make everything feel better immediately. We suggest you complement your new shut-eye cushions with upper cervical chiropractic care – the most effective neck pain relief in Edmonton, Alberta. 

Upper cervical chiropractic care can help with not just neck pain but also other body pains you may have. It can improve your posture and sleep, as well, which has a positive impact on your overall health.

 

Let Symmetry Spinal Care Help You with Your Neck Pain

Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized spinal care approach focusing on the upper part of your spine. It focuses on the topmost vertebral bones that sit underneath your head. You can help ease the bones back in place by receiving ample adjustments and removing pressure on your neck muscles and the nerves that supply them.

At Symmetry Spinal Care, we have relieved many neck and body pains through upper cervical chiropractic. Our upper cervical doctor, Dr. Schmaus, studies each cervical subluxation case with great care and attention to help each patient receive the best care.

If you're seeking relief from chronic headaches or back pain, give this Edmonton-area clinic a call! You can reach us at (780) 462-0447 or via email at frontdesk@symmetryspinalcare.com.

We are open Mondays and Tuesdays from  9 am to 6 pm, Thursdays from 8:30 am to 6 pm, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm.

 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmaus, call our Edmonton office at 780-462-0447. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

We encourage you to learn more about the NUCCA method, so please feel free to ask one of our doctors about NUCCA and how it may help to alleviate your symptoms.
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Contact Info

7654 – 156 Street
Edmonton, AB T5R 4K7
(780) 462-0447
frontdesk@symmetryspinalcare.com

Office Hours

Mon
9:00am – 6:00pm
Tues
9:00am – 6:00pm
Wed
9:00am – 5:00pm
Thurs
8:30am – 6:00pm
Fri
9:00am – 5:00pm
Sat
8:00am – 3:30pm
Sun
Closed
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