I was recently asked about any neck pillow studies showing the benefit of them that has literally been studied or reviewed.
Besides all the testimonials for them, or chiropractic research, or the chiropractic testimonials here's just a couple more recent ones:
1. JMPT 1998 May;21(4):237-40 Neck support pillows: a comparative study. Study concluded that a neck pillow can be used in treatment for neck pain
2. Neck pain and pillows – A blinded study of the effect of pillows on non-specific neck pain, headache and sleep Liselott Persson. 07/2009; 8(3):122-127. DOI:10.1080/14038190600780239 The opinion was that an ideal pillow should be soft and with good support for the neck lordosis. A specially selected and individually tested pillow with good shape, comfort and support to the neck lordosis can reduce neck pain and headache and give a better sleep quality.
3. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Research, 2008 Dec;31(4): Study showed neck pillows to significantly reduce sleep disturbances and provide a better nights sleep.
The way I see it however is to try it yourself, if it doesn't work, send it back! Don't waste time, get a neck pillow. You can't deny that the vast majority will do very well.
Also, you can think of it as common sense; if or spine is supposed to have a natural C-curve from the side profile and be straight when viewing from the front or back, shouldn't you use a neck pillow.
I can't remember if I had read a study about it but I remember hearing somewhere how weight lifters bench pressing were able to lift a little more when they used a towel roll under their neck to maintain the cervical curve. I remember thinking, that can very well make sense. The bottom line is that there is a benefit in using a neck pillow, even though it might just be a more restful nights sleep.
Besides all the testimonials for them, or chiropractic research, or the chiropractic testimonials here's just a couple more recent ones:
1. JMPT 1998 May;21(4):237-40 Neck support pillows: a comparative study. Study concluded that a neck pillow can be used in treatment for neck pain
2. Neck pain and pillows – A blinded study of the effect of pillows on non-specific neck pain, headache and sleep Liselott Persson. 07/2009; 8(3):122-127. DOI:10.1080/14038190600780239 The opinion was that an ideal pillow should be soft and with good support for the neck lordosis. A specially selected and individually tested pillow with good shape, comfort and support to the neck lordosis can reduce neck pain and headache and give a better sleep quality.
3. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Research, 2008 Dec;31(4): Study showed neck pillows to significantly reduce sleep disturbances and provide a better nights sleep.
The way I see it however is to try it yourself, if it doesn't work, send it back! Don't waste time, get a neck pillow. You can't deny that the vast majority will do very well.
Also, you can think of it as common sense; if or spine is supposed to have a natural C-curve from the side profile and be straight when viewing from the front or back, shouldn't you use a neck pillow.
I can't remember if I had read a study about it but I remember hearing somewhere how weight lifters bench pressing were able to lift a little more when they used a towel roll under their neck to maintain the cervical curve. I remember thinking, that can very well make sense. The bottom line is that there is a benefit in using a neck pillow, even though it might just be a more restful nights sleep.