How a Contoured Pillow May Support Your Neck

How a contoured pillow may help support your neck

Considering that we spend up to a third of our lives sleeping, your choice of a pillow is an important decision.

The most common cause of neck pain (and disturbed nights), is “prolonged abnormal posture during sleep”. A soft filled pillow that quickly loses its shape fails to offer the level of support required to relax the heads support system of neck muscles and ligaments. Instead, these structures are left unsupported and cause neck strain.

Maintaining good spinal posture, especially when sleeping, is one key ingredient to supporting good spinal posture.

Contoured pillows are specially shaped to provide support for the neck and head whilst sleeping. This is particularly important when having chiropractic care as it helps to support your comfort between visits.

contoured pillows

Symptoms that may be associated with poor pillow support include:

headaches/migraine, neck pain, grinding noises on movement, pins and needles and numbness or pain in the arms and/or fingers

Advice for a goods nights sleep on your new pillow

contoured pillows and neck care
A supportive pillow may help improve your comfort
  • Like a new pair of shoes, your new pillow needs to be worn in.
  • Use your pillow at the beginning of each night.
  • If you experience any discomfort, change to your old pillow.
  • Continue to do this until your neck posture alters enough allowing continual use.
  • In some cases this can take up to 2 weeks.
author avatar
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Chiro.Sc (Macq), M.Chiro (Macq), is the Principal Chiropractor and Clinic Director at Stapleton Chiropractic in Plympton Park, Adelaide. He provides evidence-informed chiropractic care with a focus on musculoskeletal health, spinal movement, and functional improvement. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) works with adults, older adults, and families across all stages of life, supporting concerns such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and postural issues. He is committed to clear communication, personalised care planning, and long-term patient outcomes.

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