PILLOWS FOR BODY SUPPORT AND BACK CARE

What are Pillows?

Pillows are soft pads or cushions that are used under the head while sleeping and as a back rest against a couch or a chair. Usually a pillow comprises of a filling made from foam, synthetic fills, feathers, or cotton. The filling is then covered with a shell made of cloth or silk, known as the pillow case.

Poor posture and sleeping positions may lead to muscle strain, tear in soft tissues and lead to body pain and back ache. A pillow provides adequate support to avoid body and back aches. A pillow is designed to provide support and comfort to the body. The pillow makes the positions of your choice a comfortable one for the body.

 

Types of Pillows and Related Benefits:

 

Here is a compilation of the various types of pillows and their related benefits:

 

·Body pillows provide support to the head and neck at the top and to the knees and legs lower down.

·Neck pillows support the neck by providing a deep area for the head to rest and a supportive area to keep the neck in alignment with the spine while sleeping. These can also be known as cervical pillows.

·Travel pillows provide support for the neck and head in a sitting position. Their "U" shape fits around the back of the neck and keeps the head from slipping into an uncomfortable and possibly harmful position during sleep.

·Lumbar pillows are designed to support the inward curve of the lower back, filling the space created between the lower back and the back of the chair when in a sitting position. These pillows are generally used to support the lower back while driving or sitting, such as in an office chair.

·Novelty Pillows are shaped like humorous objects such as a dolphin, tweety bird, Mickey Mouse and are meant to brighten up and add humor to a room or lounge area.

·Decorative Pillows are not designed to provide any comfort or support. These pillows t serve as a decoration for a bedroom or living room.
 
Pillow Positions for Back Support and Body Care:

Here is a compilation of the best known pillow positions that can avoid muscle strain and back pain:

·Use a pillow that aligns the head with the rest of your body.

·Use a pillow under the knees while sleeping on the back to relieve low back pain. A pillow under the knees helps reduce the curve of the lower back.

·Use a pillow between the knees while sleeping on the side to prevent the upper leg from pushing downward which could create a twist in the spine.

·Use a relatively flat pillow under the stomach while sleeping on the stomach to help keep the spine in alignment and alleviate stress on the low back. In this position, it is best to place the head directly on the mattress to avoid arching the spine.

 

·Placing a pillow or using a support knee elevating wedge under the legs while on the back will be beneficial, as it can reduce the traction from the psoas muscles attached to the spine.

 

·When lying on the side, always put a pillow or orthopedic leg space between the knees to prevent rotation of the pelvis and spine.

·When lying on the stomach, always put a pillow wedge below one side of the pelvis and same side leg, thereby limiting the amount of rotation of upper spine.

·Leg spaces are recommended for side sleepers to help prevent torque on the spine from pelvic rotation.