Rolls & Traction Cushions
CHOOSING THE BEST NECK ROLL PILLOW
Roll pillows and bolsters are an ideal way to support your cervical spine or neck. This region of your body can develop painful conditions, such as pinched nerves, muscle strains, and tense ligaments. If you have poor posture, the neck roll can offer pain relief. Some cervical support products like the Original Bones™ NeckBone® Pillow offer a variation to the traditional design.
What Exactly Are Cervical Neck Rolls?
Cervical neck rolls are small, soft, and supportive cylindrical pillows designed to fit into the curve of your neck. They can be used while sleeping, exercising, or during rehabilitative therapy. Often used as positioning wedges by chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists, cervical rolls can also support the curve of your lower back, knees, armpits, elbows, or hips.
HOW CERVICAL PILLOWS HELP WITH NECK PAIN
Neck pain is often associated with strain and stress on the soft tissues that support the spine. Neck roll pillows offer direct and customized support to these areas. They relieve the pressure from the sore soft tissues and directly support the vertebrae while restoring the normal curvature of the cervical spine.
Neck roll pillows can be made from a variety of materials:
- Buckwheat: This is a type of grain that grows well without any chemicals. Buckwheat neck roll pillows are breathable, supportive, and free of plastics. For a comprehensive selection of quality buckwheat pillows, check out Mother Earth Pillows.
- Polyester Fiberfill: Poly-filled neck rolls are a good option if you like soft pillows. It is made of synthetic fiber, often found in stuffed animals. One quality option is the affordable Cervical Roll by DMI.
- Memory Foam: Consisting mainly of low-resistance polyurethane foam (LRPu), this material conforms to your unique skeletal structure and gives you customized support without having to add or remove filling. Although not cylindrically shaped, the Glideaway® TruPhase Memory Foam Pillow is a great option.
- Inflatable: These pillows are similar to an inflatable armband for swimming. You pump in as much air as you prefer, and you can add or let out air at any time. This is a good option if you're traveling. You can deflate the pillow while in transit and refill it when you're at your destination.
Many neck roll pillows offer heating and cooling functions, which can reduce inflammation and painful areas deep in your soft tissue. Their shape provides direct support to your cervical spine, which keeps your vertebrae in proper alignment. If you suffer from neck pain, headaches, or shoulder strain, using one of these pillows might alleviate your symptoms.
Side effects from using a neck roll pillow, are extremely uncommon, offering a great alternative to prescription drugs or even prolonged use of over-the-counter pain relievers. You can combine its support with stretching and strengthening exercises recommended by your physical therapist and anti-inflammatory medications recommended by your doctor. Many cervical pillows offer hypoallergenic filling material and have removable covers for easy laundering.
BENEFITS OF USING A CERVICAL NECK ROLL PILLOW
In addition to using a neck roll pillow while seated, you can also use it as a bed pillow. If you knit, embroider or hand sew, the roll pillow can support your arm at the armpit or elbow.
They also make for great underarm support for side sleepers or use your neck roll pillow under your regular bed pillow for extra support.
Use it as a yoga bolster or armrest while working on your laptop. Since they’re portable, you can also take the cervical pillow with you on a plane, train, or boat.
ALTERNATIVE USES FOR CERVICAL PILLOWS