Shoulder Pain

Find the best pillow to use for side Sleepers — Architectural Digest – Architectural Digest

Published

3 years ago

March 16, 2022

Since sleeping on your side is the most preferred position for adults so it’s only natural that we’ve been looking into what the ideal mattress for those who sleep on their sides is like in appearance and feel. While there are many advantages to sleeping on your back, including reduced sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, when done incorrectly it can result in shoulder and neck strains and can lead to pain in the nerves and soft tissue issues within the spine.

The Pittsburgh-based Premier Chiropractic Clinic owner and chiropractor Dr. Brian Meenan regularly advises his more than 1.6 million users on TikTok and helps patients with insomnia-related discomfort every day. According Dr. Meenan’s advice, your ideal pillow should place most of the pressure on your neck and spine. “You would like your neck to be in neutral and not to bend to the left or left when you lie on your back,” he says. To help you get the best sleep possible We’ve put together the best 16 side sleeping pillows we could locate, including the recommendations of the Dr. Meenan, top-reviewed online pillows, and the cushions my coworkers at AD and I have tested for ourselves.

Tempur-Neck(tm) Pillow

Dr. Meenan’s preferred choice for those who sleep on their sides is TempurPedic’s TempurNeck pillow with its curvaceous shape, it makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs. “I always suggest a combination of side and back sleeping,” he says. “What it means is that you will sleep more towards the shoulder’s back instead of directly towards the front that it.” The Tempur-Pedic pillow comes with two curvatures and the more curving surface offering the best choice for side sleepers according to Dr. Meenan’s advice.

Sleep Number PlushComfort Pillow

“I prefer pillows with some kind of shape in them” Dr. Meenan acknowledges. Sleep Number’s PlushComfort curvaceous mattress is another recommendation by the chiropractor, made of hypoallergenic microfiber, and shaped for better confort and support. “Because we’re all formed differently individuals must make use of trial and error to determine which pillows feel the most comfortable for them.”

Honeydew Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

More than 500 Amazon reviewers have rated Honeydew’s moderate-firm shape, crescent-shaped side sleeper pillow five stars, and described it as a cushion that keeps you snug all day long. In addition to breathable, CertiPUR-US-certified, copper-infused memory foam filling that make this one of the best cooling pillow options to try out, its adjustable loft level also promotes proper alignment to help you sleep comfortably through the whole night.

Pillow Cube Pro

The Dr. Meenan also suggests it’s better to get a higher cushion, more solid, like the memory foam Pillow Cube Pro, to provide support to the neck and head. The company itself makes extravagant claims, including that their sleepers will “fall asleep quicker and sleep longer and awake happier”–and anyone wouldn’t interested by this? After having slept on the pillow that resembles a mattress myself, I am able to say that this “tiny bed” helped me with my neck and shoulder discomfort. While I’m still not certain about the quicker, more long, and more pleasant sleep promise I am sure that I’ll have plenty of time to thoroughly test these claims as the cube of pillow feels like it’s going to last for many years to come.

Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow

If a thick pillow isn’t your thing or you’re not quite in a rush to ditch feather pillows yet I’d recommend Parachute’s side Sleeper pillow, available in down and alternative pillow choices. With an 3.5-inch gap to take the burden off your shoulders and neck This is a fantastic styled hotel pillow that feels very light, yet still packed with. Although I typically put it on top of another cushion to achieve my ideal height, the feel is excellent and I use it frequently for a more bouncy cushion to sleep on at night.

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Latex pillows that retain their shape are an additional option for people who sleep on their side or people who suffer from back discomfort. Brooklyn Bedding’s buoyant Talalay latex pillow provides a firm option for support for the shoulder and neck, I personally believe it’s the best choice for additional back support. “If you would rather sleep on your back it is helpful to put an extra pillow behind your upper back, to support you so that you don’t fall on the back of your body,” Dr. Meenan states. “This helps relieve pressure shoulders.”

Purple Harmony Pillow

For those who prefer pillows that are firm Our director of audience development Kelsey Borovinsky (a side and stomach sleeper) was impressed with the way Purple’s Harmony pillow keeps its shape. Although she did find this cool gel as well as the Talalay latex pillow did not fit her stomach sleep requirements, she said it’s an excellent choice for those who want strong support. “If you’re looking for a TempurPedic pillow that is extremely solid and supportive, or if you are looking for one that can support other areas in your body, this might be a fantastic choice.”

Layla Kapok Pillow

Layla’s Kapok Pillow was a step above the expectations of the former editor and sleeper Nora Taylor whom described the firm but semi-soft copper-infused pillow as a “supportive cake” and “not as soft as an airy cloud, but deliciously thick.” It is made of fibers of the hardy tropical kapok tree, which Layla claims are more supple and more airy than wool or cotton, the pillow brought some relief from Nora’s back that was knotty and, in the end, she discovered it helped her rest comfortably throughout the night. We asked her whether it was worth the cost we asked her, “I would buy myself one in a heartbeat if I knew what I’ve learned.”

Brooklinen Down Pillow

Brooklinen’s pillow for down is a excellent option that is not too firm and has received rave reviews of “15 out of 10 – would suggest” by Jacqueline Wladis, our associate director of partnerships with commerce. “They’re not firm enough to make you feel like you’re lying on a brick, however they are able to hug your head with a nice cushioning for your back,” we asked her. They are available in plush, mid-plush and firm choices This down pillow is perfect for those who are trying to work towards something more firm, like latexor Brooklinen’s Marlow memory foam pillow.

Original Casper Pillow

Another option for a medium-firm pillow that can provide neck support that is vital is Casper’s original pillow which is suitable for any type of sleeper such as the design editor Madeleine Luckel, who snoozes on both sides, back, and on her stomach. Although she prefers soft pillows with a bit of fluff, Madeleine liked Casper’s firm-ish alternative down pillow to the point that she took it away off her partner. The pillow was described by her as being able to reach “some impossible the sweet spot with regard to its hardness” as well as “thick enough to be able to function as a standalone sleeping piece.”

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow

Editor in Chief Mel Studach called Nest’s (machine washable!) adjustable memory foam pillow, “the Goldilocks of pillows,” because its removable filling can be adjusted to meet the needs of any person’s preferred level of firmness. It’s perfect for sleepers who prefer a certain size and feel. “In contrast with other pillows I’ve owned previously it is different,” Mel says. “Not just because of its personalization however, but also due to the fact that I’ve yet to experience an uncomfortable night’s rest or awake to stiffness in my neck due to the firmness and support.”

Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva’s latex pillows get an endorsement from the side sleeper and digital designer editor Sydney Gore who declared the organic, 100% natural and shred latex pillow “even better IRL.” The pillow is prone to a aching back, Sydney was impressed to discover that the pillow’s claims for crucial neck and back support was actually the case after waking up refreshed and well-rested due to the soft fabric. One thing she did not like “I would like to have an extra pair!”

Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow

Coop also makes an adjustable pillow that can be customized to your personal preference–especially if you’re a side sleeper who needs a super supportive pillow. It’s filled with foam and microfiber , and housed inside a washable cover more than 36,000 Amazon reviewers have rated Coop’s pillow five-star ratings. One of the top reviewers even declared it to be the “best mattress ever,” adding that the pillow made her sleep “like the shape of a brick”–something she had never imagined was possible.

Eli & Elm Ultimate Side Sleeper Pillow

It’s not difficult to understand why one reviewer deemed Eli &Elm’s side sleeper pillow “the most valuable money I’ve paid for.” It is designed with the ability to adjust to your neck and head The company claims that its unique U-shape design to assist in relieving neck pain as well as help you maintain your spine alignment while you enjoy eight hours of restful sleep. For those who don’t prefer a lofty position it’s easily adjusted by simply removing the cover to take out a portion of the polyester and latex fill to fit your preference.

Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow

Sleepers who are looking for new pillows might consider Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow. With over 12,000 five-star reviews from Amazon buyers, this firm and ergonomic pillow supports and aligns your head , while helping support the upper part of your body to alleviate shoulder and neck discomfort. Additional features include two heights built-in for those who prefer a spacious cushion, and the memory foam’s high density retains the shape of the pillow and firmness over the long term.

MedCline Reflux Relief System

People who suffer from acid reflux at night or sleep enthusiasts who are fervent may consider trying MedCline’s pillow relief product that includes the Reflux relief wedge, an insert the pillow, a body pillow for therapeutic use and a set pillowcases. It comes with a 60-day refund policy as well as a one-year guarantee, MedCline uses your height to create a custom three-component system for sleep that is specifically designed to relieve sleepers of pain-inducing acid reflux so that you can rest comfortably at night , and then have a better daytime.

The Best Mattress for Sleepers on the Side | Architectural Digest

Architectural Digest

AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.

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AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.

Mom noticed her toddler was acting strange. Days Later, She… – PEOPLE 8225670622173 When Virginia mom Nicole Dodge noticed that her daughter, now 2, was moving her arm in an unusual way, she never imagined she would hear the diagnosis a few days later. Natalie, the youngest of the five children, only used the lower half of her arm. She told PEOPLE, “I thought I had gone crazy.” Dodge, initially thinking it was a shoulder injury in Natalie, who at the time was 15 months, sent a video to her husband Andrew who is a chiropractor and to her sister’s husband and wife who are both physical therapy. “We all came up with the conclusion that it might be a partial dislocation, and it would probably work itself out if it was given a weekend,” she recalls. “It was Friday afternoon and it was 2022. Hospitals still had COVID protocols that were stricter. At that point, my only option was to go to ER. She wasn’t even wailing so that seemed extreme.” Dodge said that Natalie had not changed by Sunday. She was going to wait until Monday before taking her daughter to the orthopedist. Dodge remembers thinking, “Clearly something is wrong,” Dodge recalls. “I took my other four children to my mother in law’s house, and took Natalie straight into the pediatric ER.” Never lose a story – sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletter and stay on top of the latest PEOPLE news, from juicy celebrity stories to compelling human-interest stories. After spending hours in the ER, the doctors decided to keep Natalie overnight so that they could take an MRI the next morning. They told me they didn’t like how the bone looked in the x-ray, that it looked really fragile and that this could have been caused anything from nutrient deficiency like minerals and vitamin to cancer. “They said cancer, but they said it in such a casual way that I didn’t think that was the reason. I thought that it was more that they were just telling me all the possibilities,” she recalls. Dodge and her daughter were admitted to the hospital that night. They had to remain in isolation because Natalie tested positive for COVID, even though she was asymptomatic. They were informed later that night that their MRI had been cancelled as doctors would instead be performing a differential diagnosis. “We have an extremely long list of possible things that could be wrong for your daughter. We have to go down the list one-by-one and sort of move things away.” The doctors explained to Dodge that the top two items on the list were both cancers. “I was like ‘What? ‘” “I felt like the rug had been ripped from under me.” They explained to me that a urine test and a blood sample that they would do first thing in morning could confirm or rule out either of those items. The urine test confirmed Natalie’s increased levels of Catecholamines, and it was decided that an MRI would be prudent to do that afternoon. Ashley Parker Photography “We had a CT scan and a biopsy.” Within the first 24 hour period of being in the hospital, we had a general understanding that it was probably cancer. We knew about four days into the hospital that it was a neuroblastoma but we did not know how bad it would be at that time. Dodge and her husband Andrew waited with Natalie at home for the results of the biopsy while it was being sent to a laboratory. The couple’s situation was made even more stressful by the fact that they had just closed on their new home two weeks prior to Natalie’s diagnosis. “When we returned home from the hospital, it took us about 24 hours to get back to our old home. Within 48 hours after we returned home, our family and friends knew we had been diagnosed with cancer. They lined up pickup trucks in our driveway and began to collect the boxes and other items we hadn’t packed yet. “They moved us into our home,” she tells PEOPLE as she begins to cry. The Dodges received the results of Natalie’s biopsy four days later. It was high-risk or stage 4 neuroblastoma. It’s MYCN-amplified, meaning that her cancer type grows at 10 times faster than regular neuroblastoma.” “It was the worst possible prognosis we could have received,” says Dodge. “I lost it. We both went to our bedrooms and cried. It was horrible. “We felt there was no hope at all.” Dodge says that the oncologist told them that Natalie’s best chance for survival was 50%, even if they were to try and get into a trial. “We could either go through the two years of treatments and she would live, or we could do two years of treatments and she would die.” L: Caption . PHOTO: Nicole Dodge R: Caption . PHOTO: Nicole Dodge Dodge says, “We felt that the best thing we could do for her is to give her a quality of life during whatever remaining days or month we had with her.” “We thought we would be doing palliative medicine. We thought we would do low-dose chemotherapy to keep her as comfortable and safe as possible. We wanted to take to Disney World to see the beach and Disney World because she had never been. We were ready to spend as many happy days as possible with her.” Dodge says that the car ride from their next oncology visit was “the worst hour of my life.” How are we going have this conversation with the doctor about how we can help our child to die in a respectable way? She recalls her thoughts. “We were silent for the entire car trip.” It was horrible.” When the Dodges arrived at Natalie’s appointment everything changed. “Our doctor came in and told us that I had some great news. She said, “I just got off the telephone with St. Jude. I want you to know that in the five years I’ve worked at this hospital, I have probably tried to get about a dozen patients to come with them. I’ve been rejected every single time, but within 90 seconds on the phone they verbally accepted me and they want me there on Monday. “And this was on a Friday.” Nicole Dodge Dodge tells PEOPLE that “our whole world changed in a blink of an eye once again.” “I was like ‘Well, what is at St. Jude which is not elsewhere?’ She said, “They are running research at St. Jude. Their survival rate is more than 80 percent.” I looked at my wife and said, “We have to leave.” ” In less than a week, Dodge and her child traveled more than 700 miles to Memphis in Tennessee, where they spent over 10 months receiving treatment at St. Jude’s. The doctors determined that Natalie’s cancer metastasized when they arrived at the hospital. This means it had spread to other parts of the body. The primary tumor was located in her left glandular and it spread through her lymph nodes. There was no part of her body that remained untouched. “The secondary tumour was in her left hand. It was the largest second tumor site in her body. She stopped moving her left arm because the tumor had taken over so many bones that it was painful to move. “But she also had tumors on her pelvis, her legs, her wrists, both arms, her skull and her spine. It was all over her, her bone marrow. L: Caption . PHOTO: Nicole Dodge R: Caption . PHOTO: Nicole Dodge “I look back, and I wonder how we didn’t know?” ” Dodge describes the pain her daughter was experiencing. “The cancer is growing very quickly. When we were diagnosed in the first hospital, her blood work looked normal. She seemed to be a healthy person. When we arrived at St. Jude two weeks later, her blood work was neutropenic. This means that her immune system had been so badly attacked by cancer cells, that it was not even functioning. Natalie’s mom told PEOPLE that during Natalie’s stay at St. Jude: “Everything you know about cancer treatments, Natalie received some of it.” “She received five rounds very high-dose chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy. She had a resection to remove the tumour,” she says. “She had two bone-marrow transplants using her own stem cells. She then had 13 rounds radiation.” Dodge said that Natalie was in the final third of her treatment as of early March: immunotherapy. “Natalie is on daily injections and oral medication, and we visit St. Jude every month for an inpatient treatment where they administer immunotherapy.” After the toddler’s five rounds of chemotherapy, Dodge said that her little girl had been declared “having no signs of disease” and “continued with clear scans.” “It is truly, truly amazing,” she says. “I’ve seen other protocols at hospitals around the globe, but I haven’t seen as many kids with NED status as early in treatment at St. Jude as I’ve seen elsewhere. Jude.” Dodge thanks her family, community and friends for their support and for keeping Natalie in mind during this difficult journey. She says that sharing Natalie’s story on social networks has been “therapeutic” and reminds her of how far they have come. Dodge says that making these videos was therapeutic for her, especially when she was sick and we were trapped in this small room. “They were some of the darkest times of my life.” It helped me to remember how far we’d come and to be grateful that I was stuck with this little girl, who was still alive.

Shoulder Pain

If You’re Not Sleeping In These Two Positions, A Chiropractor Says You Need To Change That | Sleepopolis

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2023

AmericanChiro

Sleeping positions vary from person to person depending on what’s most comfortable for you and what you’re used to. However, a sleep expert on TikTok suggested you should just be sleeping in one of two specific positions to get the best sleep.

In a TikTok video that, as of publication, has earned over 2 million views, the Levitex Chief Sleep Posture Expert, James Leinhardt, explains which two sleeping positions you should be in when drifting away to sleep. (1)

He starts the video by showing the sleeping position known as “the soldier.” He points to a diagram that shows a figure laying on his back. But there is a twist. There is a pillow underneath the figure’s knees.

“If you pop a pillow underneath your knees you’ll find that you slightly tilt your pelvis and more of your back is now touching the bed,” he said in the TikTok.

With this, he said the pillow makes a huge difference because your body will be better supported.

The next sleeping position he suggests is the “the dreamer,” which involves sleeping on your side. He said that clinical research supports that when you sleep on your side, you put the least amount of tension on your spine.

The pillow serves a dual purpose, not only in the initial sleeping position but also in the “dreamer” stance. In this position, the pillow is positioned between the knees and ankles, providing support to the left leg and reducing the pressure on it.

Adopting a side-sleeping position is also beneficial according to Leinhardt, as it guarantees proper alignment of all body segments, creating an even stack.

“You want your ears, your hips, your shoulders, your hips, your knees, your ankles all stacked on top of each other,” he said.

Wait, what about the stomach sleepers? Leinhardt unfortunately doesn’t add that position to his list of best sleeping positions.

One user definitely was not too happy about this, posting, “The clinical reason is I physically can’t sleep unless I’m on my stomach.”

Other users expressed their fear of the sleep demon coming their way when they sleep on their back. One user said “The sleep demon comes when I lie on my back,” and another commented, “My sleep demon said no, sorry.”

So, are these two extremely specific sleep positions that include the help of a pillow recommended by the experts? Let’s see!

Another Chiropractor Weighs In

Looking to try the “dreamer” or “soldier” sleep position? We wanted to speak with someone who truly knows if these positions are worth the try.

We spoke with Dr. Sherry McAllister, DC, M.S. (Ed) CCSP, and the president of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.

Dr. McAllister said the first sleeping position, the “soldier,” can truly help alleviate any tension or pain you might have on your body while sleeping. She said when you place a pillow under your knees, it can take any pain away you might feel in your low back.

She said it allows for full support from one’s neck to their back. It can also prevent anti-aging and reduce pain in hips and knees.

“The most common scenario for sleeping on your back is to aid in neck, back and hip pain,” she told Sleepopolis. “Others may be for sinus issues and even jaw aches or headaches.”

On the other hand, with the “dreamer” sleep position, the pillow helps prevent one from rolling over and switching sleeping positions while sound asleep.

Even though many people enjoy sleeping on their stomachs, Dr. McAllister confirmed that the best two sleeping positions are in fact on your side and back.

“The side lying position allows your spine to rest as it mimics the natural curves, relaxing the muscles and relieving tension,” she said.

Do you notice you fall asleep in one position and wake up in another? Dr. McAllister suggests putting a pillow between your legs to prevent yourself from rolling over to different positions that might cause sleep apnea or snoring.

Sorry in advance to all the stomach sleepers because this position is not supported by Dr. McAllister. She said it affects the natural curve in your spine and could cause the aches and pains to feel even worse.

“Stomach sleepers may unknowingly contribute to decreasing mobility and flexibility by chronic stress to joints, ligaments and muscles,” she said.

If you are looking to switch up your sleep positions, it might be worth trying these two sleeping positions. But, as always, if you are experiencing pain, Dr.McAllister recommended that you see a specialist or chiropractor to improve your sleep health.

Scoliosis and sleeping difficulties can often go hand-in-hand, leading to a variety of issues that can make it hard to get some shut-eye. If you or a loved one has scoliosis, you may … Read more

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Sources

McAllister, Sherry. Personal Interview. August 9, 2023.
1. Levitex on TikTok. TikTok. July 24, 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://www.tiktok.com/@levitex/video/7259444791069461787?_t=8ehCOnAueWE&_r=1.

Ava Girardi

Ava Girardi is an Editorial News Intern for Sleepopolis. She loves writing about all things sleep from viral bedtime routines on TikTok to studies on sleep quality that will help you get the most helpful information to achieve that perfect bedtime routine. Ava is currently studying at Elon University where she is a double major in journalism and media analytics. When she is not writing, Ava is spending time with friends or family, running, or trying new yummy foods.

AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.

Shoulder Pain

Crack! Crunch! Chiropractic videos help chiropractors find the correct spot.

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

AmericanChiro

The Pain Tape Game: Does KT Tape Help With Sciatica?

NEW YORK – There’s a recurring motif in the comments on Instagram videos featuring Justin Lewis, a blond Manhattan chiropractic doctor with broad shoulders and a boyish grin: Alongside comments marveling at how crisply and loudly his patients’ joints clicked into alignment are unmasked expressions of longing.

Lewis’s 165,000-plus followers wrote “I need it” in response to a post showing Lewis adjusting a lower back while a clip-on mic amplified the crunching, cracking and grating sounds.

“I need some,” a woman commented on a video showing Lewis adjusting the neck of a female patient with a series of loud pops.

“Ugh, I NEED this right here,” one user writes beneath a video showing Lewis scraping shoulders of a young female wearing a workout top before he sinks deep into the crevice of the spine and shoulder blade. This is Lewis’s “scapular-release,” a technique that aims at relieving shoulder pain and increasing range of motion.

After watching enough videos of Lewis releasing scapulae and cracking backs, one can easily notice the stiffness of their own lumbar. Hearing their mic’d up pops and cracks also evokes a desire for a sudden bodily release bordering on the indecent, as well as a secondhand feeling of relief.

Lewis is one of many friendly, photogenic chiropractors who have become influencers in recent years. This is largely due to algorithms that keep recommending more chiropractors for people who have watched just one chiropractor. Lewis, who has a following of nearly 3 million on TikTok has a lot more than Alex VanDerschelden, the “OC Chiropractor” from Southern California, with 4.5 million. Dr. Cracks, a chiropractor known only by his name, has upwards of 6 million. CrackAddictz, a YouTube page, offers a compilation of the most satisfying chiropractor adjustments. These are to be consumed in the same way that pimple-popping videos are: obsessively and parasocially.

Humans have always sought to restore their bodies to a vague sense of their natural, divine functioning order — a feeling of overall well-being that specialized, targeted medical care can’t provide. For better or worse practitioners have always been ready to intervene whenever our chakras appeared blocked, when our humors were unbalanced, when our meridians became constricted, or when our orgone levels seemed out of whack. The search for relief is universal, and the solutions are as endless as the options. In 2023, it’s not surprising that laptop workers connected to the internet around the world will find relief through online videos.

Lewis, 35, began posting videos on Instagram in spring 2020 with the help a social media-savvy pal, after the steady stream of visitors to the newly-opened chiropractic clinic suddenly slowed down. Three years later, Lewis posts between three and five clips a week on his various pages on YouTube, Instagram TikTok Facebook and Pinterest. These include adjustment videos that are usually made in partnership with influencers or sportspeople, as well as songs or memes tailored for chiropractic care. Lewis’s fanbase has grown accordingly.

“We receive messages from people as distant as Africa, and Europe.” Lewis tells me that patients have flown in from Italy. Visitors “are often like, ‘Oh we’ve watched hundreds of your videos. Like, that’s crazy,” he adds.

Michael Rowe, a St. Joseph, Mich. chiropractor with nearly 2.8 million YouTube subscribers, has found that his popularity online has inadvertently threatened the stability of his office. “I’m a small town chiropractor, but now we have people calling us from all over the globe, just to talk to me or come see us. Rowe tells us that we have to explain what I do at the office is not different from what you get at your local chiropractic clinic. “I feel bad for my receptionist.”

Chiropractic videos are no different. At a certain point you start looking for more intense content. This may explain the popularity the Y-Strap – a tool that is fastened under a supine patients’ chin, and then yanked from the body in order to “release the pressure from the vertebrae on the spine from top-to-bottom,” according to the website of the manufacturer.

Caroline Smith, a waitress from Columbus, Ohio who shares chiropractic videos with her sister via direct message, jokes she’ll block any chiropractors whose videos do not feature the Y strap — for wasting her valuable time. Smith, who has suffered from back pain ever since a basketball accident in her teenage years, fantasizes about how life would be without it. “I want my spine decompressed,” says Smith. Smith enjoys watching VanDerschelden’s Y strap adjustment videos.

VanDerschelden is possibly the most popular idol among all the Internet’s dreamy chiros. He is also known for his “magic-hug” videos in which he stands up on the table and leans in to his patients. He then cradles the head and neck of his patients in his arms, until he finds a stiff spot, at which point he pulls inward. A microphone picks sounds that are crunchier than the sound of a brick falling into a bowl full of potato chips. (The cracks and crinkles, for what it’s really worth, are caused by pockets of gas escaping between joints – not bones colliding.

The Y-Strap is what fascinates and alarms the most aficionados. VanDerschelden declined my request for an exclusive interview. However, Joseph Cipriano a chiropractor who has offices in Tampa, Atlanta, and Greenville, S.C. and a YouTube channel that boasts him as “Y Strap Doctor” and has more than 2,000,000 subscribers, told me he swears it. He says that patients feel “lighter and taller” after using the straps. Many swear they can “breathe better, smell better, hear better, and even see clearer” after using the device.

Lewis and other chiropractors have reservations. “When I adjust someone’s neck, i’m feeling the neck. “I can adjust this area by putting my hand there,” he said. A Y strap, on the other hand, uses a more blunt force. “You’ll feel cracks in your back, but they’re not specific.” I think that specificity is important in this industry to ensure your safety. (William Zelenty a spine surgeon from New York’s acclaimed Hospital for Special Surgery watched a few Y Strap videos for this article.) He was dismayed when we spoke over the phone. “There is very little difference between these straps and a noose.”

Cipriano estimates that “99.9 per cent” of his patients visit him because they have seen his clips on the internet. “Everyone says that the Y strap is the main reason that they are coming.”

The videos have become a part of many people’s jobs in this field. Lewis films at least a couple of hours every day he is in the office. He estimates that 80 percent his clients book with him because they saw his videos. Cipriano wants to post new content on YouTube every other day, and offers a discount for patients who allow him to film their adjustments.

One wonders, of course, if being adjusted by a viral chiros gives the same satisfaction as watching someone else do it. When I visited Lewis on a warm, sunny Friday in his office, located on the 8th floor of a gray, nondescript building near Penn Station I requested a full-body adjustement, including the scapular releases. I thought the latter looked beautiful in the videos. Lewis warned me that it didn’t feel lovely while it was happening.

Lewis contorted my arm back behind my torso, slowly and painfully, with the Graston tool. It felt like a rug-burn, not a massage. He assured me that it would only take a few seconds each time. I could only nod, my brows twitching like an accordion.

Even the fabled, back-cracking back-cracking felt surprising similar to my brother body-slamming into the couch, when we were children. The crunch could be heard. The relief was muted.

The next morning, however, as I stretched out my arms into angel wings during a sun salutation class on a Saturday morning, I felt that they extended longer and further back than in previous years. That was transcendent.

AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.

Shoulder Pain

How can your pillow help? How your pillow can help you

Published

2 years ago

May 15, 2023

AmericanChiro

It can be painful to wake up with a stiffened neck. You may not be able even to turn your neck without pain. A stiff neck may not bother you for a few hours but it can be excruciatingly painful in the morning. It’s not a good way to start your day.

The good news is, you can solve this problem by simply changing your pillow. Stiffness can be caused by awkward neck positions, muscle tension, and poor sleeping posture. Your pillow could be the culprit if it doesn’t support your neck and head correctly. The wrong pillow can aggravate neck pain, even if it was caused by a sports injury.

The best pillow will help you sleep and wake up pain-free.

Sleeping causes stiff neck? Pillow guide for pain-free sleep

To sleep comfortably, you must first determine your sleeping style. The best mattress is one that cushions and supports your body based on the position in which you sleep. Choosing a pillow based on your sleep style is the key to pain-free sleeping.

(Image credit: Courtesy Nate Berkus & mDesign

Is your pillow at fault?

Your pillow may be the cause of a stiff neck when you wake up. Pillows need to be adapted to your weight, size, and sleeping style. If the pillow you are using is not right for you, it’s no wonder you’re in pain. Dr. Kevin Lees , director at The Joint Chiropractic , explains that pillows that are not sized correctly or have lost support can cause a stiff neck.

If your pillows are no longer fluffy and have lost shape, they may not support your neck as effectively as they used to. Your current pillows, even in good condition, may be the culprit. You can tell if you have a stiff neck by your sleeping style.

Back Sleepers: When you lie in bed and find yourself ‘looking down at your feet instead of the ceiling, it could be that your pillow is too dense,’ explains Lees. ‘Forcing your neck to forward.’ If your neck is sagging and you are having trouble breathing, your pillows may be too flat.
Side sleepers If your “shoulder falls forward” in bed, your pillow is too low. Lees says that the pillow should be positioned as if it were standing up and not folded under you. This will allow your head to reach the pillows. If your ear is pushed against your shoulder by your pillow, it could be too thick. Both of which can cause upper back pain and a stiff neck. He states.
Front Sleepers:Stomach Sleepers will either turn the head to sleep, or bury it face-down in a pillow. If your pillow is not at the right height, it can cause severe neck pain. If your pillow is too thick, it will push your neck away from the spine. Front sleepers are advised to sleep without a pillow or with a very thin pillow.

Dr. Kevin Lees D.C

The Joint Chiropractic

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Kevin Lees, D.C., a chiropractor who has spent more than 20 years in the clinic, joined The Joint Corp. in 2020 as Manager of Auditing and Quality and was promoted Director of Chiropractic Operations by 2023. Dr. Kevin received his Doctor of chiropractic from Cleveland University Kansas City in 2000.

How to choose the right pillow for you

You should consult a physician if you are experiencing severe and persistent neck pain. A pillow can make you more comfortable. However, a doctor may be able identify and treat any underlying causes.

If you want to find the best pillow to relieve a stiff neck, it is important to choose the one that fits your sleep style and size. James Leinhardt (opens in new tab), sleep and posture expert and founder of Levitex (opens in new tab), states that ‘the pillow we sleep on is not a one-size-fits-all-approach’. Choose a pillow that is appropriate for your size and sleeping position. When lying down, the head should be in a neutral position and not pushed forward, to the back, or sideways, says Lees.

Side sleepers will generally choose medium loft pillows to fill the gap created by the shoulders between the bed and the head. Front sleepers can use a thin, soft, pillow to cushion the neck and relieve pressure. Back sleepers should use a firm, thinner pillow to prevent the head from sinking or lifting.

Best pillow for every sleep style

Casper Original Pillow

Best pillow for back sleepers

Nolah Queen Squishy Pillow, 2 pack

Best pillow for side sleepers

Coop Home Goods Original Pillow

Woolroom’s most popular V-shaped pillow

This product is designed to relieve shoulder, upper back and neck pain.

FAQs

How long can a stiff neck be caused by sleeping incorrectly?

A mattress that does not meet your needs may also cause a stiffneck. A mattress that is too firm can cause discomfort by applying pressure to your joints. A mattress that is too soft can cause your body to sink into the bed and misalign your spine, neck, or shoulders. Poor sleeping posture can cause back pain and stiff neck. To ensure pain-free sleeping, you should choose a bed based on your sleep style.

Uncomfortable sleep isn’t something you should ignore. If you’re suffering from a stiff neck, back pain, or simply not getting a good night’s sleep, it’s important to prioritize your well-being. Sleeping well is vital for your health – make sure to consult a doctor and invest in getting your full eight hours a night.

AmericanChiro

We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.