Poor posture can have a significant impact on neck pain, as well as on overall health and well-being. The human body is designed to move and be active, and when we sit or stand in a slouched or hunched position, it puts unnecessary strain on the muscles and joints in the neck and upper back. This is scientifically proven to cause pain, tension headaches, and even long-term damage to the spine.[1]
One of the biggest contributors to poor posture is prolonged sitting, especially when in front of a computer or other screen. This has become increasingly common with the rise of remote work and working from home. When we sit for long periods, our muscles begin to weaken and atrophy, making it more difficult to maintain good posture. Additionally, many people have a tendency to slouch or hunch forward when working on a computer, which can put even more strain on the neck and upper back.
One thing many people do not consider about neck pain is the importance of the pillow they sleep on. Indeed, there is scientific research [2] demonstrating ergonomic pillows can be effective in relieving neck pain caused by poor posture. Especially pillows designed to support the natural curvature of the neck as they provide proper alignment for the spine.
Our independent testers have tried most of the different designs available on the market. Here are our top 3 picks for ergonomic pillows that help to relieve neck pain caused by poor posture:
The Groove Pillow [£29.95]: Panelists found the unique ergonomic ‘groove’ shape provided them with the right level of support and comfort. 83% of panelists found the Groove Pillow helped to relieve their neck pain. 87% of panelists stated that the pillow also helped to correct their posture. The ergonomic ‘groove’ shape is designed to provide maximum support for back and side sleeping positions.
The Tempur Pillow [£99]: Panelists found the tempur pillow was relatively supportive for side sleeping but lacked the shape to support back sleeping as it pushed the neck too far forward. 72% of panelists found the Tempur Pillow helped to relieve their neck pain. 76% of panelists stated the pillow helped to correct their posture. If you’re exclusively a side sleeper, this might work for you, but if you ever sleep on your back this won’t be effective for relieving neck pain.
The Simba Hybrid Pillow [£159]: Panelists found the Simba Hybrid Pillow to be firm, made with luxury materials. However, it lacked shape to properly support back and side sleeping positions. 70% of panelists found the Simba Hybrid Pillow helped to relieve their neck pain. 68% of panelists stated the pillow helped to correct their posture. If you like a very firm pillow, this could be a good option for you.
Our Verdict
The panelists agreed that all three pillows were extremely comfortable and felt like they were made from quality materials. However, in terms of effectiveness for relieving neck pain caused by poor posture, the Groove Pillow received the highest scores for both back and side sleepers. Given the low price tag and the company offering a 100 day free trial, it’s definitely worth a try for anyone suffering with neck pain.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6942109/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9608378/
