Sleeping on your stomach is tough on your spine, because the back is arched and your neck is turned to the side. If the pillow is too large behind the neck, however, it will force your head forward.

When you are riding in a plane, train, or car, or even just reclining to watch TV, a horseshoe-shaped pillow can support your neck and prevent your head from dropping to one side if you doze.

If you sleep on your side, keep your spine straight by using a pillow that is higher under your neck than your head.

Avoid using too high or stiff a pillow, which keeps the neck flexed overnight and can result in morning pain and stiffness.

Manufacturers of memory-foam pillows claim they help foster proper spinal alignment. Some cervical pillows are also made with memory foam.

Another option is a traditionally shaped pillow with 'memory foam' that conforms to the contour of your head and neck.

Feather pillows will collapse over time, however, and should be replaced every year or so.

Try using a feather pillow, which easily conforms to the shape of the neck.Here are some additional tips for side- and back-sleepers: This can be achieved by tucking a small neck roll into the pillowcase of a flatter, softer pillow, or by using a special pillow that has a built-in neck support with an indentation for the head to rest in. If you sleep on your back, choose a rounded pillow to support the natural curve of your neck, with a flatter pillow cushioning your head. Two sleeping positions are easiest on the neck: on your side or on your back. What is the best sleeping position for neck pain? One place to start is to look at how you sleep and what effect this may have on neck pain.

On the other hand, there are many things you can do to minimize your risk. It's true that some causes of neck pain, such as age-related wear and tear, are not under your control. Awareness of sleeping positions and proper pillows can minimize neck painĪs with so many things, when it comes to neck pain, an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure.

Back pulls while lying on side