When people are in pain caused by the back, special pillows can be used for back pain.
The most common pillows for back pain or listed below:
Body pillows: A pillow that is as long as the body can serve several functions for people who prefer to sleep on their side, as the top portion can be used to support the head and neck, while the bottom portion supports the knees and legs. Throwing the top leg over the body pillow while sleeping on the side should be avoided, as this places torque (twisting force) on the lower thoracic and lumbar spine.
Neck pillows: A pillow that is contoured to fill the spaces under the head and neck can be helpful for people with neck pain. Also called cervical pillows or orthopedic pillows, this type of pillow has a deeper depression where the head lies, and extra support under the neck.
Travel pillows: A “U” shaped pillow that is curved to fit snuggly around the neck can be used for sleeping or supporting the head when in a seated position. This type of pillow prevents the head from bending too far to one side or the other. It also creates a support so that the weight of the head is partially taken care of by the pillow. This relieves some of the work done by the muscles keeping the head up and may be beneficial while sleeping in a sitting position.
Lower back support pillows: A lower back support pillow helps provide support for the inward curve in the lumbar spine. Sitting for extended periods of time without any lower back support can create muscle tension and pain in the lower back and legs (e.g. sciatica). Used when in a seated position, a lumbar support pillow fills the natural gap that is created between the lower spine and the chair.
Donut pillows: The donut-shaped pillow that is placed on the seat portion of a chair. With either a depression or a hole in the center of the pillow, one can sit with much less pressure in the coccyx region. People who have suffered a broken or bruised tailbone or have coccygeal pain may need this type of pillow in order to sit without pain.
