The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Neck Muscle Pain Relief
The Best Pillows For Neck Pain, After Testing Dozens Of Options
To find the best pillows for neck pain that alleviate muscle tension and promote proper alignment, we spent hours comparing options from top sleep brands and relied on our editors’ testing insights. We landed on theTempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow as the best pick overall, which stood out with its ergonomic shape and patented pressure-relieving foam. If you’re a side sleeper, we recommend the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow; its crescent shape hugs your shoulder, resulting in excellent pressure relief and even spine alignment.
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When considering other winners for sleepers with neck pain, we also relied on advice from Nicholas Anastasio, MD, a board-certified physician at Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center; “The key is to find a pillow that will maintain your neck in a neutral position. Meaning, in line [with your spine] and not overly flexed in any direction.” With this in mind, we included specific options for side sleepers and back sleepers. Below, find the 10 best pillows for neck pain, along with an expert-informed buying guide to assist you in picking the right one.
- Best Pillow For Neck Pain Overall: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow
- Best Pillow For Side Sleepers With Neck Pain: Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
- Best Down Pillow For Neck Pain: Parachute Down Pillow
- Best Pillow For Back Sleepers With Neck Pain: The Company Store Duo Sleep Neck Posture Pillow
- Best Sustainable Pillow For Neck Pain: Avocado Green Pillow
- Best Adjustable Pillow For Neck Pain: Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
- Best Cooling Pillow For Neck Pain: Purple Harmony Pillow
- Best Memory Foam Pillow For Neck Pain: Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow
- Best Affordable Pillow For Neck Pain: Epabo Contour Memory Foam PillowAmazon Prime Deal
- Best Cervical Pillow For Neck Pain: Osteo Cervical PillowAmazon Prime Deal
Best Pillow For Neck Pain Overall
Ergonomic Pillow In Three Sizes To Best Fit Your Needs
Fill: Tempur foam | Firmness: Firm | Loft: 3.5, 4 or 4.75 inches | Outer material: Polyester | Trial: None
Pros:
- Available in three heights for different sleeping positions and neck sizes
- Maintains its shape
- Bolster shape increases neck support
Cons:
- Returns aren’t accepted
- Not recommended for stomach sleepers
With a bolstered lower half, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow is designed to give targeted support to your neck, which can help alleviate tense muscles. Its ergonomic shape and firm-yet-moldable foam filling makes it the overall winner on this list; the contoured design encourages neutral alignment of the head, neck and spine. The hypoallergenic polyester knit cover is easy to remove and wash for regular maintenance. The Tempur-Neck comes in small, medium and large sizes to suit a variety of body types and sleep styles: The brand’s website is equipped with a chart to help you determine the right size for you. However, it is not recommended for stomach sleepers. While Tempur-Pedic doesn’t offer a trial period for pillows, this product does come with a five-year limited warranty. You can also add cooling technology to the Tempur-Neck for $20 if you sleep hot.
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Best Pillow For Side Sleepers With Neck Pain
Curved Shape That Promotes Spinal Alignment
Fill: Latex, polyester | Firmness: Adjustable | Loft: Adjustable | Outer material: Cotton, polyester and spandex | Trial: 45 nights
Pros:
- Can add or remove fill to find the right firmness and height
- U-shaped design specifically made for side sleepers
- Removable cover is machine washable
Cons:
- Not ideal for combination sleepers
- Only offered in queen size
The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow has an innovative crescent shape that accommodates your shoulder while you’re lying on your side, so your neck stays on a neutral plane in line with your spine. Along with the curved design, the springy latex-polyester filling is great for side sleepers, as it offers ample support and just the right amount of give. If the pillow is too firm right out of the box, you can remove the filling to adjust it to your liking. On the contrary, you can buy additional fill if you want it to be firmer. The main downside of this pillow’s shape, however, is that it doesn’t have the same spine-aligning effect for back sleepers; combination sleepers who shift between their side and back throughout the night may not have the best results.
Best Down Pillow For Neck Pain
Fluffy Pick With Multiple Firmness Options
Fill: Down | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Loft: Low to high depending on firmness | Outer material: Cotton sateen | Trial: 60 nights
Pros:
- Available in three firmness options for different sleeping positions
- Breathable cotton shell
- Made with Responsible Down Standard-certified filling
Cons:
- Some reviews complain of initial animal-like smell
Made using delicate feathers found in the undercoating of ducks and geese, down filling is plush, soft and luxurious. A high-quality down pillow gently molds to your neck’s shape, which can help relieve tense muscles. This option from Parachute is crafted with a 100% cotton cover and Responsible Down Standard-certified filling, so you can rest assured you’re getting the highest level of quality. There are three firmness options to choose from (soft, medium, firm), which cater mainly to back and stomach sleepers. (If you strictly lie on your side, you may want to check out the brand’s Down Side Sleeper Pillow for better support.) Just keep in mind that down filling has the tendency to shift and clump during the night, so you should plan on regularly fluffing your pillow to keep it evenly distributed.
Best Pillow For Back Sleepers With Neck Pain
Accommodates For Shifting During The Night
Fill: Polyester | Firmness: Medium | Loft: 4 inches (center); 5.5 inches (sides) | Outer material: Cotton and polyester | Trial: 30 nights
Pros:
- Allows for switching from side to back sleeping
- Contours to neck’s natural curve
- Segmented design offers targeted support
Cons:
- Removable cover is sold separately
- Only one size available (queen)
Back sleepers typically benefit from medium to medium-firm pillows with a medium loft, and The Company Store Duo Sleep Neck Posture Pillow fits the bill. Its segmented design creates different heights with fluffy polyester filling—the center is four inches tall, while the raised sides are 5.5 inches—to keep your head cradled in one spot while you sleep. And while it caters to back sleepers, reviews say it’s equally comfortable for side sleepers, making it a great choice for combination sleepers who shift positions often throughout the night. However, some shoppers say it’s too big to fit in a standard pillowcase, so you may want to invest in the accompanying cotton pillowcase, which is sold separately.
Best Sustainable Pillow For Neck Pain
Made With Organic Materials And Adjustable Fill
Fill: Organic kapok, organic latex | Firmness: Medium | Loft: Adjustable | Outer material: Organic cotton | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Made with organic and vegan materials featuring third-party certifications
- One-year warranty
- Adjustable filling to tailor the feel to your needs
Cons:
- Some customers say they wish the filling was fluffier
For those who prioritize a pillow for neck pain made with organic, sustainably sourced materials, the Avocado Green Pillow is the clear winner. Its filling consists of GOLS-certified organic latex rubber and GOTS-certified organic kapok plant fiber, which comes from the seeds of the kapok tree. Kapok has a similar feel to down or cotton, but is lighter in weight. Combined with the latex, it results in a bouncy, supportive and supremely soft filling that supports your head and neck. The cover is made of breathable, skin-friendly and GOTS-certified organic cotton. Since the amount of filling inside the pillow is adjustable, it’s suitable for back, stomach and side sleepers.
Best Adjustable Pillow For Neck Pain
Customizable Loft For Optimal Comfort
MOST POPULARCoop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
Fill: Memory foam, microfiber | Firmness: Medium-firm | Loft: Adjustable | Outer material: Polyester, bamboo-derived rayon | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Comes with additional filling for a firmer pillow
- Breathable bamboo-derived pillowcase
- Machine-washable cover and inner pillow
Cons:
- Some reviews complain of off-gassing smell
Whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach or a combination of the three, you can customize the Coop Original Adjustable Pillow to suit your individual needs. It comes with an extra half-pound of filling, which is a blend of medium-firm memory foam and microfiber. Simply add or remove filling to the pillow until your neck is aligned with your spine when you lie down on it (and store away any extra filling for future fluff-ups). The Coop Original has a breathable cover made with bamboo-derived rayon, which is thermoregulating for a comfortable night’s sleep. Note that this pillow is also available in a Cut-Out style specifically for side sleepers and a Crescent style for side sleepers who shift to their backs.
What our editors say: Special projects editor Jennifer Ferrise says, “I’m a combo sleeper, so being able to adjust [the Coop Original Adjustable Pillow] has been great, and I also like that if it starts to flatten over time you can easily add to the fill to plump it up again.” Senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold has the cooling version of the Coop pillow and says, “I’m not lying when I say that, in the days right after I got the pillow, I looked forward to going to sleep just so I could rest my head and sink into it."
Best Cooling Pillow For Neck Pain
Gridded Gel Layer That Wicks Away Heat
Purple Harmony Pillow
Fill: Latex, polymer | Firmness: Medium | Loft: 5.5, 6.5 or 7.5 inches | Outer material: Nylon, spandex | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Honeycomb GelFlex grid helps disperse heat
- Moisture-wicking cover
- Three height options available for different sleep styles
Cons:
- Heavier than your average pillow
For those who run warm at night, a pillow designed with a cooling layer can help regulate the temperature of its surface, resulting in a more comfortable night’s sleep. The Purple Harmony Pillow has a patented Honeycomb GelFlex Grid layer that helps disperse heat over the latex filling, which is also naturally cooling. This, combined with a moisture-wicking mesh cover, makes the Purple Harmony a fantastic choice for hot sleepers with neck pain. It’s available in three heights, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 inches: Stomach and back sleepers should opt for the lower loft, while side sleepers should find more support from the medium and high lofts. While this pillow is pricey, it does have a 100-night trial period, so you can make sure it’s the right fit for you.
What our editors say: “The Purple Harmony Pillow totally shocked me,” says senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman. “I really thought it wouldn’t live up to the hype, but it has a nontraditional feel that, to my own surprise, I quickly came to adore. It’s supportive, cooling and requires no fluffing even after months of sleeping on it. Just keep in mind it’s a bit heavy and floppy to move around.”
Best Memory Foam Pillow For Neck Pain
Keeps Its Shape All Night Long
Fill: Memory foam with graphite and cooling gel | Firmness: N/A | Loft: 5 inches | Outer material: Micro polyamide, polyester | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Balanced, medium feel for back sleeping
- Temperature-regulating, machine-washable cover
- Durable foam
Cons:
- Some side sleepers say it lacks support
Thanks to their supportive, conforming properties, memory foam pillows are a popular choice for those who live with chronic neck pain. This pillow from Tuft & Needle is filled with the brand’s signature T&N Adaptive open-cell foam, which keeps its shape all night long—no constant fluffing or readjusting required. The brand doesn’t give it a specific firmness rating, but rather describes it as “soft and squishy while remaining supportive.” Thousands of 5-star reviewers agree, with many describing it as not too soft or too firm. Some memory foam pillows have a reputation of trapping heat and getting too warm, but this one is designed to be breathable and temperature-regulating. It’s made to accommodate all sleeping positions, but reviews say it’s particularly well-suited for back and stomach sleepers; side sleepers may crave a loftier pillow.
Best Affordable Pillow For Neck Pain
Contoured Option With A Reasonable Price Tag
Fill: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Loft: 3.9, 4.6, 4.8 or 5 inches | Outer material: Polyester and rayon | Trial: 30 nights
Pros:
- Curved surface cradles the neck
- Great value for the price
- Adjustable height and five size options
Cons:
- May be too firm for some sleepers
A high-quality, supportive pillow doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. This under-$50 pick from Epabo has thousands of 5-star reviews from Amazon customers, with many praising its design and ability to relieve a stiff neck. Similar to the Tempur-Pedic pillow above, it has a raised bottom half that provides ample neck support, but unlike the Tempur-Pedic, the center of this pillow features a dip that gently cradles your neck for optimal alignment. There’s also a piece of memory foam at the bottom you can remove if the pillow feels too high. Some reviewers note that it requires an adjustment period of a few weeks—but once they acclimated to the pillow’s shape, they noticed a decrease in neck pain. Keep in mind that this pillow is on the firmer side, so it may not be the right choice if you prefer a plusher style.
Best Cervical Pillow For Neck Pain
Butterfly Shape That Cradles Your Head And Neck
Fill: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium | Loft: 4.1 or 5.2 inches | Outer material: 3D mesh fiber | Trial: 100 nights
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Pros:
- Butterfly shape cradles the neck
- Affordable price
- Comes with removable memory foam insert
Cons:
- Not ideal for combination sleepers
A cervical pillow, also referred to as an orthopedic pillow, is designed to correct your body’s positioning to help eliminate potential sources of tension while you sleep. Made with supportive memory foam, the Osteo Cervical Pillow has a butterfly shape that gently holds your neck in place. It’s most suitable for side and back sleepers, and it comes with a removable memory foam insert that allows you to adjust the height. However, some customers note that the pillow was difficult to readjust when they shifted from their sides to their backs, so it may not be the best option for combination sleepers.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, written and published dozens of sleep and mattress stories. Our goal is to connect readers with products that help them achieve their best nights’ sleep, from the best mattresses for back pain to the best cooling pillows.
- This article was penned by Claire Epting, a Forbes Vetted staff writer with over five years of experience covering topics in the lifestyle space.
- The publishing of this story was overseen by mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, certified sleep science coaches with nearly a decade of combined experience testing and reviewing mattresses, pillows, bedding and more.
- Epting tapped the expertise of Nicholas Anastasio, MD, a board-certified physician at Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Anastasio shared valuable insight on what to look for in a pillow for neck pain, including the right loft, firmness and materials.
- This guide is updated regularly to ensure all of our picks continue to meet our criteria for neck pain. It was last refreshed in March by mattress and sleep updates writer Alexandra Garrett to add information on sleeping position to our buyer’s guide and clarify what isn’t a good pillow for neck pain.
How We Chose The Best Pillows For Neck Pain
To identify the best pillows for neck pain, we first reviewed our own library of pillow stories and assembled a list of reputable brands that our team has recommended and tested products from in the past.
- When researching each brand, we took note of which pillows had the ideal features someone with neck pain should look for, evaluating factors including loft, firmness, shape and fill material.
- With our shortlist of selections, we then considered the guidance provided by Anastasio, the expert we consulted with for this piece. We ensured that each pillow on this list was in line with his recommendations.
- To gather more information on how these pillows perform in real life, we leaned on our editors’ testing experience and combed through dozens of customer reviews for each pillow, making note of overall satisfaction and specific insights. Every pillow on our final list has an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
What To Consider In The Best Pillows For Neck Pain
When picking the right pillow for neck pain, “maintaining a healthy, neutral position is important,” according to Anastasio. However, the type of pillow that works best for you depends on your sleep position, body type and overall preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind while shopping:
Sleeping Position And Firmness
It’s important to consider your primary sleeping position when shopping for any pillow, but it’s even more crucial to take into account if you have neck pain. Each sleeping position requires a specific firmness level to keep the neck and spine in neutral alignment. Side sleepers should look for a medium-firm to firm pillow, while back sleepers do best with a more medium-soft to medium-firm feel. Stomach sleepers do well with a soft to medium option. stomach sleepers prefer a medium-soft or soft option.
Loft
“Loft” refers to the height of the pillow. A low loft is considered to be three inches thick or less, a medium loft falls in the three-to-five-inch range and a high loft is greater than five inches. High loft pillows are ideal for side sleepers who benefit from the extra support, while medium-loft pillows tend to be best for back and stomach sleepers. Body type, too, may impact your decision. “If you have particularly broad shoulders or a longer neck, you may need a pillow that is more robust,” says Anastasio. “If you have narrow shoulders or a shorter neck, a pillow with less ‘height’ would be more ideal.”
Shape
Pillows specifically designed for neck pain come in different shapes, and the design you go with ultimately comes down to personal preference. Our top pick, the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow, features an elevated base that caters to tense neck muscles by providing extra support. The Osteo Cervical Pillow, on the other hand, has a divet in the center that cradles the head while gently stretching your neck. Side sleepers should consider a crescent-shaped pillow with a cutout for their shoulders, like the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow, to help achieve neutral alignment.
Materials
Many pillows are filled with memory foam, latex, down, polyfill or a blend of these materials. Here’s a breakdown of each:
- Memory foam: Memory foam is made of polyurethane, and it can either be shredded or in block form. This filling is soft and molds to your head and neck, offering relief from joint pressure. “Memory foam pillows can conform to your anatomy better and generally do a better job than down or latex pillows,” says Anastasio. It does tend to absorb heat, though, so it may not be ideal for hot sleepers.
- Latex Foam: Like memory foam, latex foam is available in shredded or block forms. However, it’s more responsive, cooling and bouncy than memory foam. Latex foam is derived from rubber tree sap, and for this reason, pillows filled with this material tend to be more expensive.
- Down: Made from the undercoats of geese or ducks, down filling is moldable, springy and soft, making it great for pillows designed for back and stomach sleepers. It doesn’t offer as much support as memory or latex foam, however, and it can be expensive.
- Polyfill: This type of filling is made from curled polyester fibers, and is a popular choice due to its fluffiness and affordability. Keep in mind that polyfill has the tendency to clump, so it may require some extra effort to keep the filling evenly distributed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Pillow Do Doctors Recommend For Neck Pain?
According to Anastasio, there is no one-size-fits-all pillow for neck pain, as everyone has different anatomy and needs. The goal should be to find a pillow that keeps your head in neutral alignment with your spine. “If you have neck pain already, finding a supportive pillow that fits neatly in the space between your shoulder and side of head is important," he explains. If you have a specific concern, Anastasio recommends consulting with a physical therapist or spine specialist.
Is A Flat Or High Pillow Better For Neck Pain?
It depends on your sleeping position. In general, back and stomach sleepers with neck pain should avoid pillows that are too high, as these have the potential to keep the neck flexed overnight. A flatter pillow is better for these types of sleepers, as it encourages neutral spine alignment. Meanwhile, side sleepers tend to find more support with a higher loft pillow.
What Isn’t A Good Pillow For Neck Pain?
The worst pillow for neck pain is one that doesn’t align with your sleeping position. If a pillow is too thick or too flat for your sleep style, it can place additional strain on your neck.
Send me a secure tip.The 9 Best Neck Massagers for Neck and Shoulder Pain - Healthline
- Best overall massager: InvoSpa Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
- Best for the neck only: VOYOR Neck Massager
- Best handheld massager: RENPHO Rechargeable Handheld Deep Tissue Massager
- Best for sports recovery: Vybe Percussion Massage Gun
- Best for neck and shoulders: truMedic Shiatsu Neck, Back and Shoulder Massager with Heat
- Best for neck and back: Comfier Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
- Best Shiatsu massager: Sharper Image Realtouch Massage Wireless Neck and Back Shiatsu with Heat
- Best manual massager: Zongs Manual Massage Ball
- Best intelligent massager: HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS Unit EMS Muscle Stimulator
At-home neck massagers can be a beneficial tool for reducing neck and shoulder pain. In this roundup, we’ve included several different types you can try for short-term pain relief and relaxation.
Research from indicates that massage, including self-massage, can provide short-term pain reduction and benefits such as stress relief. In addition, there’s evidence that the relaxation produced by massage therapy can help reduce pain.
Of course, chronic pain, or abrupt pain that comes on without warning, should always be checked out by a healthcare professional.
There’s a wide range of neck massagers — from small manual rollers to massage chairs with heat and vibration. Some simulate massage techniques like shiatsu or Swedish massage.
Popular types of neck massagers include:
- kneading massage pillows
- percussive massagers, or massage guns
- massage balls
- massage cushions
- acupressure balls and mats
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) devices
Neck massagers range in size, function, and price. They can provide some benefits if you’re looking for short-term neck, shoulder, and back pain relief, and to reduce stress and increase relaxation at the end of a long, hard day.
The neck massagers on this list come from trusted, transparent manufacturers. We analyzed customer reviews and feedback about each product and manufacturer on multiple sales sites and on sites like the Better Business Bureau.
We included products that received significantly more positive feedback than negative. With budget in mind, we included products at various price points.
Pricing guide
Neck massagers range significantly in cost. At the low end are handheld, manual massagers that don’t need power to operate. These can cost less than $25. At the high end are rechargeable or electrical devices that provide multiple options for speed and power. These can cost $200 or more.
For this roundup, we’ve indicated price as follows:
- $ = under $51
- $$ = $51–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Best overall massager
- Price: $
- Details: This massage pillow contains eight bidirectional, deep-kneading shiatsu roller balls that users say feel like human hands. This is a corded, electric device. The control panel and DC power port are located in the positioning handles. It has three speed strength levels and an infrared heat option.
- Pros: You can use this massager on your upper or lower body. It has a 15-minute automatic shutoff, so you don’t have to worry about overdoing it. It also comes with its own carrying case, charger cord, and car charger.
- Cons: Some users report that the quality of the product isn’t what they would expect for the price.
Best massagers for the neck
- Price: $
- Details: This product contains two pliant silicon balls on each side of the inner rim. The balls are strategically placed to apply pressure on tight neck muscles. All you have to do is manually massage your neck while holding the ergonomically designed handles.
- Pros: This budget-priced neck massager doesn’t require batteries or any power source to operate.
- Cons: Some people report that the opening for the neck is tight, and wish the product was made of a sturdier material.
Best handheld massager
- Price: $
- Details: This rechargeable, handheld massager has multiple percussion speed options. It comes with five interchangeable massage nodes and a charger. Each charge lasts for up to 140 minutes.
- Pros: It gets high marks from users for giving a powerful, deep tissue massage.
- Cons: It doesn’t come with firmness controls.
Best massager for sports recovery
- Price: $
- Details: If you’re looking for a deep and penetrative massage, this handheld massage gun may be a good choice for you. It comes with three different massage tips, designed for large muscle groups, small muscle groups, and deep tissue massage. You can choose between six percussion vibration speeds ranging from 500 to 2,400 strokes per minute. It comes with a carrying case and two rechargeable batteries.
- Pros: It can be used anywhere on the body, including the neck, shoulders, biceps, and calves. Ninety-degree rotation lets you fit the massager comfortably into the nape of your neck, without missing any aching spots.
- Cons: Users mention it has a short battery life. According to the manufacturer, this massage gun is loud. You may want to avoid using it on public transportation or an airplane.
Best massagers for neck and shoulders
- Price: $$$
- Details: This battery-operated, rechargeable massager is designed to mimic the feel of human hands. It sits along the shoulders, supplying heat and massage to your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Pros: The controls for massage direction, pressure, and heat are located within adjustable arm straps that you place your hands into. It comes with an AC adaptor for easy recharging at home or on the go.
- Cons: Some users report this massager to be a bit heavy and bulky.
Best massagers for neck and back
- Price: $$$
- Details: This massager resembles a child’s car seat but for adults. It supplies adjustable rolling and spot massage, plus 2-D and 3-D finger-pressure shiatsu compression. It also has optional heat.
- Pros: Strategically situated rotation nodes let you massage your neck, shoulders, back, waist, and thighs. Two airbags squeeze and compress the hips, waist, and lower back, for full back pain relief.
- Cons: If you’re on the shorter side or the taller side, the massage points may not match up to the correct areas of your body.
Best shiatsu massager
- Price: $$$
- Details: This wireless, rechargeable massager has six comfortable gel nodes that grip underneath muscle, for a 3-D shiatsu-style massage. It also includes an optional heat mode.
- Pros: Users say it feels like hands and thumbs.
- Cons: This massager is controlled manually by pulling on arm straps worn in front of the body. It may not be a good choice for anyone with an inability to grip easily, or with weakness in the hands.
Best manual massager
- Price: $
- Details: This small, manually operated massager uses a durable roller ball to apply pressure to aching muscles. You can use it on your neck while sitting or reclining. You can also use it on your shoulders or back by laying down on a hard surface with the massage ball underneath you.
- Pros: Its simple design, effectiveness, and low price get high marks from customers on several sales sites. One Amazon review mentioned that it’s a good fix for weight lifters with shoulder impingement.
- Cons: Some people report that the ball doesn’t stick out far enough from the plastic to be effective.
Best intelligent massager
- Price: $$
- Details: This TENS device is battery operated and sends small, electrical impulses to the body through electrodes implanted in adhesive pads. Each pad is labeled for the body part it’s intended for.
- Pros: A large LCD display gives information about the type of massage you should choose for each area of the body. These massage types include kneading, acupuncture, and cupping.
- Cons: People with certain health conditions shouldn’t use TENS devices. Talk with your doctor before buying this device.
When it comes to neck massagers, price isn’t an indicator of quality, effectiveness, or power.
If you’re new to these devices, look for a massager that comes with a trial period and full money-back guarantee.
When considering which product to buy, ask yourself the following questions:
- What type of massage am I trying to simulate?
- Will I be massaging myself or someone else?
- If I’m massaging my own back, neck, and shoulders, can I effectively control this massager?
- Is it important to me to have multiple percussion and power options?
- Is a heat massage important?
- Do I have enough strength in my hands to effectively use a manual massager?
- What is my budget for this device?
- Can I easily take this with me?
If you have minor neck and shoulder pain from a strain or an injury, resting the area for a few days may help.
Keep in mind that everyday activities, like working on a computer or holding a up to your ear for long periods, can strain your neck and shoulders. If you can, try to take a break from these activities.
Here are some other tips for managing neck and shoulder pain:
- Ice the painful area for 15 minutes three to four times daily.
- Treat the area with heat and cold by alternating 15 minutes of ice with 15 minutes of moist or dry heat.
- Maintain good posture so the tendons and muscles in your neck and shoulders remain in their proper position.
- Avoid sleeping positions that place a strain on your neck or shoulder.
- If your bedding sags, consider swapping your pillow or mattress for supportive types, like a cervical support pillow and medium-firm mattress.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication when needed.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief ointment when needed.
- Try range-of-motion arm exercises.
- Do neck, arm, and shoulder stretches each day.
Neck and shoulder pain may have underlying causes that need medical support. Most of these underlying conditions respond well to over-the-counter treatments. Others may need prescribed treatments, including physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Potential causes of neck and shoulder pain that may need a doctor’s care include:
Get acute, severe pain that comes on abruptly checked out by a healthcare professional. Chronic pain that interferes with your day-to-day, including sleep, also requires a healthcare professional’s input.
The sooner you can get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment and begin to feel better.
Can you sleep with a neck massager on?
It depends. Some neck massagers, like massage pillows, are designed for overnight use.
If your massager is not specifically meant for this purpose, don’t sleep with it on. You can over-ice or overheat the area.
Electrical devices that are attached to your neck or shoulder also pose a strangling hazard.
How often should I use a neck massager for my pain?
Given the wide range of neck massagers available, the best rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Is it possible to use a massager too much?
There are no professional guidelines for using neck massagers. However, people who use them do sometimes mention overuse is possible.
If you feel discomfort, pain, or irritation while using your massager, you’re overdoing it. Talk with a healthcare professional to get their advice about daily use and timing for your needs.
Can I use a neck massager while pregnant?
Pregnancy massage, including vibrating massage from a device, is usually safe for most people after the first trimester.
However, people with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, may be better off avoiding neck massagers.
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