According to the latest research data, the prevalence of cervical spondylosis in mainland China is about 15%, and this number is increasing year by year over time, and the affected population is gradually getting younger. According to the analysis of Director Du Honggen, compared with 20 years ago, the structure of patients with cervical spondylosis and the difficulty of treatment have changed significantly. In the past, the disease mainly affected middle-aged and elderly people over 50 years old, but today, cervical spondylosis accounts for 70%-80% of young people, far more than 20%-30% of the elderly population. In addition, modern cervical spondylosis is more difficult to treat than in the past. This is mainly related to people's work and study pressure. In the past, simple Tuina therapy usually relieved symptoms quickly, but now, many patients are prone to recurrence of symptoms even after Tuina therapy. The main reason for this recurrent attack is that their working and living environment and stress have not been effectively improved, which makes cervical spondylosis difficult to cure.
1. What are the dangers of an unsuitable pillow?
The intimate relationship between the pillow and breathing
Using pillows that are too low can lead to an imbalance in the blood supply to the head, which often causes congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa. Since the nasal mucosa is extremely sensitive to changes, this swelling may directly affect the breathing process.
Choice of pillow with vision protection
What most people may not realize is that there is a strong link between pillow choice and vision maintenance. When the cervical spine is unable to maintain its natural curve, it may cause compression on the optic nerve, which can lead to symptoms such as decreased vision, photophobia, tearing, and swollen eyes. In extreme cases, an ill-fitting pillow can even lead to blindness.
Cervical hypertension caused by improper pillows
Cervical hypertension is a condition caused by an ill-fitting pillow. This is due to the cervical spine pressing on the carotid artery, causing blood to flow more slowly, which in turn increases blood pressure. With the habit of using mobile phones with their heads down for long periods of time, coupled with improper pillow use, cases of hypertension are gradually increasing.
Association of pillows and insomnia
Studies have shown that about 150 million of the approximately 600 million people with insomnia worldwide have insomnia caused by an ill-fitting pillow. Unscientific pillow use is one of the main causes of various sleep disorders. Unreasonable pillow material, shape and hardness may lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, which directly affects the regulation of the central nervous system during sleep, thereby causing sleep disorders, and in severe cases, may even lead to long-term habitual insomnia.
If you want to choose the ideal pillow, here are three ways to start:
Moderate length: It is ideal to choose a pillow with a length of 40 to 60 cm. This size range ensures that the cervical spine is fully supported even if you change sleeping positions while sleeping.
Width key: The ideal pillow width is about 12 to 15 cm, roughly corresponding to the distance from the lower edge of the occipital bone to the most protruding part of the neck (7th cervical vertebrae).
Height is crucial: Choose a pillow that is as tall as your fist. This height ensures that your head is slightly in the air when lying on your back, and when you are lying on your side, it should match the width of your shoulders. The right pillow height helps maintain the natural curvature of the cervical spine. For personalization, you can use the formula (shoulder width - head width)/2 to determine the optimal height.
Choice of shapes: Pillow shapes include cylindrical and dumbbell shapes. Cylindrical pillows, while simple, can put a lot of pressure on the neck. The dumbbell-shaped pillow is designed to fit the neck closer, reducing head and neck deviation and is suitable for maintaining a correct sleeping position, but traction may be insufficient. Your choice should be based on your individual needs.
Importance of Pillow Core: The choice of pillow core is crucial for the prevention and treatment of cervical spine problems. Common options include puff (soft, easy to adjust), mung bean husk (breathable, cool), buckwheat husk (economical, breathable), duck feather (suitable for seniors, but more expensive), etc. Cassia pillow core provides a moderate firmness that helps with head massage and blood circulation. There is also a memory pillow on the market, whose polymer material can adjust the shape according to the change of the position of the head and neck, which is worth trying.