Neurology and Spinal Column Specialist, Dr. Andrei Ratinov, revealed that migraine is considered the third most prevalent disease worldwide and manifests as severe headache attacks that often become chronic.
Dr. reported that neck tension might be one of the hidden causes of migraine, which often starts in the neck and worsens when tilting the head, and usually appears on one side with tension in the back of the head or a feeling of heaviness in the head.
He pointed out that 90% of neck spasms result from a combination of factors such as long sitting in front of the desk and titling the neck forward, which impedes blood circulation and presses on the nerves, and the condition is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle and chronic stress. He noted that women are more likely to have continuous spasms due to the working position on the computer and carrying a handbag on the same shoulder.
The inappropriate pillow
Dr. Ratinov added that the inappropriate pillow significantly contributes to neck strain and headache, as if it is too high or too soft, the neck remains tilted throughout the night, which forces the muscles to work instead of resting and leads to minor spasms that gradually accumulate.
He mentioned that sleeping on an unsuitable pillow could cause neck pain in the morning, recurrent headache, numb fingers, and putting the arm under the head indicates inadequate support of the neck, which should be aligned with the spine while sleeping.
He explained that changing the pillow and adjusting the sleeping position can relieve headaches for 60-70% of patients, indicating that this simple action often has a significant impact on health.
Expert Marina Vlasova noted that two main factors should be considered when choosing a pillow: thickness and firmness. When sleeping on the side, the height of the pillow should be equal to the distance between the shoulder and the neck, whereas, during back sleeping, it should be less to avoid muscle spasms.
