Advice on memory foam pillow for a very painful shoulder and neck.

[Midhurst]

Hi I have chronic and episodic migraine and I have a very painful left shoulder and neck pain sometimes. When I came to see a consultant at the National Migraine Centre she said the neck and shoulder pain was associated with my migraine.

I am considering buying an expensive memory foam pillow to try to ease the chronic pain in my left shoulder. Does anyone have any suggestions please. It would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[fixit]

I’m afraid I can’t recommend a pillow, but I can recommend seeing a Chiropractor.

I have had headaches & migraines for over 30 years & tried just about every medication. I have recently been seeing a Chiropractor for 6 sessions as my headaches had become daily & always came from the back of neck & head. I have had an amazing improvement. Well worth a try.

[Midhurst in reply to fixit]

Thank you fixit i was seeing a chiropractor. She was very good but i just cant afford the payments. I am doing yoga which is great and I enjoy it. I'm hoping i maybe able to see a physiotherapist on the NHS.

Thanks for your reply and I'm so glad the chiropractor worked for you. All the best.

[fixit in reply to Midhurst]

It is expensive. Hopefully a Physio will be able to help you. Enjoy the Yoga. Good luck

[biscuits129 in reply to fixit]

I bought a simba pillow and it made a huge difference to my neck and shoulders. I had had neck and shoulder pain for a long time (yrs) it had been relieved somewhat with physio but I still had a lot of residual pain especially on waking and often during the night when the pain in my shoulders would wake me up. I have to say the pillow made all the difference and now I wake pain free. Its not an overnight thing however and it prob took a couple of months before I realized how much better things were.

[Midhurst in reply to biscuits129]

Thank you so much biscuits129. I appreciate your reply. I will ask my Dr to refer me to physio. It's great to have your input.

Thanks again.

[Neverwhere in reply to Midhurst]

I suffer with chronic neck and shoulder pain related migraine and my doctor referred me for physio which has helped no end. Small regular exercises which I have to do at least twice daily have reduced the intensity of my migraine. Also she gave me this wonderful piece of advice about rubbing a pea sized amount of ibroprofen gel or an ice cube (if you can stand it) on the muscle/tendon behind the ear to reduce the swelling, thus reducing the headache pain.

Do push your doctor to give you a referral if possible, I've spent a fortune on chiropractors and sports massage but their help was only temporary. Also re the pillow, I have one which helped, so bought another which made the problem worse as it was too firm. Try to see the physio first and they will advise.

Hope something good comes from this for you.

[Midhurst in reply to Neverwhere]

Thank you so much Neverwhere I will seek physio advice and get a referal from my GP. I appreciate your support.

Thanks again.

[babs1234]

I tried a chiropractor but was told that you shouldn’t have treatment on your neck. I went to physio a couple of weeks ago and had a severe headache that night after doing the exercises he advised. Every medication I have tried works initially but the the pain returns. I had a daith piercing 3 years ago which has reduced the frequency and severity. I have flare ups about 3/4 times a week. Hoping my next option is Botox

[Midhurst in reply to babs1234]

Thanks babs1234 for your reply. I think BOTOX maybe my next treatment but I have had this severe neck pain for about 6 years so I'm going to give physio a try in the meantime.

I do appreciate your reply thanks so much I hope BOTOX works for you.

Best wishes