Awareness Of Use Of Ideal Pillow In Neck Dysfunction

Abstract

Background- Neck dysfunction is increasingly prevalent, often linked to poor sleep posture and inappropriate pillow use. The cervical spine’s alignment during sleep is crucial in preventing musculoskeletal issues, and pillow characteristics like height, material, and firmness directly influence cervical alignment. Despite the importance of sleep ergonomics, public awareness regarding ideal pillow use remains limited Objective- to determine the awareness of use of ideal pillow in neck dysfunction. To investigate and analyse problems faced by the individuals by using improper pillows in correlation with neck pain. Methodology- A survey-based A study based on observation was carried out among 95 participants aged 20–40 years at Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Karad. A validated questionnaire was used to assess pillow use habits, neck pain symptoms, sleep positions, and general awareness Participants were chosen using basic random sampling. and Data were gathered using Google Forms. The following descriptive statistics were applied to data analysis Result- The study found that a significant portion of participants used improperly sized or shaped pillows, with over 60% reporting neck pain. However, nearly 81% people are unaware of what is ideal pillow in neck dysfunction. A majority showed willingness to invest in ergonomically appropriate pillows if it could improve their symptoms. Neck discomfort was especially prevalent among students and professionals due to prolonged poor posture during work. Conclusion- There is a substantial lack of awareness regarding the impact of pillow ergonomics on neck health. Educating individuals on ideal pillow use based on height, material, and sleeping position can serve as a straightforward but successful remedy for preventing or managing neck dysfunction. Integration of pillow education in physiotherapy practice is recommended. This emphasizes the need for physiotherapists and healthcare providers to include sleep ergonomics as part of patient education.