The Surprising Benefit of Wearing a Travel Pillow at Your Desk
Neck pillows are a traveler must-have, especially if you have to sit on an airplane, train, or bus for long hours. These U-shaped pillows are said to be beneficial for maintaining proper spinal alignment during long travels, but it turns out that's not the only time you can reap the benefits of wearing these pillows.
Sitting on a long-haul flight is like being sedentary at your work desk, where a lack of movement and poor posture increases the strain and pain in your neck and back. This is where travel neck pillows come in.
If you're like most people, you probably can't maintain the proper sitting position the entire day. And if you're wearing a prosthetic limb, the chances are high that your body changes its posture to accommodate the limb's weight. Whether you suffer from poor posture or try to sit correctly, adding a travel pillow to your desk essentials may do wonders.
Most chiropractors recommend this technique because travel neck pillows help support your neck and prevent straining or stiffness from prolonged sitting. It can also encourage better posture, decreasing the risk of developing back and neck pain.
Maintaining proper spinal alignment with a travel neck pillow can prevent the onset of discomfort and even promote a more comfortable and productive work environment. And when you're comfortable at your desk, stress levels are reduced, which improves your overall well-being.
When using a neck pillow at your desk, we recommend starting slow. Wear it for an hour to a few hours daily and observe how you feel. How long you wear a neck pillow while working depends on personal preference and comfort. If you decide to wear a neck pillow, remember to take breaks and stretch your neck, shoulders, and back regularly.
However, it might not be for you if you notice pain when wearing the neck pillow. The next best thing you can do is to reconfigure your work environment to be more supportive of your body. For example, you can adjust your chair and computer screen to help you maintain proper posture. You can also use a standing desk, footrests, or a lumbar support cushion.
If you're considering using a neck pillow at your desk and have chronic back pain, you may want to consult your prosthetist, chiropractor, or physical therapist first.
