Dr. Vivianne Fortin
204-2430 Bank Street K1V 0T7 Ottawa, ON, Canada

Pillow Talk- Side Sleepers Are you putting your arm under your pillow while you sleep, or do you bring your shoulder up around your ear to scrunch the pillow into a more supportive position? That is one of the biggest indications that your pillow is too thin. Alternatively, is your head being pushed up while you are on your side? This would suggest your pillow is too big. Ideally, your neck is in a neutral position with your arm and shoulder relaxed, usually tucked slightly f...orward. A firm, structured pillow is the best pillow for side sleepers. We have an excellent pillow for side sleepers at the office that we can appropriately fit you for! Additional note: For side sleepers I also recommend a pillow between the legs to keep the low back aligned. #pillowtalk #sidesleeper #chiropractor #ottawa

Pillow Talk- Stomach Sleepers Part 2 I often ask my patients to show me what they mean by side or stomach sleeping. It always surprises me when they demonstrate and they are half on their side, half on their stomach. This throws your spine into a massive spinal twist, which sustained for a sleeping period isn’t ideal. Solution: try hugging a body pillow (or multiple pillows) at night. The body pillow will provide pressure against your front, giving you the impression of bein...g on your stomach, while holding you away from actually being in that position. If this is you, you may also want to consider getting a pillow appropriate for side sleepers as it is likely contributing to you sleeping half on your stomach! #sleep #sleepingposition #stomachsleeper #sidesleeper #chiropractor #ottawa

Interesting facts to consider when you or someone you know has back pain!

Pillow Talk- Stomach Sleepers Part 1 In general, I highly encourage stomach sleepers to try different positions- this will help prevent future low back and neck pain as this position is compromising the spine. However, not everyone can break the habit. thank For those who sleep on their stomachs, there is a need to turn your head to allow yourself to breathe. It’s important that you do not prop your head up on a pillow as this will hyperextend your neck causing tension and ...joint dysfunction. Firm or large pillows are big culprits of pushing heads/necks into odd positions. A soft and thin pillow (or no pillow!) is a better alternative for stomach sleepers. #stomachsleeper #thinpillow #spinehealth #chiropractor #ottawa @skikitkat thank you for being my model @ Ottawa, Ontario

I will say I’m grateful not having to navigate these times with kids, but I couldn’t help laugh at this one! Don’t forget to bring your kids in for a back-to-school checkup whether they are staying at home or going to school- in these high anxiety times, a spine that is moving well will make things easier on the nervous system- for both you and the kids!

Pillow Talk- When is it time to replace?? In general, a pillow should be replaced every 2 years. However, the old rule you get what you pay for applies to pillows as much to other products. If you buy a cheaper pillow, you will have to replace it more often. Here are a few things that you can do to see if your pillow needs replacing:... Fold the pillow in half, if it stays folded- time to replace Are you waking up with a stuffy nose? Pillows are prone to absorbing body oils, dead skin cells and hair which is the perfect environment for dust mites (it’s recommended to use pillow cases and even wash your pillow every 6 months or so) Are you waking up with neck pain, neck stiffness, shoulder pain or morning headaches? These are all indications that the pillow may (more than likely) need to be replaced! A family trick that we use? We write the month and year that we purchased the pillow on the label- that way we never have to guess how old it is! #pillowtalk #chiropractic #sleepbetter @ Ottawa, Ontario