<p>I’m a vocalist and I find that my neck sometimes feels achy and tense (I dont think it’s from singing since I’ve been lazy about practicing this past month or so! :o woops! ) However, I’ve been thinking about investing in a quality, memory foam pillow with an arch around the neck area for support, since I’ll admit that the pillows I use arent the best quality. Does anyone think investing in one would be helpful? What else could possibly attribute to achiness in the neck (lack of sleep, diet, etc?) Thanks all.</p>
<p>Honestly, a really soft & fluffy down/feather pillow usually does the trick for me better than memory foam. I guess it’s all about personal preference though. Definitely try something different (memory foam or not) if you feel as though your poor-quality pillow is contributing to a tense neck or lack of sleep. Also, be smart when you practice. If you’re experienced enough, you can tell when you’re doing it right and when something is a little bit off. If your voice gets tired, give it some rest. A well-balanced diet also helps maintain vocal (& general) health, especially if you avoid eating too much junk food.</p>
<p>Also note: Down pillows give some people allergies, so make sure you’re not one of those people if you end up choosing it over foam.</p>
<p>I would try visiting a chiropractor. Try to find one that’s compatible with your health insurance, and try to find one that’s gentle. There are gentle chiropractors and there are chiropractors who think they need to do pyrotechnics, something dramatic. Ask around in your town before making an appointment.</p>
<p>aparente001-I was also thinking about trying a chiropractor or a masseuse for some immediate relief.</p>
<p>27dreams- My diet is pretty strict: 8 oz. plain lowfat yogurt, piece of fruit, 1 oz. oatmeal for breakfast, 8 oz salad, 4 oz protein, 6 oz vegetables for lunch, and the same for dinner, so I havent ate junk food in a few months. </p>
<p>I think I might try getting one, for my own comfort if anything! I let you guys know how it turns out 
thanks for the responses :)</p>
<p>Finding good pillows may help. Massage has been found to be good therapy for people with bad backs, latest medical report was that massage is often as effective or more effective then meds for back pain and such. Another suggestion if you have chronic neck pain try an osteopath, they are the full equivalent of an MD but also are trained in techniques to re-align bones and muscle (my family doctor is an osteopath).</p>
<p>Sometimes it’s not the pillow that’s the problem, it’s the mattress. You could try turning the mattress over or maybe a memory foam topper.</p>
<p>When I get a crick in my neck I use a heating pad for immediate relief.</p>
<p>jab211: Do you have problems with TMJ also? Tension is a major problem with singers so learning how to cope and relieve it is necessary tool. Be careful of massage because the release of “toxins” can cause yet more problems,so see what kind of massage (there are many) your voice teacher recommends.Moist heat can also provide relief.
A good pillow can make morning a lot easier to face, so investigate a few different types. I finally found my “perfect fit” by visiting a mattress store and getting ideas there; I picked out one with shredded memory foam and fibers and miss it terribly when I am traveling and can’t haul it with me! They are NOT inexpensive, but can be worth every penny!</p>
<p>Everybody is different, of course, but you might try a buckwheat pillow. I started using one about ten years ago, and ever since, I’ve had no neck problems. This advice was given to me by my dance teacher. I remember the first night I tried it, I thought it seemed a bit strange, a little hard maybe, but now I am never without it. I have a big one on the bed and a smaller one for travel.</p>
<p>I’m not a singer, but my H and I both have those contoured pillows. His is memory foam, from Kohls. Mine is a bit thinner, from J C Penneys. I actually like H’s better. He got his first, and it has really cut back on his snoring! I got mine because of a problem with my neck. I sleep like a rotisserie chicken and I love the way you turn the pillow for different sleep positions.</p>
<ul>
<li>Rotisserie Chicken*. Binx??! I love it! That must mean that I’m a slab of ribs or a canned ham,because I never move at all once asleep!</li>
</ul>
<p>LOL…I sleep like a rotisserie chicken</p>
<p>That will make a great sig line.</p>