#1 - Don't go to a chiropractor.

#2 - Consider not using a pillow at all.

If things are going numb, go to your Neurologist!!!

Neck pain can be disks, nerves and muscles so try to differentiate to inform the doctors. You can find information only to help you try to figure where the pain is.  I am requesting an x-ray and MRI of my neck and left shoulder area.  My neck causes headaches and pain near the bra strap from holding my head up.  It sucks!  Let you know what I find out after the tests. My rheumy thinks its muscle related, I think it is nerve and disk related. We'll see who is right.  If I hit the nerve, like during a massage, it sends me thru the roof!  I also have a weird fluttering sensation in my ears/head that happens when i move my neck a certain way.

I use a memory foam pillow.  I bought a king size so I can use under my neck or hips if I need too.  Also sometime the best things for me is to not use a pillow at all it gives me the most relief and if I am hurting at least I am not fighting the pillow too.

I have been using a air pillow for quite some years with good effect. You can inflate it with air just upto the tougness you want it to be. It can serve as a very firm and hard pillow when you feel like using one. You can half fill it to have a desired level of softness in the pillow as per the  condition of pain at material time. Hope it helps you.

Obviously my pillow isn't working and this thread is so timely for me! 2.5 weeks ago I began experiencing horrible neck pain & it was after seeing a physical therapist for neck pain. I was sent to PT because I couldn't turn my neck more than 10 degrees. The PT put me on a traction machine almost all 12 sessions. For the past 16 days I've been in so much discomfort and pain that I cannot sleep.

I feel as though PT has been a mistake. [see MRI results below]  On Wed [08/28/10], I awakened unable to move and in severe pain. I couldn't lift my head due to pain, plus my my left arm is numb down to my fingers and hand. The pain extends down my back to sciatica to my leg. Three toes on my left foot go numb if I stand or walk for a long period.

I've been miserable and the only thing that seems to help is ice. I'm on heavy pain meds, an increased dose of Neurontin, a Medrol dose pack, Lidoderm pain patches, and a variety of pain relief rubs - Icy Hot, BioFreeze and so on. I also have a TENS unit. Needless to say, I missed work. The worst part of all of it is that I missed the first 3 days of classes at the university where I teach.

[The cervical MRI from March '10 showed advanced disc disease, 4 bone spurs, arthritis at all levels, a disk bulge at C3-4. A previous MRI showed compression & a herniated disk at C5-6. An older MRI showed multi-level degenerative disc disease with nerve and cord pressure in the lumbar and cervical spine.]

Some of you may remember that I was told I don't have AS, only Fibromyalgia and that only men get AS. I have an appt with a AS-knowledgeable rheumatologist in Nov. Sorry for such a long response!

I have the same problem. One thing that gave me most relief was when I started getting Dry needle treatment from my PT. I also use memory foam pillow as well, but, didn't feel much relief from that.

I have been having pain in my neck and shoulder area since last year. I also noticed that every time I move my neck I hear all kinds of weird noises, like cracking. I told that to my Rheumatologist, and He had x-rays taken of my cervical area. Apparently my neck (vertebrae) is almost bone on bone and one vertebrae moves over another. He told me to be careful when driving, in case of an accident. He also told me to use a  cervical collar whenever I feel pain in my neck. I have gone to bed this last year with my collar on, since I noticed if I didn't wear it to bed, I would wake up with a headache and more discomfort.
I also use a orthopedic pillow.
I also place a "Lidoderm Patch" on my neck/shoulder area for the pain. It's not available over the counter,need a Dr. Prescription.
This is what I have to go through with my neck/shoulder pains, all part of AS.
Hoping this helps you with your question. Wishing you a pain-free week-end..

I bought one of those memory foam pillows - the expensive ones, not the ones in Walmart.  I put the thickest part of the pillow under my neck and try to lean my head back.

Have you tried a neck roll?

I have around 8 different pillows and use whatever mix is right at the time, the no of pillows and hight all depends on how my neck is at the time. Currently I have a good soft but firm base pillow and a thich soft feather one I put on top. As with so many aspects of the management of AS it is down to trial and error, good luck

I have been having alot of pain in the neck too.  I always think it is due to the weather.  I have the same pillow i think.  That's what i use too.  I just down the ibuprofen and pray.  I am so sorry for your pain.  I do know how you feel tho.

You shouldn't be using any pillow! If your neck fuses, you want to fuse straight up, not bent forward,