If you wake up with a sore stiff neck or a headache, your pillow may be the cause. A poor-fitting pillow can stress your neck all night while you sleep.  Rather than the neck being supported allowing it to relax, a poorly fitted pillow can put stress on your neck all night robbing the neck muscles of the needed rest and recovery it needs.  When lying on a well-fitted pillow you should feel not only that your head is supported but also your neck.  The support should be there while sleeping on your side or back.  There are a variety of excellent pillows available that can provide proper support in all sleeping postures.  Depending on your unique neck or back issues Dr. Swain can help you find the best pillow for you.  If you like bring your pillow in and Dr. Swain can assess it to see if it is providing the necessary support.