The 90/90 Hamstring Stretch

A really good way to stretch the hamstrings. You can do it seated if you want. The best way is to lay on your back, raising that particular leg up, then straightening the bottom leg making 180 degrees total. Hence the 90/90. Everything connects to the low back, and having tight hamstrings will contribute to low back pain.



Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

"I Always Do Too Much Over The Holidays"

"Don't we all", you might say. Here's the scenario: stay late at work because more holiday orders, cook dinner, help junior with his math homework, get snow tires put on the car, get gifts for a number of people besides just the immediate family, call the driveway guy to see if he can shovel the steps in back too, make cookies for the Christmas party, and do as much as you can before the weekend because you have your husband's Christmas party and your son has a basketball tournament all weekend. All this on top of the usual things. Physically, it might be doable but add in the stress factor, and some neck pains, and it becomes very daunting. Try not to "over-do-it", your body will thank you later. Having a nice, comfy pillow waiting for you will help. Try one of arc4life's neck pillow, you'll be happy you did. Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Tips To Finally End Your Neck Pain!

When dealing with any condition, adding to that all the usual things going on in your life it can almost be overwhelming. Here’s some steps you need to take to solve the problem:

#1 - Put it on your goal list - look at this list daily so you are constantly reminded to beat this pain. #2 - Try different treatments - see your chiropractor, see an acupuncturist; if it doesn’t seem to be helping, find another one.
#3 - Believe you can get rid of the pain. It’s tough to see but some individuals have the mind-set of: “whoa is me”, I’ll have this pain forever…If that’s what you think then you will always have the pain.
#4 - Change your routine. Maybe a different pillow. Different activities. Different stretches. You name it…
#5 - Continue to talk about it and research it. The internet has come a long way fast; use it!

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Coffee Nap Anyone...?

What is a Coffee Nap. Basically it’s drinking your coffee quickly then taking a power nap… This gives the caffeine a chance to work, so after that power nap you are more alert. Don’t get me wrong I think it will still help to throw some cold water on your face when you wake up or even take a shower. These seem to be time tested helpers to wake you up. So don’t think you are going to jump out of bed ready to take on the world but it is something Japanesse researchers have found to be true.

All these new terms that are out there these days…tech neck, coffee nap, etc…

Additional Reading:

"Just Coffee, and lots of it"

Arc4life News

Coffee...A Nap...How about a Coffee Nap!



Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Size Does Matter: When It Come To Your Pillow...

Does the pillow for you head sometimes feel like this one? @#!!



Who wants a pillow that is too big or too small. The question often comes up when someone thinks they need a large pillow because they have a king size bed. The large traction pillow, for example, is proportionally bigger. That means it may be too big for your body. So let's say you are 5'9" and have a king size bed; you still want a standard or medium sized pillow. The medium is standard size by the way. You really don't want the large unless you're about 6'1" or so. The only caveat is if you are smaller in height than 6'1" and have a long neck; then maybe the large is for you?

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Is Your Pillow Finished?

I recently talked to someone who told me she thinks her pillow is worn out.  She said that she has started getting headaches like she did a few years ago.

I knew right away that she was right, she needs a new pillow.  When something like this happens, it's a tell tale sign your pillow is losing support.  I've talked to people that start to get tingling into their fingers, neck pain, or another symptom.  It's most likely the fact that the pillow haslost support, and instead of maintaining the ideal neck alignment, your neck is flattening out and pressure is accumulating on nerves.

Make it easy on yourself, and as soon as a symptom presents itself, get a new pillow.  It'll have the right support, and if it gets rid of headaches for three years, it's well worth it.

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Carpal Tunnel Pain Helped with Natural Pain Relief Gel, Study Shows

A recent study showed that biofreeze natural pain relief gel decreased chronic pain and symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by as much as 31%. The study conducted in Copenhagen Denmark studied the effects of a placebo cream vs biofreeze on workers in a slaughterhouse.

The Median nerve in the wrist contributes to carpal tunnel syndrome often. When the nerve becomes entrapped due to inflammation of the wrist tissues, a person can have resulting wrist and hand pain. Often people get this type of wrist pain with repetive movement or overusing their wrist.

One of the main ingredients in Biofreeze is menthol. It has helped patients also with arthritis in the knee, neck pain, and lower back pain. Mechanism is through cold therapy where the menthol activates cold receptors to decrease pain.

Source: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain Relieved by Topical Analgesic


Additional Reading:

• Biofreeze Gel, Biofreeze Roll On and Biofreeze Roll On
• Treat a muscle spasm using ice and biofreeze
• Treating Muscles Spasm in the neck or low back
• Cold Packs that Work
• Low Back Pain Relief

Like Arc4life on Facebook

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Here's a great neck exercise that a doctor shows us how to do. It will help to strengthen neck muscles and mobilize the neck. Do neck exercises, combined with using the pillow, combined also with neck traction, is the fastest way to make changes in the neck. Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Open Up Those Sinuses!

Sept 2014 I just saw Dr Oz showing the NetiPot for cleaning out your nose. I can't tell you the benefits of this. If you are doing it before bed, do it 10 minutes or so before because you'll probably need to blow your nose a few times... The pillow will help to open up those sinuses but if they're really clogged, try this. Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

"Better Than Pain Drugs"..."The Science of Acupuncture"

That's the title of this article and video I found at mercola.com.


This is pretty amazing...it's been around since B.C. times, and even though allopathic medicine has caused many more problems than acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine, we still lean heavily towards it...Anyway check it out...

 Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.  Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Keeping your Spine in Alignment Helps Boost your Immune System

            Your spinal cord and nervous system is the most important system in your body.  This is why it’s encased in bone.  Think about this, your central nervous system; it’s like the hard drive of your computer.  If it goes, you’re in big trouble.

            The CNS (Central Nervous System) consists of your brain and spinal cord.  This control center helps run your other body functions like your digestive system, circulatory system, and immune system, to name a few. 

            We could go on for days and elaborate on all the necessary functions and what kind of problems you can have if these body components are disturbed, but today I wanted to focus on the immune system.  This time of year when there are so many colds and viruses going around, it is of utmost importance you keep your body functioning at its best. 

            Studies have shown us that regular chiropractic adjustments boost your immune system up to 40%.  That’s where our cervical linear traction pillow comes in!  Just like an adjustment, this pillow helps improve neck posture and maintain healthy alignment.  This alignment is absolutely vital because if alignment is good, then there’s no unwanted stress on the nervous system.  Therefore, important body communications can be made at 100%; and that means your immune system will work at its best.  Putting pressure on the nerves disrupts things in the body and leads to poor health. 

            Take an active role in staying healthy this year.  Start by keeping your neck in prefect alignment, it is essential in keeping your body at its best. 

Additional Reading:

1 - Do you have arthritis in the neck?

2 - Not in the USA but want a good neck pillow...

3 - Here's what others have said.

4 - The Cervical Linear Traction Pillow on Amazon.com

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

I'm A Stomach Sleeper? Is The Pillow For Me?

The special "V" design of the pillow helps to hold one on their back.  Stomach sleeping isn't great for your neck.  I do see patients that sleep on their stomach, and they will be in periodically with the complaint of neck pain.

We don't have the range of motion we once did when we were 2 years old.  You know how you see babies on their belly all the time... For adults however, it is difficult to maintain a 90 degree turn of the neck for most of the night.

This is why those individuals will present every so often with a neck issue.  The traction pillow actually will help one stay on their back.  It is for back or side sleepers and has helped many with this issue.

Additional Reading:
1) By more get money off!
2) Pillow and the Testimonials...
3) Sleeping Neck Posture

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Sleep Hygiene - Whats That?

Sleep hygiene is just what the words imply...Essentially we want you to have good sleep habits.

Do you relax before bed? Don't be on the computer working right up until bed time.  Make sure you turn your mind down, maybe listening to relaxing music or taking a hot bath.

Is your room sleep friendly?  Is your bedroom dark and quiet, like it should be, or are there flashing lights and ring tones constantly going off?

Do you refrain from eating a lot before bed, and/or eating or drinking certain beverages.  An example may be coffee or caffeine, or maybe sugar.   If you have that hot fudge sunday, it's okay, just don't do it immediately before hitting the sack.

Do you go to bed at a similar time each night, and do you sleep a similar amount of time?  Going to bed and waking at all different times can really throw the body and therefore wreak havoc on the way you sleep.

Last, but not least, have you found a good pillow that lasts?  If not, try the Arc4Life traction pillow.  In other words, The Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow; you'll be happy you did...

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Are You Doing Crunches Correctly?

After doing certain exercises, such as crunches, many people complain about neck pain or discomfort. Oftentimes, this results from the way that they do these crunches. Most people do crunches by placing their hands over their ears or behind their heads and then bringing their heads towards their knees. However, in the process, they accidentally end up pulling by their neck as opposed to only using their abdominal muscles. This ends up causing the individual great pain and discomfort, and it can often discourage that person from exercising further.

         

Fortunately, this pain and discomfort in the neck during crunches can be avoided easily. Instead of pulling the neck forward with the hands behind the head, place your hands elsewhere. For example, cross them over your chest or place them gently over the ears. By doing so, you will prevent yourself from using your neck to pull yourself forward. Instead, you will focus on using your abdominal muscles and will get a better exercise overall. 

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Is It Normal To Use Different Pillows?

It is normal to use different pillows on different nights when you sleep? Many customers swear by their traction pillow, and won't use any thing else. Let's just say your spouse takes yours (An issue we've seen quite often actually), it won't kill you to go back to your old pillow. You may have to bunch it a bit more under your neck. Once you and your neck realize the support that should be there, it sometimes can be difficult. So bunch the pillow there, even roll a small towel up to get the neck roll. You can sometimes put this right in the pillow case.

The best thing however, is to just get another one. This way everyone is happy, and is ensured a good nights sleep.  Many times a pillow can cost you well over on hundred  dollars; that being said, the arc4life traction pillow is very affordable.  Chances are that you won't have to replace it very often, if at all, but if you do, it's not the end of the world...

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Healthy Seeds You May Have Heard About, But Are Still A Big Question Mark...

Healthy seeds:

Chia seeds - these guys are everywhere now. Early civilizations knew some of the great benefits, such as high fiber and protein. Theses guys are also great energy boosters. To eat them, just sprinkle over what your eating. I put a couple table spoons in a protein shake I make.

My mother-in-law gave us a couple different kinds, one was black and white, one was blackish. I've learned they may have slightly different qualities but very similar.

Hemp seeds - I remember seeing Woody Harrelson taunting hemp at one time. They make clothes and everything else out of hemp but let's talk about the seeds.

Known as a "complete protein", these seeds can also be added to anything. Another great thing is that they taste good too. In fact, adding any of these seeds to your yogurt or oatmeal gives some nice flavor.

Flax seeds - definitely high in fiber and omega 3's. These little guys are also know to have a good amount of magnesium. Lastly, let's not for get about lignan content and all of their antioxidant qualities.

I've now seen these in a pill form or actually in a bottle (flax seed oil). Knowing this, you can actually pour the oil right into you shake or juice.


Additional Reading Resources:

• I want More Sleep!
• Arc4Life's Blog...
• I live outside the U.S.
• Relieving painful muscles at home with the Theracane Massager Trigger Point Tool
• Neck and Shoulder Pain

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Why Did My Injection Only Give Me Temporary Relief?

Those injections are only a medication.  They are given in a stronger dose and possibly injected directly to the necessary area.  Like any other mediation it may wear off, your body becomes somewhat tolerant to it, inflammation returns, all of the above, and/or spinal misalignments may be the root cause.

Also, like any other medication, they should not be continuously given due to some nasty side effects.  Steroid injections often weaken the bone, which can end up being a worse condition than you are dealing with.  I recall years ago how the doctor may give a number of these shots every year.  I remember someone who had six in less than a year.  Now they actually only allow three per year.  This gives us a little warning not to abuse these shot but to use them to precipitate healing, which should be continued with another therapy.

More Reading:

• Steroid Shots In The Back
• Neck Pillows
• Pinched Nerve Pain?
• Medications for Neck Pain
• What to do if you have a Straight Neck

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief. Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Stretching For Neck Flexibility!

Keeping the neck muscles loose and limber is important for neck motion.  Just like any other muscle in the body, we also don't want extreme pain and stiffness.
Here's a doctor showing us a great neck stretch you can easily do.

Many of us sit at a desk, on a computer, most of the day.  Having some neck stretches we can do without even leaving your work station can be extremely valuable.


Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.


Additional Reading:
1. More Neck Stretches
2. Neck Stretches to Do At Work
3. How To Stretch Guide
4. All-In-One Neck Stretch
5. Fast & Easy Pain Reducing Stretches
  Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Now You Can See What Hunchback Posture Looks Like!

You may want to be as funny as Bob here, but you don't want his hunchback posture!

Happy 4th of July  !!

Check out Specials at Arc4life.com Just for America's Birthday

Additional Reading:

1. A Pillow that Helps HunchBack Posture
2. Tx options for neck pain and shoulder pain
3. What Kind of Posture Do You Have?
4. Have Good Health by Maintaining the Proper curves in your Spine
5. Neck and Shoulder pain in the Dental Profession

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.
    Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!

Discover How You Can Finally Sleep Better!

Always an important subject: getting better sleep.  Besides using a good Lin. gravity neck pillow, this short video will help you get better sleep...




Additional Reading:

• Poor Sleep Is not Good For Brain Cells, Study Shows
• For the best sleep possible, get a stand up pillow
• What to do for a pinched nerve in the neck when you cannot sleep because of the pain
• Not Getting to Bed On Time...
• Sleeping Comfortably on Your Back

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.   Bookmark this on Delicious Stumble It!