Do you take care of yourself as good as you could?...

We’ve talked in the past about the things you must do to improve and maintain your health. You must eat right, exercise, get proper rest, manage stress, and maintain your spine and nervous system.

If you sleep with a neck pillow you cover two out of the five. You can improve and maintain your spine as well as get a good night’s sleep.

The body does a lot of its maintenance and repair when it’s at rest WHEN YOU GO TO BED! A neck pillow has a neck roll that helps preserve and improve the natural C-curve of the neck. Your brain is the main control center and off of that stems the spinal cord and then off of that comes the nerves. You were created with curves in the spine that keep the cord relaxed and allow for the best flow of nervous system messages. Oh yeah, your brain and spinal cord are protected by bone, that’s how important they are! Just using a neck pillow like the Cervical Linear Traction Pillow will automatically improve your health.

Additional Reading Resources:

• The Arc4life Cervical Traction Neck Pillow
• Understanding the Bed Wedge's Multiple Uses
• Head Retraction Exercises for Forward Head Posture
• Proper Neck Alignment - What is the normal and abnormal for a neck curve?
• Top 3 Tips for Chronic Neck Pain Sufferers

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!

Amazon Testimonial #48 for Arc4life's Cervical Neck Pillow

Here it is, Amazon's Testimonial #48 for the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow:




"This is by far the most comfortable pillow I've used"

"After having trouble finding the right pillow and going through a number of mornings with stiff neck, I came across this pillow. This is a back sleeper pillow. What I like most about the pillow is the raised neck and shallow middle for my head. Most of the other pillows I've tried were either too soft and didn't have enough neck support, or were too firm and felt like I had my head tilted upwards. I even tried the memory foam, both normal and ergonomically shaped pillows. While the ergo memory foam pillow would have extra neck support which I wanted, I felt it was tall and stiff lifting my head up to high and exaggerating the curve of my neck. I would usually end up taking a softer pillow and scrunching it up behind my neck to add extra support without all the head elevation.

This pillow is almost 3 pillows (maybe 4) in one. The top main side (V shaped side) has the most neck support and bracing to help keep your head centered. If you rotate it 180 degrees, (so the V looks like an A) there is slightly less neck elevation/support if the V side is too extreme for you. If you prefer less neck elevation, flip the pillow over. The back side has a softer neck support area and but still has the shallow center for your head.

This is by far the most comfortable pillow I've used because of the neck support and shallow center for my head. If you're a back sleeper and can't find the right pillow to support your neck, try this out. "

- A.Forward, California 04/19/2010

The Cervical Traction Neck Pillow is currently available at Amazon.com and at Arc4life.com, under the category Neck Pillows > Traction for 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!

Sally and her stiff neck: Solutions for neck pain relief

My friend Sally was experiencing right sided neck pain. She could not bring her right ear to her right shoulder, or turn her head from sided to side. She had tried heat and even a neck massager, but nothing worked.

Solution: It appears that Sally has a muscle sprain/strain- she has pain in the neck plus decrease in range of motion in lateral flexion. She could have slept incorrectly, done repetitive motions (for example typing for a prolonged period of time) with her head in an awkward position, jerked her head in a uncomfortable way---- many many things that could have caused this. One solution would be try to take a hot shower and do some gentle stretches with her neck specifically: forward flexion (bringing her chin to her chest), bending her head to each side, and extending her head back. Sally should not do these to the point of pain- only to the point of feeling a stretch. Also, she should try to use biofreeze natural pain relieving gel for the muscle spasms in her neck. Finally, she should get a good cervical support neck pillow for sleeping so that she can sleep with her head and neck properly supported- try a traction pillow.

How to reduce the chances of getting a stiff neck...

A Stiff Neck.... Horrible especially when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is going to be one painful day. You are stiff, your neck hurts, you cannot turn your head, even brushing your teeth hurts. We get questions about how to treat a stiff neck all the time. Today, I want to talk about how to reduce the chances of getting a stiff neck. I speak from experience and from emails that i have received from customers in pain...

1. Don't use too many pillows when you sleep - It is not healthy to sleep with 3-4 pillows under your neck. Why would you do that? The goal is not to read in bed, but to SLEEP comfortably in your bed. Plus it puts your neck in an uncomfortable position, creating tension in the muscles and nerve irritation
   
2. Don't sleep on your stomach or in an awkward position - Granted some nights you have had a few extra drinks, maybe your passed out wherever you ended up- Lying on the couch or sprawled out on your bed on your stomach is not healthy for your neck. If you put your neck in that twisted position for 8 hours (maybe longer), you are putting undue pressure on your neck structures and your head. Furthermore, sleeping on your stomach distorts the pelvis and results in excessive strain on the joints, muscles and nerves of your lower back.
   
   
3. Finally, treat sleep as an important part of your day- With proper sleep comes proper rest and healing for your body. Is is worth it for you to take a few extra steps to make sure your body is ready for a good nights sleep? I think so- its better than being in pain all day, not being able to check your blind spot, that's for sure.
   So get a good neck pillow to start. One solution is to get a good neck pillow for sleeping. Try to get a pillow with an indentation in the middle (this is where your head will rest). A good cervical support pillow and will put your neck into the proper position for sleeping, on your side or on your back. Then even if you do toss and turn, your neck will not be sore and stiff in the morning. So first things first, get a good cervical support pillow. Check out the cervical traction neck pillow at http://www.arc4life.com/ for a start. Here is great news article about how to choose the right neck pillow for you. Finally, think about doing some neck stretches in the morning. Cervical exercises are good for posture, keeping your neck flexible, and maintaining good range of motion.
   
   

Pain in the neck causes Andy Roddick to sit game out

CINCINNATI (Reuters) - Andy Roddick's, master tennis player had to call it quits at the Cincinnati Masters because of neck pain on Tuesday.

Said Roddick "I fell asleep last night and woke up with the lights still on,"

"I kind of passed out and I'm guessing I was in the wrong position."

"I woke up this morning with something in my neck and shoulder and any kind of activity is causing it to flare up. It's kind of a helpless feeling."

Even great athletes like Andy Roddick have neck pain flare up's every once in a while (even with the best trainers, chiropractors, and massage therapists at their fingertips !). So lets give Andy a little advice about how to deal with his neck pain.

It appears Mr.Roddick has a gentle muscle sprain/strain- pain in the neck plus decrease in range of motion in all motions. Sleeping in an incorrect position puts great stress on your neck muscles, upper shoulders, and face. The neck needs to be in a proper position when sleeping- on your back or on your side. Sleeping on one's stomach is not the best idea- this can crank your neck into a very uncomfortable position causing neck pain and muscle spasm.

Here are some simple tips to combat this neck pain: Try to take a hot shower and do some gentle stretches with your neck specifically: forward flexion (bringing your chin to your chest), bending your head to each side
, and extending your head back. You do not want to do any of these to the point of pain- only to the point of feeling a stretch. Also, try to use biofreeze natural pain relieving gel for the muscle spasms in your neck.

Finally, get a good cervical support neck pillow for sleeping so that you can sleep with your head and neck properly supported- try a traction pillow. Try neck exercises that include neck stretching and neck strengthening. A proper cervical support pillow for your neck- it can make a big difference.

The wonderful news is that Mr.Roddick will bounce back with full recovery- and continue to be an unbelievable tennis player that is already is !

Picture Source: Flickr JGirl4858

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End Neck Pain By Improving Posture - How Proper Posture Improves Your Spine Relieving Nerve Pressure

How does posture have anything to do with neck pain?--Neck pain comes from pressure on the nerves. How does this happen?--Usually pressure from a misaligned neck spine. When your spine is misaligned (some call that subluxated) it does not move like it should and in turn creates inflammation in that area. Either out-of-alignment spinal vertebrae (spinal bones) put direst pressure on nerves or the inflammation, or built up degeneration causes the pressure.

The most common misaligned postural pattern in the neck that will result in neck pain, stiffness and lack of mobility is forward head carriage. This is when the head posture is forward of the shoulders and almost always reveals loss of the normal neck alignment or curvature.

In the neck spine we should have a well defined neck C-curve of approximately 40-60 degrees. Anything less and there is unwanted pressure on the nerves. Pain is often a sign that there is pressure on the nervous system but not all of that system is designed to feel pain so you may be pain free yet still have improper alignment.

With people today, more than ever we are seeing a misaligned neck posture of the neck curve flattening or straightening and protruding out forward. One of the reasons is that more and more people these days are on computers for long hours. Many jobs now require you to be on a computer continually, and even the people without a desk job are on the computer for hours on end; nights, weekends, mornings, you name it.

Also, more people are on the road driving. When driving, the majority of people’s heads, over the time traveling, drift forward. Some people are affected worse than others. Just recently I looked to my left while at a light and the woman next to me had both hands on the wheel with what looked like a death grip, and she just looked like her muscles were extremely tense and her head was about 6 inches forward of her shoulders. These are just a couple examples, others are: Poor sleeping habits, holding a phone on your shoulder for long periods, reading or studying with your head down often, etc...

Guilty of some of these examples or often suffer from neck pain?

Here's how to improve your neck posture-

1. Postural exercises for the neck
   
2. Eliminating bad posture as much as possible
   
3. A good support neck pillow for sleeping.

These to do's all help correct and maintain the proper alignment of the spine. Our spines are ergonomically built to withstand the forces of gravity. When looking at an individual from the front or back, the spine is straight should be up and down. From the side however we have distinct curvatures that are there for a reason – so our spinal cord is relaxed with no tension and our nerve roots coming off the spinal cord have no pressure and interference. Our spine is at it’s strongest position with this alignment as well. And don’t forget, why is it important we are in optimal alignment? Not only because it is the most beneficial for strength of our spine but because it is the healthiest position as well. Putting any pressure on nerves will decrease the bodies ability to perform at it’s maximum. Any pressure on nerves decreases your body's function and therefore health.

The best postural exercise to eliminate forward head posture are Head Retractions. Pretend your head is on a sliding track and pull your head back keeping it level. For example sit fully back against a wall or chair pull your head straight back without tilting or extending your head until you touch the wall, top of chair or headrest in your car.

Eliminate forward head posture as much as possible. Notice if your head is drifting forward; usually you may feel strain in the muscles of the back of your neck. Read with books propped up against something, take periodic breaks when working on the computer or driving for long periods. Sit up staighter, and keep your head up-right.

At night, you can not only protect yourself from poor posture but also can literally improve it as well, while you sleep. If you use a good support pillow like the Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow you can correct neck posture while resting comfortably. Sleeping on your back or side is perfectly fine. Stomach sleeping is not good because you have to crank your head to on side or another to breathe. Individuals who commonly sleep on their stomachs will find themselves waking up often with a sore, stiff, painful neck.

Be more aware of your posture. Poor posture means a poor spine and therefore pressure on nerves that will not only just cause neck pain but can cause other problems as well. The easiest way to start improving neck pain and neck posture is to use the proper neck pillow. The Cervical Linear Traction Pillow can be found at www.arc4life.com.

Dr Matt Bellinger is a Chiropractor in Connecticut. He has written many articles on how to easily and naturaly relieve pain, and has helped hundred of patients in his clinic end their neck and back pain. Visit Dr. Bellinger's Site at www.ctbackdr.com.

Choosing the right neck pillow for your needs....

Choosing the RIGHT neck pillow can be very difficult, especially with the vast array of neck pillows available online today. At Arc4life, we specialize in finding the right neck pillow for your needs. What are you looking for in your neck pillow? Are you looking for a neck pillow that will give you pain relief, support, traction or headache relief ? Maybe you are looking for a neck pillow that you can use for travel? Every one has a different medical history, and their needs will be different accordingly. If you are looking for a good support neck pillow, try the linear gravity neck pillow.


Support Neck Pillow

The linear gravity neck pillow is an excellent choice for support. This neck pillow is available in three sizes- small, medium and large. Someone who is of height of less than 5 feet, or of a petite frame may want to consider this neck pillow. Incidentally, this neck pillow also makes a great travel pillow because it will fit into your carry on luggage.


Traction Neck Pillow

If you have been diagnosed with a "military" neck, or loss of cervical lordosis in your cervical spine, then consider the Cervical traction neck pillow. This neck pillow has a dual purpose- it serves to give traction to the neck, stretches the neck muscles and providing the curve back into your neck. The other side of this neck pillow serves as a great support pillow.


Travel Neck Pillow

Perhaps you are a frequent flier. A good travel neck pillow will now allow you to sleep upright without straining your neck to the side or going back wards. You want a neck pillow that is affordable, comfortable, easty to pack and simple to care for. Often these travel neck pillows will be u-shaped making them very versatile.


Memory Foam Neck Pillow

A foam neck pillow is composed of polyurethane with additional chemicals that add to its viscosity level, thereby increasing its density. It is often referred to as visco-elastic polyurethane foam. Depending on the chemicals used and its overall density, it is firmer in cool temperatures and softer when warm. Higher density memory foam reacts to body heat which allows it to mould itself to the shape of a warm body within a few minutes. A lower density memory foam is pressure-sensitive and will mould more quickly to the shape of the body. Consider the Mid Size Memory Foam Neck Pillow.


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Choosing the right neck pillow for the best sleep possible

There are many different types of neck pillows available. We often get phone calls to our office to help customers and patients decide which pillow is best for them.

• Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow- The Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow offers superior comfort, promotes good posture, provides proper neck support while you sleep, and is non-allergenic. Provide neck traction if you have a military neck, little or no curve in your neck. If you are looking for stretching your neck while you sleep, then this traction neck pillow is for you. The traction neck pillow has helped patients who have degenerative disc disease, a bulging or herniated disc, neck pain after a whiplash accident or chronic neck pain. This neck pillow does take a while to get used to, but well worth for the relief of neck pain. Click here for more information
  
  
• The Linear Gravity Neck Pillow- Available in 3 sizes: small, medium and large. This neck pillow is a great support neck pillow. The linear gravity neck pillow aligns your head, neck and spine and supports your neck and head the proper way. This neck pillow can be used while you sleep on your back or on your side. This eliminates or reduces painful stiff neck and stressed neck and shoulder muscles. It can even alleviate the pain from fibromyalgia. Click here for more information
  
  
• The Tri Core Neck Pillow- Another good support neck pillow made out of fiber- available in 2 settings: Gentle and Firm. This is high quality Cervical Support Neck Pillow that cradles your neck in its most natural and neutral position. Click here for more information
  
  
• The Aqua Core Water Support Neck Pillow- The AquaCore neck pillow can be used to accommodate and help relieve neck pain, help correct the cause of pain and help maintain your neck in its proper position, ensuring good health. As a fiber pillow, the AquaCore helps relieve pain and discomfort by conforming to and stabilizing an existing condition. Add the Comfort Chamber with moderate to plenty of water or the Cervical Insert to help restore the natural curve of your neck, which helps reduce neck pain, headaches and snoring. Combine the Comfort Chamber and Cervical Insert to help maintain the body in its proper, natural state. The Water Displacement Panel on the aqua core neck pillow quiets the sound of the water giving you a peaceful night's sleep. It also provides you with mild support by allowing the water to better conform to the shape of your neck, helping to reduce headaches and snoring. Fiber chambers enhance your sleep. The dual Fiber Chambers enhance your sleeping experience when using the Therapeutic Comfort Chamber or Cervical Insert. Sleep on the Low Loft Fiber Chamber for gentle support or on the High Loft Fiber Chamber for an increased level of support. The aqua core neck pillow is particularly good for patient who have headaches. The cervical insert helps to restore and maintain your head and neck in their most natural positions. Use it with or without the Therapeutic Comfort Chamber to help reduce headaches and snoring. Click here for more information
  
  
• Air Core Adjustable Tri Core Pillow- The popular Tri-Core Neck Pillow is now available with convenient air pump adjustability. Give yourself the flexible neck support you need with an easy squeeze of the pump. The second lobe provides traditional fiber support. Reduce or eliminate the time needed to adjust to a neck cervical pillow. Dimensions: 24"x16" (61cm x 41cm).Click here for more information
  
  
• Headache Ice Pillow with Gel Pack- This headache ice pillow can be used for many purposes. It can be used to target migraine and tension headaches. Allows you to use medically recommended ICE PACK (cold pack) for those acute painful conditions or gives you the chance to just relax. The cold will help to decrease muscle spasm and inflammation. It also supports the neck and helps restore the proper neck curvature. Ideal for traveling. You can use it for reading, treatment, therapy, or sleeping.Click Here for more information