A Deeper Look at Cervical Neck Traction Systems

What is the Difference between the Pronex Cervical traction Unit and the Posture Pump 1000?

Pronex Cervical Traction Unit
Summary
The Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction unit is special because it cradles the reclining patient's head and neck on two soft foam cushions. One cushion supports the occiput (base of the head) and the other rests against the upper trapezius (upper shoulder area). An air-inflated bellows between them and provides more than 20 lbs of continuously adjustable traction. As the bellows expands, it lifts the head upward supporting the cervical curve and maintaining an even distraction (stretch) in the anterior (front) and posterior (back) cervical discs. Patients have total control over the amount of traction applied. Squeezing an inflator bulb increases the pressure, a release knob gently reduces it. There's no strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Type of traction:
The Pronex Pneumatic Cervical tractin unit provides an even distraction in the anterior and posterior cervical discs

Amount of Pounds of Pressure that can Be Applied:
With the Pronex traction unit, An air-inflated bellows between them is capable of providing up to 35 lbs of continuously adjustable traction.
Sizes Available:
Regular, Large, X-Large
What are the Pronex Sizes: :

Regular	14" to 16" neck	Regular fits 65% of the general population and most women.
Large	17" to 18" neck	Large fits 33% of the general population and most men.
Wide	19" to 21" neck	Wide fits 2%. It is for patients with necks like football players.

• Most women of typical height, weight and neck size, 14" - 16" will be comfortable in a Regular. When in doubt, order the Large size.
  
• Most men of typical height, weight and neck size, 17" - 18", will be comfortable in a Large. When in doubt, order the Large size.
  
• An individual, man or woman, having large shoulders and neck, or having a "bull" or short neck, usually a neck size greater than 18", will likely be most comfortable using a Wide Pronex.

Do the devices allow for relaxation of the muscles around the temporomandibular joint and the posterior cervical region?
Yes
Indications for use:

• Pain or stiffness when moving neck
  
• Numbness in hand(s) or arm(s)
  
• Tingling in hand(s) or arms(s)
  
• Weakness in hand(s) or arms(s)
  
• Pain or numbness in shoulders
  
• Pain or numbness in chest
  
• Pain between shoulders
  
• Muscle spasms in neck or shoulders

For More Information:
Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction System


Pronex Cervical Traction System, Click here for more information

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Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000

Summary
The Posture Pump® Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000 is a unique and simple looking device which can be inflated to extend and stretch the cervical spine. It can be localized low, mid or upper cervical spine. The Cervical Traction Posture Pump carefully lifts and separates the neck and back joints in a unique way. Traction, hanging devices, massage units, vibrators, special pillows and regular exercise cannot. Special expanding air cells angled into the spine activate the "bellows or sponge-like" function of the discs, producing a warm, relaxed feeling through the neck and back. Patented up and down motion reinforces the spine's natural "c" curve shape and promotes joint lubrication, joint nutrition, flexibility and the correct posture.
Amount of Pounds of Pressure that can Be Applied:
An air-inflated bellows between them is capable of providing up to 8 PSI
Sizes Available:
The Posture Pump Neck Traction Unit comes in only one Size
Do the devices allow for relaxation of the muscles around the temporomandibular joint and the posterior cervical region?
Yes
Do the devices allow for relaxation of the muscles around the temporomandibular joint and the posterior cervical region?
If you have TMJ weakness or pain, relocate the restraint into forward open slots and remove the chin restraints
For More Information:
Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000

Posture Pump 1000 Information, Click Here for more information

Please consult with a medical professional prior to using any neck traction device

What is the importance of traction?

Simply, To correct the 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 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. This is important for the cervical (neck) spine as well as for the lumbar (low back) spine. Putting any pressure on nerves will decrease the bodies ability to perform at it’s maximum. Any pressure on nerves decreases your health.

The best way to examine if your spine is in proper alignment is through x-ray but looking at one’s posture can often be a dead give away of poor spinal alignment and positioning.

There are also very common misalignments and postural patterns that are seen in a large segment of the population as well as people with certain occupations as well as spinal malalignments that run in families.

Arc4life is proud to offer traction systems and products for pain relief for the Cervical Spine, as well as for the Lumbar spine.

Neck Traction Systems offered:

Pronex Pneumatic Neck Cervical Traction Unit
Cervical Traction Posture Pump 1000

More about the difference between these two neck traction systems later...

The International Neck Pillow

We are proud to ship our neck pillow internationally all over the world, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Ireland...(just to name a few). Our international customers are very happy with the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow- and we recently received this testimonial:

"Just wanted to let u know that I had a cervical anterieur dissectomie due to a prolapsed disc pressing on a root nerve. The cervical pillow helped me to rest my neck in a proper position before the operation; and the pillow is now also helping me after the ops......I just can' t sleep without it, it as definitely improved my posture and more importantly I wake up without pain. Many many thanks.!"
Carol. S,
London, United Kingdom

Our Cervical Traction Neck Pillow has been sent to many far away countries- Thank goodness for the US Postal Service !

• Galway, Ireland
  
• South Australia, Australia
  
• Regio Emilio, Italy
  
• San Fernando, Trinidad
  
• Odder, Denmark
  
• Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada
  
• Alesund, Norway
  
• Arygll, United Kingdom
  
• Banff(Alberta), Canada
  

Good Morning America...Cervical Traction Neck Pillow makes it on air

Well, its official, our Cervical Traction neck pillow has made its debut on the Abc's Good Morning America television program. Monday (July 31, 2007) Afternoon at 2:00 pm a producer from ABC called our offices and asked we could ship two cervical traction neck pillows immediately to their offices. Well, that was kinda of impossible because we are located in Central Connecticut. So at 4:30 that afternoon, a driver came and picked up the pillows. On the show, they showed several different type of pillows and in the last 10 seconds the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow was shown....Arc4life was overjoyed and honoured to be a part of their pillow news story !

The Dreadful Unwanted Muscle Spasm and one Researchers Story

Recently Mr. Dhaliwal presented to our office with left sided neck and upper back pain. Mr. Dhaliwal is a researcher who uses his computer quite a bit. He doesn't realize it but he when he types he keeps his shoulders up in a scrunched up manner and looks down at his keyboard at hours on end (doing research). He is also under a lot of stress at work to complete deadlines and this definitely does not help the situation. After a consultation and examination it was found that Mr. Dhaliwal was having muscle spasms of the neck and upper back muscles.
What exactly is a muscle spasm, you may ask? A Muscle Spams is an involuntary contraction of a muscle or a muscle group. It is often very painful. Many times a muscle spasm keeps a muscle's motor unit continuously firing. This motion of continuous flexion of the neck (looking down) can have a negative effect on the soft tissue and nerves of the neck and shoulder region. It is suggested to our patient that he take frequent breaks to stretch your neck as often as possible.
Without sufficient movement, over time, nerve supply flowing from the neck to the arms can be obstructed and lead to tingling or numbness in the arms and fingers and eventually, headaches. Just as there is a continuous flow between the fluids on a cellular level, there is also a certain natural flow, similar to electricity, within the nervous system. Whenever there is an obstruction of the nerve flow, the part of the body that is supplied by that nerve does not function at its fullest potential.
Because Mr. Dhaliwal is in acute pain today, one of the first things we do is use an ice pack for 10 minutes in the upper back and neck. We use a 9 x 16 tri-sectional ice pack because this will cover his upper back and neck area well.
We follow this up with the application of Biofreeze- a natural pain relieveing gel that works effectively on muscle spasms. Pressure is put on the upper trapezius as well as muscles of the neck with the Biofreeze similar to a deep tissue massage.
It is also suggested that Mr. Dhaliwal take more breaks during the day. The simple activity of standing up and walking can stimulate nerve flow and allow his muscles to relax. Simple stretches for the trapezius muscle are also suggested; To stretch the trapezius muscles you drop your arms to your sides and slowly rolling your shoulders in a circular motion. You can also gradually add light hand weights and gently raising the shoulders upwards towards your ears. This will allow the muscles to eventually become stronger. Strong muscles reinforce and support the joints, and the neck consists of many joints between the individual vertebrae. Mr. Dhaliwal agrees that this stretch is very simple, something he can incorporate into his day.

Finally, gentle cervical traction is also suggested. By placing a cervical roll or medium sized, rolled up towel under his neck, he can help relax the neck and shoulder muscles. Doing traction to his neck will support the cervical curve and increase the nerve and blood supply. Here is an example of a cervical roll: The Jackson Roll

Why is the C-Curve so Important In Your Neck?

X-rays are a very important tool for looking at your spine- When looking at a front view X-ray of your neck (cervical spine) and low back (lumbar spine), the spinal bones (vertebrae) must be straight up and down. The bones must not be rotated nor tilted and no curvatures (scoliosis) should be present.

The side view X-ray must reveal three 63-degree arcs- 3 "C" Curves. The most important arc is in the neck (cervical spine) and should range between 34 and 43 degrees between C1 and C7 (the first and last cervical vertebrae). This cervical arc is known as the “Arc of Life” because mental life impulses travel directly from the brain down this part of the spinal cord to bring life to the rest of the body. Losing your Arc of Life causes the most severe obstruction to the brain, spinal cord and nerves, also known as the Central Nervous System (CNS)

If your CNS is unhealthy, you cannot become truly healthy by exercising or eating right alone. You can be healthier, but you cannot be at “normal” or optimal. Any “abnormal” position of the spine, misalignment of the bones, or any changes in these curves indicate a serious problem. It is absolutely vital to understand this point--any changes from “normal” will interfere with and eventually damage the Central Nervous System. Interference and damage to the Central Nervous System will always result in “abnormal” function of the body, improper healing, and poor, abnormal, or less than optimal health.

“ … Posture affects and moderates every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production.”

--C. Norman Shealy, MD, Roger K. Cady, MD, et al; APJM, 1994, Vol.4p. 36
Normal Neck Curve


When bones of the spine lose their normal position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels to the head can be affected. When spinal nerves and related tissues are stretched or irritated they can symptoms such as headaches and neck pain. Aspirin and medication may cover up these warning signs, but do not correct the underlying structural cause. Many patients with neck pain have lost the normal forward curve in the neck. Ultimately, this can affect the brain stem and spinal cord.

Loss of Normal Neck Curve- Loss of Neck Curve: The MILITARY NECK

The perfect neck pillow for an airplane journey

This weekend we were travelling to Phoenix, Arizona. We were sitting on the airplane trying to catch a few minutes of sleep for the very long long journey. The older woman next to my husband kept drifting forward and to the left side (onto my husbands shoulder actually)- she awoke many times and looking very uncomfortable. This is typically what happens when he gets the middle seat. My husband is very nice person, and so he just shrugged his shoulders and let woman use him as a pillow. The smart travellers (the seasoned travellers- the ones who were the first to stand in the Southwest A line) I duly noted had this special U shaped pillow- they looked the most comfortable. I was looking on, quite envious wishing I had thought of bringing my travel pillow with me. Some people just think of everything !

And here we have the Travel Core Memory Foam Pillow- perfect for home or traveling on the airplane. The Viscoelastic foam responds to body heat and therefore better conform to the special shape of your particular head and neck. This neck pillow helps support your head and neck so you can relax. You can use with the lobes down for support while seated. Use with the lobes up or down for support while lying down. For me this pillow’s compact size makes it very easy to transport. Next time, I will pack and take my sleeping arranagements on the airplane a lot more seriously.