What Is Cervical Radiculopathy And How Can My Pillow Help?

Radiculopathy refers to pressure on a nerve root causing decreased function of that nerve root and its associated communication pathway. Individuals with cervical radiculopathy may present with pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand.

Whether the cause of the nerve pressure is due to a disc injury, spinal degeneration, muscle strain and inflammation, or a subluxation of a neck vertebrae, a neck pillow can help.

Putting the neck back into adequate alignment will allow for the body to function normally. Normal, healthy alignment is designed in such a way that the nerve roots exit off of the spinal cord out of the spine with no pressure. When a segment of the spine or a disc between the bones of the spine is altered or slides out of position, it allows for possible pressure to our nerves.

Our cervical support pillows will help correct misalignments. Putting the spine back in place allows the discs to be held in better position as well.


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


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Stop Snoring by Using a Neck Pillow

Not only is the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow good at relieving neck pain, if you’re a snorer you may notice it helps that too. The traction pillow does take pressure off of nerves, that’s how it helps with pain relief, which can sometimes help snoring too. You must know, nerves go everywhere in the body, including your sinuses. So keeping the sinuses working at their best will help.

But more importantly …

In this case, the neck roll restores the neck curvature which takes pressure off of nerves in the neck, but also it actually opens up the sinus pathways. The reason we sometimes snore is that the nasal passageways become obstructed. It is more common on your back. If you sleep on your back on the traction pillow it will open up those pathways by putting the normal neck curve back in the neck.


So, if you are looking for a snoring cure, look to using a good neck pillow.


Additional Reading Resources:

• Why Adequate Neck Support While You Sleep Is Vital To Stop Neck Pain
  
• The Neck Pain Relief Kit
  
• Stop Snoring in 2 simple steps
  
• Help Me! My husband Snores and I Cannot Sleep!!!
  
• Counting Sheep to Fall Asleep, Does it Work?
  

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!

Can I Get My Traction Pillow In A Smaller Size?

Arc4life's cervical linear traction neck pillow is one of the most popular neck pillows on the market today. It helps with a variety of symptoms such as neck pain, neck ache, stiff neck, herniated disc, bulging disc- it provides for a more comfortable and quality sleep.




The traction pillow really only comes in a medium or standard size. The dimensions are 20 inches by 26 inches. Well I won’t say that any longer, we now also offer a large size traction pillow (21"x33") too. Unfortunately it does not come in a small because to make the “V” section we need more room and space for material. If someone is shorter than about 5’1” or has a very short neck we recommend the linear gravity small pillow. If someone is taller than 6’2” the large traction or large linear gravity may be a better support.

That being said, the majority will find that the standard size traction pillow will be the right fit for them. If for some reason it’s uncomfortable at first, start using the other side which is the support side.

Additional Reading Resources

• Need a Pain-in-the-Neck Cure? Arc 4 Life’s Soft-Yet-Effective, Polyester-Filled (Non-Memory-Foam), Cervical Linear Traction Pillow
  
• What Is the Best Neck Pillow for Someone with a Cervical Disc?
  
• The Cervical Traction Neck Pillow Can Reduce Snoring
  
• Neck Pain Relief Naturally with the Neck Pain Relief Kit
  
• I’m sore after using my new neck pillow for the 1st time
  

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!

What Is The Pillow Dust Cover?

The dust cover that is now available has been an extremely helpful addition to a number of the pillows we carry. It easily slips onto the pillow and zips closed. It’s made of a soft material that is easily washable. It will preserve the life of your pillow, not only protecting it from additional dust or allergens but also protect it from the wear and tear of sleeping or extra washing.

It is an extra layer that protects your pillow from chemicals in hair gels and shampoos, and you can take it off, and wash it versus having to wash the pillow itself. Place the cover over your pillow, zip it up and put it in your normal pillow case that matches the bed spread.

It is also protects against additional allergens which is especially important to allergy sufferers. There are a lot of people prone to certain allergy triggers; some may not even know they have allergies or at least the extent of them. For those individuals we highly recommend the special dust cover.


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


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The Multi-Functional Bed Wedge Positioning Cushion

The Bed Wedge is often called the reading pillow or husband pillow. This pillow is a nice product to have. My spouse and I often read for a few minutes in bed at night and I always use my wedge. Basically you stand it up and put it against the wall or headboard. I used to lay on my back and hold a book up but my arms were tired in a matter of minutes. Then you end up putting it on your stomach or knees with your head in extreme flexion. Shortly after, that becomes uncomfortable, so you lay on your side with your head cocked to the side. That is also short lived so you roll on your stomach with your forearms under your chin or upper body…And you guessed it, that doesn’t last long either. Now you are wide awake and have lost your page multiple times.

Then I discovered a simple cure – the Bed Wedge. Not only is it a must for others who like to read in bed like myself, I has a couple other great uses too. Lay it down so the angle isn’t steep but long and it will help you stay propped up. This is especially helpful in acid refux disorders or if you have a hiatal hernia. I have also had patients who suffer with dizziness use the bed wedge to stay more upright while sleeping. You can buy a craft-matic mattress (one that has a remote to elevate it) and spend thousands, or just use the bed wedge pillow.

Yet another great use is as a knee elevator. Place it under the knees for releasing tension in the low back. Flexion in the legs keep the hamstring, gluteus muscles, and lower back muscles relaxed, which is why so many people like this. The triangular shape allows your legs to rest comfortable instead of fighting to get a regular pillow in the right spot.

Additional Reading Resources:

• Stop the Neck Pain E-Book
  
• Positioning Products for Pain Relief
  
• The Bed Wedge
  
• Which Sleeping Position is Best For you?
  
• 6 Tips to Get Better Sleep
  
• Exercises to Cure Dizziness and Vertigo
  

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

Shoveling Snow in the Winter strains the back and the heart

Well we are in the full swing of winter here in CT. I look outside my window and know that in a few hours I will have to go out and shovel my driveway…again. Shoveling snow is an activity that needs to be done properly so as not to injure your back. Turns out it can also injure your heart: it can strain the heart, particularly since the cold weather narrows blood vessels.


We have all heard the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. According the American Heart Association they are:

• Chest Discomfort – Imagine an like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.
  
• Pain and Discomfort in other parts of the parts of the body such as: arm pain (in one or both arms, back pain, neck pain jaw pain, or even stomach pain
  
• Shortness of Breath
  
• Breaking into a Cold Sweat
  
• Nausea
  
• Lightheadness
  

According to Dr. Holly Anderson, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of New York-Presbyterian Hospital “Frigid air causes blood vessels to constrict as the body tries to prevent heat loss”.

This is a natural response that can also put people with heart conditions and those involved in strenuous exercise at greater risk of having a heart attack ," Andersen said.

The narrowing raises blood pressure and can reduce oxygen flow to the heart. Combined with a strenuous activity, such as shoveling snow, this can strain the heart, triggering a heart attack in those at risk.

Though women may also experience pain, they are more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting and back or jaw pain

Precautions should be taken if you have a weak or compromised heart. A heart attack can be easily mistaken for a pulled muscle. This is why it is important to be on the lookout for certain symptoms after you finish shoveling snow.

Dr. Anderson suggests that certain precautions be taken during the winter season to prevent a heart attack:

• As with any activity, don’t forget to stretch. Jumping out of bed without warming up to shovel snow is not a good idea. Limber up by stretching or walking before you start.
  
• Dress appropriately. Wear windproof and waterproof outer garments, place a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm up the air before you breathe it in and wear layers. Bundling up will help maintain your body heat. Ski socks are a good idea.
  
• To avoid overexertion, try the less strenuous technique of pushing the snow with the shovel rather than lifting it. Also, take frequent breaks -- shovel for 15 minutes, then rest for 15.
  
• If you're over 50, overweight, not active, are a smoker or have suffered a previous heart attack, consult a doctor before shoveling snow. Your risk is higher for a heart attack than the average joe. You may want to hire a local landscaping company to handle your driveway for the season.

Source: Heart attacks more common in winter; tips to lower your risk

Additional Reading Resources:

• The Winter Weather is Here. Are you Shoveling Snow properly?
  
• Recent Study Shows that Biofreeze Reduces Pain and Blood Flow & Increases Muscle Function
  
• My Trapezius Hurts, How Do I Find Relief?
  
• Sleep At Age 40 Is Important For Your Heart Health
  
• Losing the Back Pain from your Life
  

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

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Why Didn’t my Doctor tell me my Neck has no Curve

At this point I’ve seen numerous patients who had neck s-rays requested by their MD. They were sent to the radiology center or the imaging floor of the hospital.

What typically takes place is the films are taken and a radiologist reads them. The doctor then looks at his report and makes his diagnosis. At the hospital they are mainly looking for major, life-threatening findings: fractures, cancer, etc … When spinal shifts are spotted they are often neglected or sometimes overlooked.

More and more nowadays radiologists and MD’s have learned the importance and significance of spinal misalignments. However, I still find that many patients are not being made aware of these findings and told everything looks ok.

Spinal misalignments are significant! Especially a complete loss of your neck curvature or a reversal of the curvature. However, chiropractor, physical therapist, or physiatrist can often even detect possible alignment issues through posture analysis, ranges of motion, or palpation.

Keep in mind that your MD doesn’t actually read your x-rays, he’s got many other things to do, and doesn’t have the time. The radiologist reads the x-rays and will send the report to your MD. So there often can be some subjectivity when the pictures are read as well as the report. Also, when I say your MD I’m referring to your primary care doctor. Radiologists are MD’s too, and if your doctor is a specialist; orthopedist, neurologist, or D.C. for example, they often read the images themselves as well.

In conclusion, take charge of your own health. Spinal shifts are not normal and you shouldn’t be told everything’s fine when there are significant abnormalities. An inadequate or abnormal neck curve is a big one, and shouldn’t be discounted anyway.

Happy New Year Everyone! Wishing everyone a Happy, Prosperous and Healthy 2010 ! - NJ

Additional Reading Resources:

• The Normal Cervical Curve in the Neck
  
  
• Neck Pain resulting from a C5, C6, C7, or C8 Radiculopathy
  
  
• Which Neck Pillow is Right for My Needs?
  
  
• Dr. Bellingers’ Neck Pain Relief Kit
  
  
  
• Proven Neck Pain Cure that Works Wonders- without surgery or drugs
  
  
  
  Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.
  
  
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