Neck Pain Support Blog

The Case for Adjustable Pillows

For some patients they  have an everchanging need for different pillows. This can happen because of an neck injury, a repetitive movement that causes pain once in a while, or perhaps a kink in the neck.They may need a softer pillow or a firmer pillow at times. What is a patient to do in cases like this? 

One alternative is to consider an adjustable neck pillow. One where the user can take out the material from the actual pillow. Yes, you can get the pump up with air  kind, but I am talking about the kind where you can open up your pillow, and remove filling to decrease the support of the pillow or add filling to increase the support of the pillow. This might sound almost to good to be true. Could a pillow like this provide the adequate level of cervical support that you need. The answer is yes. These pillows can be easily fluffed and changed around that you can change the level of support very easily. Personally I use one of these pillows for under my knees as well. I removed much of the fiber (which was a combination of shredded memory foam AND polyester fiber fill), and made it somewhat flatter. Below is the Arc4life Adjustable Pillow:

Memory Foam + Fiber Neck Pillow for Sleeping- Adjustable Pillows for the Side & Back Sleeper with Washable Bamboo-Tech Pillow Cover

More Adjustable Pillow Links:

• Arc4life Adjustable Pillow
• More Adjustable Neck Pillows for customized neck support
• Tri Core Adjustable Pillow with a PUMP
• Travel Twist Pillow. Another Adjustable Pillow for Travel
• The TriCore Adjustable WATER Pillow
• Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam and Fiber Neck Pillow
• Get 40% off on To Try this Arc4life Adjustable Pillow. Use Discount Code: Arc4lifeAdjustablePillow40  (Limited to first 6 customers)

Ease Neck Pain at Home with the Arc4life Traction Pillow

If you experience tightness, soreness, or stiffness in your neck, stretching at home might be the solution you need. One of the best tools to assist with this is the Arc4life Traction Pillow. Designed specifically to support the natural curve of your neck, this pillow offers a simple way to relax muscles, relieve pressure, and encourage better posture, all from the comfort of your home.

Regular neck stretching can benefit anyone, but it’s especially important for people dealing with neck pain, tech neck, herniated discs, or tension headaches. Gentle stretching promotes better spinal alignment, increases flexibility, and can even help reduce stress stored in the upper back and shoulders. It's a small habit that can make a big difference over time.

The Arc4life Traction Pillow has a unique V-shaped center that gently cradles the cervical spine. To stretch your neck, simply lie back on the pillow, placing your neck in the center traction area. Let your head and neck relax into the stretch naturally, using gravity to provide a light pull. Begin with short sessions of 5-10 minutes and gradually work your way up as your muscles become more flexible.

Over time, using the Arc4life Traction Pillow can help restore the natural C-curve of your neck, reduce nerve compression, and promote better sleep. Many users also notice a decrease in daily neck stiffness and improved range of motion with consistent use.

Want to see exactly how to use the Arc4life Traction Pillow for neck stretching? Watch our quick video above and learn the best way to incorporate this powerful tool into your daily self-care routine!

Benefits of a Contoured Neck Pillow for Neck Pain Relief

A contoured neck pillow plays a significant role in alleviating neck pain by supporting the natural curvature of the cervical spine. The cervical spine, or neck, has a gentle inward curve that helps absorb shock and maintain proper posture. Many people suffer from neck pain due to poor posture, improper sleeping positions, or the flattening of this curve over time. A contoured pillow is designed to fill the gap between the neck and mattress, keeping the cervical spine aligned, which can help reduce discomfort and improve overall spinal health. This support not only relieves immediate pain but can also help prevent future issues related to the neck.

The cervical curvature is essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing strain on the muscles and ligaments. When the curve of the neck is compromised—either from sleeping in an awkward position or from prolonged poor posture—muscle stiffness, tension, and pain can develop. A contoured neck pillow, such as the Arc4Life Traction Pillow, helps restore the natural curve by providing gentle support to the neck and upper back. Its design promotes traction, gently stretching the neck muscles and increasing blood flow to the area. This traction effect can alleviate tension and stiffness, offering both short-term relief and long-term benefits for those with chronic neck pain.

The Adjustable Arc4life Traction Pillow

The Original Arc4life Traction Pillow

In addition to supporting the cervical curve, the Arc4Life Traction Pillow can offer targeted relief for individuals suffering from neck issues such as herniated discs, muscle strain, and arthritis. By gently supporting the neck’s natural curve and providing traction, this pillow helps to create a neutral position that reduces pressure on sensitive areas. This can result in less pain and stiffness during sleep, helping patients wake up feeling more refreshed. Regular use of a properly contoured pillow like the Arc4Life Traction Pillow can significantly improve neck pain, providing both comfort and therapeutic support for those dealing with chronic neck conditions.

More Reading:

• Arc4life V-Traction Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow ON AMAZON
• Check out these 6 simple stretches on Instagram
• Chilin with Cold Therapy at Home
• Causes of neck pain you might not think of
• Contoured Kids Pillows Designed for Smaller Cervical Spines
• Breathing Exercises for Pain Relief and Overall Health
• Change up the loft of your pillow easily
• Upper Back Stretches you can do anywhere

10 Sleeping Pillows for Neck Pain Relief

Neck pain can be a persistent issue, often disrupting sleep and daily activities. The right pillow can make a significant difference in alleviating discomfort and promoting proper alignment. In this comprehensive guide, we've curated a list of the top 10 pillows specifically designed to provide relief for neck pain. From memory foam to contour pillows: 

1. Adjustable Memory Foam- Fiber Fill Original Pillow:

   • Adjustable shredded memory foam-fiber fill combination allows for personalized comfort.
   • Provides excellent support for the neck, back and under the knees
   • Breathable cover made from tencel-derived  and polyester blend.

2. EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow:

   • Ergonomically designed to cradle the neck and head, reducing strain.
   • High-density memory foam for long-lasting support.
   • Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.
   • Excellent choice if you like a low profile neck pillow

3. Tempur-Pedic Neck Pillow:

   • Made from Tempur material for adaptive support.
   • Contoured design promotes proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.
   • Removable and washable cover.

4. Mediflow Waterbase Pillow:

   • Unique waterbase design allows for customizable firmness.
   • Clinically proven to reduce neck pain and improve sleep quality.
   • Hypoallergenic fiberfill layer.
   • Make this a firm or soft pillow

5. Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow:

   • Contoured shape supports the natural curve of the neck and shoulders.
   • Premium memory foam adapts to your body's shape.
   • Removable, machine-washable cover.

6. Xtreme Comforts Bamboo Pillow:

   • Shredded memory foam filling for adjustable support.
   • Bamboo-derived cover for moisture-wicking and temperature regulation.
   • CertiPUR-US certified foam.

7. Nature's Guest Cervical Support Pillow:

   • Designed by a chiropractor to provide optimal cervical support.
   • Gusseted edge design maintains shape.
   • Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.

8. Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow:

   • Ergonomically contoured to promote proper spinal alignment.
   • Available in multiple sizes.
   • Firm support reduces neck pain and stiffness.

9. Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Pillow:

   • Firm or Gentle level of support supports the cervical curve.
   • Helps relieve neck pain, headaches, and shoulder stiffness.
   • Available in different sizes.

10. Arc4life Traction Pillow:

    • Specifically designed to gently stretch and align the neck.
    • Helps alleviate neck pain, forward head posture, occipital neuralgia, headaches, and muscle tension.
    • Unique V-shaped design provides targeted support.
    • Available in 3 sizes: small, medium and large
    • Also available now: Arc4life adjustable pillow can be adjusted 3 ways

Finding the right pillow is crucial for managing neck pain and improving sleep quality. Consider your preferences, sleeping position, and any specific neck issues when selecting the best pillow for your needs. Whether you choose a memory foam, contour, or specialized pillow  prioritize comfort, support, and proper spinal alignment for a restful night's sleep and relief from neck pain.

How Neck Traction can Improve Neck Pain, Spinal Alignment & Treat Herniated Discs

Neck traction or neck stretching is a therapeutic technique that involves stretching the neck to alleviate pain and improve mobility. It can be performed manually by a healthcare professional such as a chiropractor or physical therapist or using mechanical devices. Neck traction is considered important in certain situations, here's why:

One Way to do Neck Traction at Home: with a Roll Pillow

1. Neck Pain Relief: Neck traction is often used to relieve neck pain caused by conditions such as muscle strain, herniated discs, cervical spondylosis, or pinched nerves. By gently stretching the neck, traction can help alleviate pressure on the spinal discs and nerves, reducing pain and discomfort.

2. Improvement of Spinal Alignment: Traction can assist in restoring proper spinal alignment. It may help correct issues such as misalignments, subluxations, or abnormalities in the cervical spine. This can contribute to better overall neck function and reduced pain.

3. Treatment of Herniated Discs: For individuals with herniated or bulging discs in the cervical spine, neck traction can create space between the vertebrae, relieving pressure on the affected disc. This can reduce pain and potentially improve the disc's position over time.

4. Increased Blood Flow and Circulation: Traction can enhance blood flow to the cervical region, promoting better circulation. Improved blood flow can aid in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the affected tissues, which may contribute to the healing process.

5. Muscle Relaxation: Neck traction can help relax the muscles in the neck and shoulders. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with muscle spasms, tension, or stiffness in the neck area. The cervipedic neck traction unit is particularly relaxing to lay on . You can increase the amount of stretch easily. 

6. Enhanced Range of Motion: Regular use of neck traction may contribute to an increased range of motion in the neck. This can be beneficial for individuals who experience restricted movement due to conditions like arthritis or other degenerative changes in the cervical spine. It is best to start doing neck traction very slowly in the beginning. Simply laying on a pillow that gently stretches your neck is a good place to start. The traction v pillow is a good way to start this. 

7. Non-Invasive Option: Neck traction is a non-invasive treatment option, which means it doesn't involve surgery. It is often considered before more aggressive interventions, offering a conservative approach to managing certain neck conditions.

It's important to note that while neck traction can be beneficial for some individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as fractures, infections, or severe osteoporosis, may not be appropriate candidates for neck traction. As with any medical treatment, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriateness of neck traction for specific conditions and individual health circumstances.

Additional Reading:

• A traction pillow vs gravity pillow vs tricore pillow
• Can you get a headache after sleeping on a new pillow?
• A Not so Nice Pillow Testimonial from this New Yorker who needs a break
• More info on the arc4life traction pillow
• Pronex Replacement Parts

The Connection Between Sleep and Neck Pain

Are you tossing and turning at night , and just cannot get into a comfortable sleep position because of your neck pain. Sleep is essential in the context of neck pain:

1. Muscle Recovery and Relaxation

Sleep is a time when our bodies go into repair mode. During deep sleep stages, muscles, including those in the neck, have an opportunity to relax and recover. When you get enough quality sleep, it helps ease muscle tension and soreness, providing relief from neck pain.

 

2. Proper Pillow and Mattress Support

The choice of your pillow and mattress can significantly impact your neck health. A supportive pillow and mattress help maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing the risk of waking up with neck pain. It's crucial to select the right type of pillow and mattress that suits your sleeping position and comfort preferences. 

3. Reducing Inflammation

Inflammatory processes can contribute to neck pain such as stiffness in the neck. Adequate sleep helps regulate inflammation in the body, which can alleviate pain and discomfort in the neck area.

4. Improving Blood Circulation

Sleep is essential for proper blood circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and tissues in the neck. Improved blood flow helps repair any damaged areas and reduces pain.

5. Posture Correction

Sleep is a time when your body is free from the demands of gravity and everyday activities. Sleeping in the right position can help your neck maintain its natural alignment, preventing strain and discomfort. It's crucial to pay attention to your sleeping posture and ensure it is ergonomic and comfortable.

Additional Reading:

• Causes of neck pain you might not think of
• Arc4life Twist Pillow works great for patients who are travelling or for kids in the car
• Contoured Kids Pillows Designed for Smaller Cervical Spines
• Change up the loft of your pillow easily
• Upper Back Stretches you can do anywhere

When You Cannot Find the Right Pillow, Consider an ADJUSTABLE Pillow

I have spoken to numerous patients who have literally a closet full of pillows... that have not worked. The pillow is too big, too small, too hard, too soft, not allowing them to get comfortable, too low, too high. I have heard a lot.

In these cases, I always recommend that patients consider an adjustable pillow. Here are a few effective adjustable pillows that can help you get the right feeling and the right height for you personally. Check out the links for more adjustable-type neck pillows.

First, the Arc4life 3 in 1 Contoured Memory Foam Pillow. It has a zipper where you can literally remove memory foam and make the pillow shorter for yourself. This is a comfy curve support pillow that can help you sleep on your back or on our side.

2. The next pillow involves shredded memory foam AND polyester fiber fill. This combination gives this adjustable pillow a softer, more effective support under the neck. The Adjustable Foam and Fiber Pillow is very easy to maneuver. 

Always keep the extra filling you do not use for your adjustable neck pillows. Sometimes your neck needs more support and sometimes it needs less. You can easily remove and add it as necessary.

More Links:

• Get 40% off on To Try this Arc4life Adjustable Pillow. Use Discount Code: Arc4lifeAdjustablePillow40  (Limited to first 6 customers)
• More Adjustable Neck Pillows for customized neck support
• Tri Core Adjustable Pillow with a PUMP
• Travel Twist Pillow. Another Adjustable Pillow for Travel
• The TriCore Adjustable WATER Pillow
• Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam and Fiber Neck Pillow

 

The Arc4life Traction Pillow Helped Me with my Numbness/Tingling and Sleeping at Night, Now What?

At the beginning of June we received a call from Marisol regarding some issues that she was having with her neck and hands. Specifically she mentioned that she was having a lot of neck pain, and numbness and tingling at night time and that this was waking her up at night. She had a busy day job and was super tired from the disjointed sleep that she was getting. She was desperate for a solution and asked if we could make some recommendations for her. 

She was recommended the Arc4life Traction Neck Pillow [ med ] and also given instructions on how to best use it.  First of all she was told to use the pillow gradually, as she was having a very tough time at night. She was to start using the pillow about 5-10 minutes, and then to put it away. The next night she was to use it 15 minutes. The night after 30 minutes. In this way, she was slowly getting her neck muscles using this type of contoured neck pillow. It was also suggested that she use the Support side of the pillow to start, as this was softer side of the pillow. Finally, it was recommended that she lay down [face up ] on the traction v side of the pillow for about 10-20 minutes per day. In this was she was getting support during the night and very gentle neck traction during the day as well. 

Fast forward to July. We received a phone call almost exactly 30 days later. Marisol stated that the arc4life traction pillow has worked for her. Gone was the numbness and tingling at night and she was able to sleep through the night. She was very satisfied with this and very grateful, as she was finally able to sleep at night. She stated that now she was only getting numbness and tingling while driving and while riding her bike. Marisol was interested in doing more for her symptoms and again asked for recommendations. 

Well, first of all we love to hear when a customer was helped- in any way. So the arc4life traction pillow helped Marisol to sleep at night comfortably. With this pillow, you are getting support and gentle neck traction. The next step to help get rid of that numbness and tingling during the day is do gentle neck traction during the day.

Our best recommendation is going to be the Posture Pump Neck Traction Device. We like this particular unit because it puts you neck into anatomically the right position to stretch: Into a C-Curve. It also opens up each of the neck vertabrae and allows the nerves to breathe properly and heal. 

 

The Posture Pump Cervical Traction Unit for the neck

Here is another good one, albeit its a little more cumbersome, but still effective: Soothe- A Ciser with Cervical Traction Device

One More: Cervical Traction System with Foam Roll. All of these units are better than the traction units that do up and down type of neck traction. For example a neck collar type of unit. 

Again when you do this type of neck traction, you want to start gradually. Just like using the arc4life traction pillow. Set a timer for yourself and try to do the neck traction 4-5/week. Start with 5 minutes [ set a timer ] and a very low amount of traction and work your way up to 15 minutes. This will ensure you are not experiencing soreness after doing the neck traction. Also, you can do neck stretches before you start: - these are some simple ones. One more thing you can do is use a heating pack on your neck after c-traction to ease any soreness or tightness. 

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How to Use Arc4life's Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow for Dummies

Updated: 4/18/2020

One Way to be Stretching Your Neck during the DAY and at NIGHT

For patients who suffer from a herniated disc in the neck, the pain and symptoms can be very very annoying. There could be loss of muscle stretching, pain, numbness and tingling, loss of range of motion in the neck to say the least.

Your Dr or physical therapist may recommend using a traction unit for pain relief and stretching your neck. They may tell you to do neck traction everyday.  One of the most effective things to do is to do neck traction during the day and during the night.

You do this by using a neck traction unit during the day. The unit might look something like this:

For night time, I would recommend using a traction pillow: Check out this video that explains how to use the arc4life traction pillow:

This listener bought the arc4life traction pillow after watching this video:

"I got it, and watched this video before I ordered it. I've had it a little over a week and I think it's GREAT. I have forward head posture and have some bulging disc type stuff - had an MRI. I was having tingling in the back of the neck and arm and shoulder blade area pain, etc. The tingling and pains are all but gone. In general I have gotten better about keeping my chin tucked, but still I definitely think this pillow has helped immensely. " - Madrobotfan

Additional Reading:

• A traction pillow vs gravity pillow vs tricore pillow
• Can you get a headache after sleeping on a new pillow?
• A Not so Nice Pillow Testimonial from this New Yorker who needs a break
• More info on the arc4life traction pillow

 

Traction Pillow Vs Gravity Pillow Vs TriCore Pillow

Lots of fiber pillows on the market today, and today I had a very nice woman call me to help her decide which pillow to choose. The Arc4life Traction Pillow vs the Arc4life Gravity Pillow vs the Tri Core Pillow. Also, she was concerned about the size of pillow that would be best for her. She mentioned that she had some balance and dizziness issues and neck soreness. She was going to PT for neck pain treatment. Nothing was really helping and she was considering changing her pillow. 

Choosing the right size is actually the easiest decision to make. Either it is going to be small medium or large. This decision should be based on ones height and weight. See the chart below. This particular patient was 5'3" and weighed 135 lbs. For her, I recommended a medium size (Standard 24"x17").

So the next question becomes, what type of firmness does one prefer in their pillow?

If someone likes a firm pillow, then my recommendation is the tricore pillow (either the gentle or the firm version). The fiber in this pillow is densely packed into the pillow, making it a very firm pillow. Also the fiber is machine blown in, also creating a more dense pillow that is more firm to lay on. 

If someone does not like a firm pillow,then the choice is between the arc4life traction pillow or the arc4life gravity pillow. These two pillows have a lot more "give" than the tricore pillow.

If a patient has a lot going on in their neck, for example:

• herniated disc
• bulging disc
• headaches (migraine or tension)
• forward head posture
• lack of curve
• chronic neck pain
• whiplash
• occipital neuralgia
• cervical sprain

Then the best pillow is going to be the arc4life traction pillow. This pillow offers two different sleeping surfaces- a traction v side (for gentle neck stretching) and a support side (a neck roll). 

Finally, if a patient is looking for just a great cervical support pillow, the arc4life gravity pillow is a great option.

This pillow has two neck rolls on it. One broader, one more narrow. These neck rolls are designed to allow for the natural curvature of your cervical spine. Great for side and back sleeping:

This pillow comes in a small, medium and large size and again it is important to choose the right size to sleep on. The arc4life gravity pillow has been a big seller since in the 1980's and is still a very popular choice for many of our customers. An oldie but a Goodie, like we say here at Arc4life. For both the arc4life gravity and traction pillows, the fiber is hand stuffed into each pillow, and the fiber is softer and easier to adjust too.

Additional Reading:

• I just received my NEW Pillow... and HELLO, its nothing like my OLD pillow
• Do you have a Closet Full of Pillows?
• A Pillow that Gives you Neck Support - not just in times of Pain
• The Pillow for Alleviating Neck Pain
• Frozen Shoulder Fix..not for the Faint of Heart

 

Neck Traction Does Not Need to Be Scary.

If you are looking for natural pain relief options for neck pain - neck traction might come up. When you first mention Neck Traction to patients they sometimes have a dazed look on their face. They think you are going to hook them to a machine that causes a lot of pain. 

Neck traction can be beneficial for many conditions including:

• neck arthitis
• radiculopathy
• pinched nerve
• nerve root compression
• spinal stenosis
• fibromyalgia
• whiplash (not acute)
• headahces
• muscle spasms
• herniated disc
• bulging disc

I want to show my Neck Pain Support Readers that you can start off with very basic neck traction. This allows you to slowly get into neck stretching. Here are 3 easy things you can use.

1. First use the arc4life traction neck pillow, especially the traction V Side. If you just lay on your back, on the traction V Side of the pillow for 20-25 minutes you will get some pain relief. You are not sleeping on the pillow, just laying on the pillow. Set a timer if you have too. This is a great form of passive traction that you can do at home. Basically you are stretching the spine very gently and allowing the nerves to be freed up in between the vertebrae. One important side note, order the right size of pillow. Ordering the wrong size can cause you unneeded pain.
2. A little more advanced form of this would be to use a traction unit - such as the cervi pedic, or an omni cervical relief device. Basically these units cradles the head and neck in proper alignment, to encourage gentle traction and correct cervical curvature. They are both ergonomically contoured and allow total relaxation of the neck, shoulder, and back muscles. Note you can use both the Omni and the Cervi pedic lying down or seated. 
3. The most advanced form you can do at home is using a posture pump 1100 or a Pronex Traction Unit With this unit for example you can get up to 20 lbs of pressure.  I often recommend to use this in a chiropractor or Physical therapists office first to understand how to use it and use it correctly. You will then know what neck traction feels like. Also, a unit like this helps to correct the natural C Curve in your neck. So if you have forward head posture, or a hunchback posture, then can help immensely.

Using the Pronex for Neck Stretching Can be Easy to Set up and do at Home

Neck Traction can have quite an impact on patients health. It can help with pain relief, better posture, relief of radiculopathy symptoms ( such as numbness and tingling, shooting pains), headache relief and stiffness and help patients sleep better.

Just remember to ease into it slowly. That is the key. Nothing scary about Neck Traction.

Updated: 4/24/2020

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