Neck Pain Support Blog

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

"The Arc4life Pillow has helped many patients with neck pain, numbness and tingling, weakness in the extremities. Knowing how to use it effectively is important." — Arc4life Pillow Experts

The 2 Key Components of This Pillow If you look at this picture above, notice the two sides of the pillow. You have a neck roll on one side (the top part of the pillow) and you have a part where there is a "V" coming out at you. Do you see the V at the bottom of this pillow?

Each of these components make the Arc4life Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow (aka Arc4life Traction Pillow) very unique.

1. The Neck Roll Side - Gives Your Neck Support.
2. The V Side - Gives your neck a gentle stretch or "traction"

See below for Dr.Bellinger's video for further clarification on how to use this neck pillow and the 2 key components:

 

How to Use the Pillow When You First Get it Home

First look at the pillow and familiarize yourself with the two sides that we have mentioned above.

Know that you can sleep on either side.

Which side you sleep with will depend on a few things.

If you suffer from neck pain, headaches, stiffness, numbness and tingling, or weakness in the upper extremity, the traction side will be most therapeutically beneficial for you.

If you are looking for a support roll pillow, use the support side.

If you have a lot of sensitivity in the neck area, start with the support side. It is gentler and softer to use.

You can Use this Pillow for Sleeping and ONE MORE THING

Use it During the Day and at Night (in different ways)

Naturally, one would think that the only way to use this pillow is for sleep. Yes, this is the main way to use the pillow. However, we have a lot of Dr's who recommend this pillow to their patients to use it in the beginning just for traction. This involves laying on the pillow for 10-25 minutes to achieve a gentle neck stretch. The patient is recommended to lay on the traction v part of the pillow during the day, and to sleep on the opposite side of the pillow. This works well for patients who have a lot of neck pain.

Getting used to using a new pillow might take some time

You can sleep on your side or on your back.

For those patient who suffer from neck pain or who have a lot of sensitivity in their cervical spines, getting used to this pillow might take some time. We always compare this is working out at the gym. When using the arc4life traction pillow, you will be using different neck muscles - muscles that you may not be used to getting stretched. Just like working out a new muscle group at the gym, you might experience some muscle spasms or pain with using this pillow for the first few days. Keep in mind that this is normal.

How to get Accustomed to the Two Sides of the Pillow

The neck roll side of the pillow is gentler and softer than the traction side of the pillow. For someone starting for the first time using this pillow, we would recommend that you start with the neck roll side.

Don't feel that you have to sleep with the pillow the whole night thru from the very beginning. Slowly get used to it. Start by sleeping on the pillow for about 15 minutes. Let your neck muscles get used to it and relax as much as you can. Then put the pillow away and use what you normally use. The next night, use the pillow for 20-30 minutes. Same thing - relax and allow your neck muscles to get used to the new pillow. The next night, try for one hour and go from there. You can sleep on your side or on your back.

You can see the two parts of the arc4life traction pillow here in this picture.

The Traction V Side **May** be hard to get used to (for Some).

As we noted previously, using the support side of the pillow will be easier in the beginning for most patients.

However, lets say you have a very painful neck condition, and you really want to get some relief. Especially from something like a herniated disc, bulging disc or neck arthritis.

Use the Arc4life traction pillow as a traction unit. Set a timer for 10 minutes to start. Lay on the traction V side for 10 minutes on your back. This is similar to using a traction unit such as the posture pump or over the door neck traction unit. The next time you do neck traction, lay on the V side of the pillow for 15 minutes.

Doing neck traction everyday when you have a neck condition can provide a tremendous amount of pain relief.

"I have used the Arc4life Chiropractic Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow (large) for only a week and most of my neck pain has vanished. Another result has been an improvement in flexibility because I can move my head farther to the right and left." — Tom Robertson (October 2015)

Finished Pillow Dimensions of the 3 sizes

• Small: 20"x15"
• Medium: 24"x17"
• Large: 28"x17"

I need specific help with my neck condition and choosing the right product...

Well there is a solution for that. Arc4life has customer service available to help you decide which pillow is best for you. Whether its the arc4life pillow or another pillow altogether. Their customer service # is 1-800-605-7079. There are 2 dedicated pillow specialists who can help you. If they are not available, they will call you back during normal business hours. Just leave your name, number or email address. Customer service turnaround time is pretty quick.

Contact Neck Pain Support Via Facebook

Additional Reading:

• For Chronic Neck Pain, try the arc4life traction pillow
• If you have been diagnosed with military neck, try this pillow
• Buy the arc4life traction pillow here
• Top 8 cervical neck pillows on the Web today
• Another solid support pillow: the Tri Core Family
  
  

Related articles

The Traction Pillow Gives A Nice Gentle Stretch

Does a Cervical Pillow Relieve Bulging Disc and Radiculopathy Pain?

The Piriformis Stretch For Back Pain Relief...

Waking up with Shoulder Pain and Wrinkles

Strengthening Exercises For Neck and Upper Back Pain

Watch this video for help dealing with your neck and upper back pain. Start by loosening or warming up, then do these exercises regularly. Keeping some of these muscles strong will help prevent pain and stimulate healing. These exercises can all be done using your own hand for resistance. You can also use a "Theraband" or even a towel.

 

Additional Reading Resources:

• The Deep Tissue Massager for Home
• Pain in the Base of the Skull
• The Rumble Roller- a Deep Massager that you can use for Exercise
• Neck Roll

Related articles

Stretching For Pain Relief

Another Hidden Cause of Spine Pain!

A Pillow for Side Sleeping That You Place Between Your Knees

Natural Pain Relievers

First, I want to mention some natural therapies and treatments, then we'll talk about things in the diet, then a few things you can also easily do.

Doctors/Therapists/Treatments

• Chiropractor - this doctor can help you stay at your best by keeping the nerves free and clear from unwanted pressure. This keeps you pain free but also keeps the body working at its best.
  
  
• Naturopath - like the Chiropractor, he or she will do things naturally (meaning no prescription of drugs or medications) to get you better. They may utilize numerous techniques, including diet and supplements.
  
  
• Acupuncturist - these doctors use needles on what's called meridians for relief and improved health. They've been using this for a very long time in the Far East; don't knock it until you try it.
  
  
• Massage Therapist - everything in the body is connected, and the muscles, ligaments, and tendons play a big part. Your massage therapist can help relax those muscles so your body functions better.
  
  

Diet

• Turmeric - there is a lot that can be said - it's a natural pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory. I know some that use it for everything under the sun.
  
  
• Ginger - get the root, it'll be in your local supermarket in the produce section. Nowadays, you can get at target or walmart too.
  
  
• Coffee - always make fresh because it loses some of its qualities after a while. Drink the regular caffeinated stuff (I recently read some good qualities of caffeinated plus I'm not sure if they take out other stuff or put fillers into decaf).
  
  
• Cranberry - I've read some positives on this too. It's especially good at helping a urinary tract infection. They have what's called phytonutrients which help prevent a slew of things.
  
  
• Cherry - this helps detox the body, the kidneys appear to be one area that benefits. It also benefits sleep and is a naturalanti-oxidant.
  
  

Additional Reading:

• Natural Herbal Health Remedies
• Neck Pain Relief
• Chronic Neck Pain
• 8 things that can cause pain on a daily basis
• Top 10 pain relief products

How Do You Know You Have a Good Pillow?

Getting a Good Night's Sleep Can be a hard thing to acheive. For starters, you have to be able to fall asleep, then stay asleep and then wake up feeling rested. 

One of the components of getting good sleep is knowing I am sleeping with the right pillow. How do you know you have a good pillow. Well here are some criteria. 

• You can sleep on your side comfortably
• You can sleep on your back comfortably
• You don't wake up in pain
• You can move around easily during the night time
• You don't have pain while you are laying on your pillow
• You feel like your neck is being supported while laying on your bed
• A good pillow will help to relieve any type of neck pain you may have

Sometimes you have to try out a few different pillows before you figure out that you have something that works for you.

If you suffer from pain due to a pinched nerve, a bulging disc or a herniated disc, arthritis or degeneration - you may have to test out a few pillows to figure out what is going to work for you. This can be  a painful process. 

Also a different pillow may be "right" for you at a different time in your life. For example, let say you just had a fusion neck surgery. Well, the pillow you normally use may not suffice. Using a pillow that conforms to your head and neck may be a better choice for you. Perhaps something made of memory foam. 

For me, personally having the right pillow is key to getting a good night of sleep. I know that when i am away from my house, my sleep suffers. So does not my neck. I try not to leave home with my "GOOD" pillow these days. Its just not worth it. 

Additional Reading:

1. What Can I Use to Help my Straight Neck?
2. What is Cervical Brachial Syndrome?
3. For those who like firm pillows, try the Tri Core Neck Pillow
4. What is the right pillow for my neck pain?
5. What does arthritis in the neck look like?
6. Popular Pillows Made out of Fiber that Work for neck support

 

Help choosing the right over-the-counter medication...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I am not one to take pain medications regularly. In fact I have taken OTC (over the counter) pain medications maybe 1-2x per year or not at all.  Recently I had to get a tooth removed, and I was in a lot of pain. Like 10/10 pain level, we are talking high intensity. 

When something is hurting, maybe it's in the middle night, we just want to take something to go back to sleep and get out of pain. You might be looking in your medicine cabinet and have a glazed look on your face...which medication to take and get rid of the pain?

 Here's the usual OTC - Over The Counter list:

 Acetominophen (Tylenol) - this basically tricks the brain and tells you there's less pain; used as a pain reliever and fever reducer.

 Ibuprofen (motin or advil) - helps reduce pain and inflammation, often easier on the stomach than aspirin.

 Aspirin (bayer)- also helps bring down the inflammation, relieve aches and pain, and is also used as a blood thinner.

 All of these can be used for those minor pain episodes like a headache, neck pain, toothache, fever, etc.

That being said you need to read the directions and follow your doctor's advice. Make sure there's no side effects or complications with other medications you may be taking. Also before you go out and drive, make sure its okay to be taking one of these pills. All of these over-the-counter medications can be easily found at the drugstore and often at your grocery store which has a pharmacy as well.

A few other points....It's also recommended and probably states on the bottle to take with a full glass of water. Follow the  directions and don't exceed the amount that is recommended. Also only take on an as needed basis.If pain persists or changes for more than a couple days really need to see your doctor.

Finally, check the expiration date on your over the counter medications in your medicine cabinet. If you dont' use these a lot its easy to lose track of these dates. 

Additional Reading Resources:

• Get the best neck pilllow for the best sleep possible
• Lots of pain from a herniated disc- what are your options for tx?
• Treating Inflammation with hot and cold therapy
• The Arc4life Pillow for a Disc issue
• Traction for the neck spine

The Different Forms of Neck Traction

There are multiple kinds or forms of neck traction. One form is simply a stretch of the neck. The other, which we will call "true neck traction", is a stretch but also puts curve into the neck.

Of theses two forms there are multiple kinds of traction devices and ways to do them. There is in office traction and there is home traction. A lot of the home devices are used in an office or by your therapist as well.

The first kind of traction is manual traction. This is where your doctor or therapist literally stretches you. He or she gently pulls on the head. Another way to do this is hanging upside down. Many of you have heard of inversion tables for the back. Well the neck gets stretches too. There is also over-the-door traction and something called the Trac-Collar. These are both devices that do the stretching.

Next we have that true neck traction. Something like the Posture Pump or Pronex is the way to go. You essentially lie on a soft bulb under your neck that you pump up to work the "C" curve in the neck and stretch out the neck.

Why does a person typically get recommended neck traction? Usually it because they were diagnosed with a pinched nerve. This may be causing neck pain or possibly arm and hand symptoms.

Solely stretching the neck will open up the foramen in the neck. These are the holes in the side of the spine where the nerves travel of of the spinal cord to the rest of the body. When we work the neck curve in as well we will automatically get this as well as keeping it that way.

Additional Reading

The Best Cervical Traction Devices on the Martket

What is a herniated disc and how do we treat it without medication and without surgery?

How to Use the Neck Traction Collar for Neck Pain Relief

Having better Posture Can Help you with Pain

The Neck Pain Relief Package

Understanding Muscle Spasms in the Neck

How to Use Treat Muscle Spasm In Your Neck or Lower Back Area

A Muscle spasm or muscle tightness or a muscle knot can happen at any time; A car accident, a quick unexpected sprint, a sudden turn of the neck or maybe a violent sneeze. Muscle spasm can occur in any muscle and is common in the lower back, neck, mid back, and shoulders. When you do experience a muscle spasm all you want to do is go back to the minute before when you had not pain at all. You just want the pain to go away sooner than later !

BioFreeze is a great topical gel that you can apply to areas of muscle spams or trigger points. Today I am going to talk about using BioFreeze for neck pain relief.

This blog post is specifically for treating the neck and upper back area.Muscle spasms in the neck and upper back can occur in the cervical paraspinals, suboccipitals, and the upper trapezius,and rhomboid muscles.

• BioFreeze Natural Pain Relief Gel
• 6 x 20 Ice Pack**
• 1 towel
• 1 glove (non latex)

**You can get hot and cold packs in different sizes and shapes. Choose the hot and cold pack depending on what area you are treating:
For treatment of the lower back, use a larger ice pack- such as a 10x13. This rectangle shaped hot/cold pack can also be used in the midback or thoracic area. For the neck the 6x20 ice/heat pack works very well and provides coverage to the cervical paraspinals and the suboccipitals. For the neck and the shoulders, use the 9x16 ice pack because it provides great coverage to both areas. This trisectional hot and cold pack is a little heavier, so keep that in mind. For smaller areas such as knees, legs, elbows and arms, you can get smaller hot/cold packs such as 6x10 and 3x5. You can get hot/cold packs with and without a strap.

Here are step by step instructions for treating a muscle spasm in the neck and upper back area.

The hot and cold pack that we have suggested is specifically for the neck and upper back area. Another ice pack that is allows for even more coverage of the back and neck is the trisectional hot and cold pack: with dimensions of 9x16. It has flaps where the shoulders are so you get the ice pack in the neck, upper back and shoulder area.

1. Make sure your 6 x 20 ice pack has been in your freezer for at least 4 hours.
2. Take your ice pack out of the freezer and wrap your ice pack in the towel
3. Apply to your neck. Start from the top of your neck in the back (just under your hairline in the back) and start to massage in small circular strokes. First do the right side, then the left side. From top to the base of the neck. Keep your head in a neutral position.
4. After you have a massaged for about 1.5 minutes on each side, apply the ice pack that has been wrapped around the towel. Apply this ice pack right around your neck, allowing the ice pack to hang from your upper shoulders. Relax, sit (or lie down face down) lie down for 10-15 minutes.

More things to remember about treating muscle spasm:
If someone can help you treat the muscle spasm, you can get greater benefit
* It is a good idea to have someone else do this for you, but this is not always possible. * Biofreeze is odorless, and greaseless but you don't want your fingers tingling afterwards. Wearing a glove will also save you a step from having to wash your hands (you can concentrate fully on your neck pain) * It is a good idea to keep your ice pack in a seperate plastic bag so that it does not pick up the freezer smells. You want to get a 6 x 20 ice pack because this will fit nicely around your neck.

 

Related articles

Stretch the Trapezius Muscles: Get Relief from Upper Back and Neck

What are the Muscles that Make up the Neck?

Keep Neck Pain Away by Doing Cervical Exercises and Keeping your Neck Loose

I have a Short Neck...Which Pillow do You Recommend?

I recently received a call from a customer looking for the right pillow for her. She described herself as 5'5", weighing 270 lbs, and having a "short" neck . She stated that her neck was "stiff as a board" and her head hurt. She could not find the right pillow for sleeping. She had gone through so many pillows. They were either too hard to too soft, and her head folded over into the middle space. She had tried foam, fiber, even a microbead pillow which was great for two months only. Her goal was to find the right pillow. She was looking for a short-neck pillow and the pillow must must fit into her neck area- that was her quest. 

Getting the right pillow for the best sleep possible can be tough. It is important to find the right pillow that fits your head, neck and shoulders area properly. For this particular customer a medium standard size pillow such as the tri core orthopedic neck pillow (dimensions 24"x16") or the arc4life traction pillow (dimensions 20"x26") would not work for her. She needed something that was proportionally smaller, something that would fit into her neck area. Having a contoured pillow was also important so that she could get the right support for her cervical spine. Especially because she was waking up with a stiff neck every morning, having proper posture during sleep is extra important. 

So two recommendations I have:

1) the Petite Core Neck Pillow . This is a smaller version of the tri core pillow. It is a contoured pillow with neck rolls. A trapezoid depression in the middle of the pillow will help support her head. The neck rolls will give her cervical spine support.This pillow is great if she likes firm pillows.

2) The Arc4life Linear Gravity Pillow Small Size. This pillow also has a depression in the center. Two neck rolls provide support to the cervical spine: One softer, one firmer. The pillow is proportionally smaller in dimensions, so it will accomodate her "short neck" better: 23"x17". Also, you can get this pillow with extra fiber, making it firmer in support. 

Additional Reading Resources:

• How to Choose the Right Neck Pillow: What to Look for when making the decision.
• The Arc4life Linear Gravity Pillow: Extra Firm Support (special order item)
• What to do when you wake up with a Stiff Neck
• Forward Head Posture? Is this something that can be fixed?
• Getting to sleep and being comfortable: Comfort is #1
• Travel Neck Pillow that can be used for your head, neck , shoulders, and back

Related articles

Top 10 Gifts for Neck Pain Sufferers

Do you have a A Straight Neck? aka Military Neck

A travel pillow that is not U shaped

Why So Many Neck Pillows So Hard?

Medications For Neck Pain

What medications are there for my neck pain?

First thing to talk about is prescription versus non prescription drugs. Non-prescription are over the counter ones you can get anywhere. These might include: aspirin, tylenol, or ibruprofen. All can help with reducing inflammation and reducing pain.

Now, let's say those don't seem to work. Then you want to call your doctor. Your medical doctor can prescribe you something. These may be slightly stronger, and need to be taken with more caution, and why your medical doctor has to "prescribe it.

Prescriptions for neck pain typically include muscle relaxers and narcotics. Common muscle relaxers are Flexeril and Valium. Common narcotics used are: Vicodin, Percocet, and Oxycodone.

I thought we would also mention pain injections. Typically you medical doctor wil refer you to a specialist who does this. It often can be done by an orthopedic doctor. It is usually in the form of a steroid that is injected in the region of pain or where the pain may be originating. Only a specified recommended number of shots can be administered over a certain amount of time. The reason I mention this is because if one shot doesn't appear to work, they may try another. This is like one big blast of anti-inflammatory to take down inflammation and relieve nerve pressure.

Next, let's review the forms of medicine. We just talked about injections; that's literally the liquid med injected where ever the doctor feels necessary. Then there are topical gels or creams. A lot of these are over the counter that you apply and re-apply directly to the region that is in pain. Then there are tablets - which is where the medication is molded into a pill shape for easy swallowing. There are also tablets which is usually a capsule with medication inside, also typically swallowed.

All that being said, you should try any and all natural methods of pain relief you can. And, keep in mind, if you do chose medications, follow you doctors recommendations and contact him/her with any questions you may have.

Additional Reading Resources

Treatment for Neck Pain? FDA issues warning about pain killers: Tylenol, Vicoden and Percocet…

Make Your Neck Strong with Neck Exercises

The Arc4life Cervical Traction Neck Pillow: Anothe Solution for Neck Pain

Simple Tips to keep a healthy neck

Available Natural Pain Treatments

Related articles

What Is The Hump on the Back of My Neck?

Simple Tips to Keep a Healthy Neck- Stay away from Neck Pain For Good

Pillow To Use after a Neck Injury such as Whiplash

A whiplash type injury can result from a motor vehicle accident. Especially the rear end collision type- when someone bumps your car from the back, it can cause major injury to the neck muscles, ligaments and nerves. A whiplash injury is best treated with chiropractic treatment, therapeutic modalities such as tens and ice/heat as well as physical therapy.

Another treatment to help with whiplash type of neck injury is using an orthopedic neck support pillow such as the tri core orthopedic neck pillow. This pillow has special neck rolls that help to support the neck spine. You can choose a softer neck roll or a firmer neck roll to sleep on. You can sleep on your side or on your back. If you have been injured in a car accident consider using the softer side of the pillow first. Also, this pillow comes in both firm and gentle support. I would recommend the gentle tricore support neck pillow. 

This pillow will help with neck pain and stiffness. It works well in conjunction with chiropractic, traction and inversion type of treatment. 

Keep in mind that this pillow may take some time to get used to. Your neck muscles may be sore when you first wake up, but try to keep using it. The benefits of using this special pillow, will outweigh the soreness that you can get. 

Additional Reading Resources:

• Remedy for a Stiff Neck
• They Told Me I have Cervical Radiculopathy
• Can It Be Helpful to Sleep Without a Pillow?
• Arc4life Traction Pillow for Pinched Nerve in the Neck and Occiptial Neuralgia
• Choose the Best Neck Pillow

 

 

Related articles

Which Pillow Should I Use For a Cervical Fusion in the Neck?

Top 3 Tips for Chronic Neck Pain Sufferers

How Long will My Arc4life Cervical Traction Neck Pillow Last?

Yoga Helps with Chronic Neck Pain Study Shows

News Story: Feather In Baby's Neck Came from Feather Neck Pillow

A Smaller Sized Pillow that Still Offers Neck Support

Why is a Buckwheat Pillow Helpful?

Is it possible to get rid of the hump on my neck?