Neck Pain Support Blog

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.

Using Cold Therapy For Neck Pain

 

Cold Therapy, also known as cryotherapy, can be a helpful and commonly used method for managing neck pain, particularly when it's due to inflammation or acute injuries. Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the affected area, and decreasing inflammation and pain. Here are several ways cold therapy can be applied for neck pain relief:

1. Cold Packs/Ice Packs:

   • Application: Apply a cold pack to the cervical and upper back area or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes.
   • Frequency: Repeat every 1-2 hours, especially during the first 48 hours after the onset of neck pain or injury.

2. Cold Compress:

   • DIY Option: You can create a cold compress by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag or using a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel.
   • Application: Apply the cold compress to the neck for the recommended duration.

3. Cold Gel:

   • Application: Cold gel packs or patches can be applied directly to the neck for a convenient and mess-free cold therapy option.

4. Topical Analgesic Gels or Creams:

   • Application: Some over-the-counter gels or creams contain ingredients like menthol or camphor that produce a cooling sensation when applied to the skin.
   • Benefits: These products can provide a mild cooling effect and may be combined with other therapies for enhanced relief.

5. Cold Water Immersion:

   • Application: Cold water immersion involves submerging the affected area in cold water, such as in an ice bath or cold water pool.
   • Caution: This method should be done cautiously to avoid frostbite, and it's usually not recommended for the neck due to the sensitivity of the area.

6. Cold Massage:

   • Application: Some massage therapists use cold massage tools or ice massage techniques to apply cold therapy while massaging the neck.
   • Caution: Cold massage should be done carefully to avoid prolonged exposure and potential skin damage.

When using cold therapy for neck pain relief, it's important to keep the following considerations in mind:

• Limit Duration: Avoid applying cold therapy for more than 20 minutes at a time to prevent skin damage.

• Use a Barrier: Always wrap ice packs or cold compresses in a thin towel or cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin.

• Check Skin Sensation: Regularly check the skin for signs of numbness or excessive cold, and discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: If neck pain persists or worsens, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying issues and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Cold therapy can be an effective component of a comprehensive approach to managing neck pain, especially in the early stages of acute injuries or inflammation. However, it's essential to use it judiciously and in conjunction with other appropriate treatments as recommended by a healthcare provider.

 

Additional Reading:

• Chilin with Cold Therapy at Home
• 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
• Arc4life's Linear Gravity Neck Pillow- Small Size for Toddlers, Teens and Petite Individuals
• Change up the loft of your pillow easily
• Upper Back Stretches you can do anywhere

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

Been comfortably sleeping on this pillow since 2014.....

One of the pillows that we love here at the Neck Pain Support Blog, because it offers great neck support is the arc4life cervical linear traction neck pillow. Since 2003 this pillow has been giving effective cervical support to patients with a herniated disc, neck pain, disc bulge, neck arthritis, occipital neuralgia, forward head posture and more.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Been comfortably sleeping on this pillow since 2014! Worth every penny!

Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2022 Size: Medium 24"x17" Color: White

Purchase I had my first stiff neck as a child. As an adult, I got at least a few per year. I bought this pillow in 2014 and have not had a stiff neck since! It’s been 8 years! I love this pillow and can not use anything else now. I take it with me when I travel, even if it’s only for a night. I know it’s expensive, but it’s worth it.- Lily

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ No More Pain

Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2022 Size: Medium 24"x17"Color: White

I never knew such things existed but now I can say this truly is a magic potion for waking up with no back, shoulder and neck pain. I can even position myself just so to sleep on my side. It's very sturdy and clean and well packaged. I will never sleep on a crappy gelly like hot memory foam again. I'm pleased beyond words.- Carin

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works well

Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022 Size: Large 28"x17"Color: White

I feel like I’ve spent more money and wasted more time trying to find the perfect pillow than I’d like to admit. This is the one I’ve settled on for now. To me, it has the right combination of give and support, and there are multiple positions to use depending on if you side sleep, sleep on your back, etc. I’ve been pretty satisfied with this pillow and will probably look around at what else is out there when it’s time for a new one, but I easily could end up purchasing another one of these. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with this one. - Ben

Arc4life Cervical Traction Neck Pillow

How Back and Neck Pain Can be Helped when You Travel

It's July 4th and how are you spending the holiday? Are you driving this holiday or taking a plane trip somewhere? Chances are covid-19 has somehow affected your plans. Personally, we are doing a staycation. My son and I tested out a new golf club this morning and later we are doing a July 4th bbq with close family. Staying put and staying safe. Enjoying fireworks from our back lanai tonight !

Happy July 4th from the Neck Pain Support Blog

How can back and neck pain affect travel? In many many ways actually. It can make it  nightmare and cause you to have a flare up sometimes. Here are some great tips to help you with your travel plans- whether doing a staycation or going somewhere.

First, taking breaks is very important. The act of sitting can put a lot of stress on your joints, on your back and even your neck. Sitting in one place while driving, or on the computer can aggravate back and neck pain. Hence, standing up and moving around can make a big difference. Making a plan to get up every 15-20 minutes to get a drink of water is a great idea. Plan on stopping at a rest stop no matter what. Just stretching and moving can make such a big difference if you have neck and back pain.

Using pillows to your advantage can make a big difference. For both the back and the neck, use contoured neck and back pillows. For example using a lumbar pillow while sitting in the car for long periods or when you are on the computer, can help.

 

A lumbar pillow can make long car trip more comfortable for your lower back.

 

 

Just like using a pillow for lower back can help, same goes for your cervical spine. Using a cervical contoured neck pillow for sleep can also make a huge difference for optimal posture while sleeping on your side or back. The Arc4life Traction Pillow is a good example of pillow with curves that fit the shape of your neck. It is important to order the right size of a pillow like this. This arc4life pillow comes in 3 sizes: small, medium and large. 

A Contoured Neck Pillow at Night Can Keep Your Neck in Alignment While Sleeping

 

Next, doing neck and back stretches can go a long way to keep comfortable. Never to the point of pain, just to the point that you feel a stretch is the key. These are great stretches for the hips, neck, back and shoulders.

Effective stretches for the hips, neck, back and shoulders.

There you go: 3 simple things you can do to enjoy your staycation or TRAVEL away from home.

 

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
• Arc4life's Linear Gravity Neck Pillow- Small Size for Toddlers, Teens and Petite Individuals
• Change up the loft of your pillow easily
• Upper Back Stretches you can do anywhere

 

Neck Support Is Always Needed No Matter the Age

I think 2020 will go down in history for many reasons. With the recent covid-19 pandemic, my child hasn't been able to play soccer, basketball or baseball. He loves all of his team sports.

 

Thankfully, he has been able to play golf at our local course. Its a great individual sport that that they can grow, be athletic and be outside with their peers. I've also learned there is a lot of equipment sized perfectly for the younger beginner golfers. Clubs that are lighter, easier to swing and color coded for their height. The US Kids Golf does a great job of fitting kids for golf clubs.

 

There are even training products designed to help improve your swing. For example, the orange whip golf  swing trainer. A long stick that resembles a golf club but has a weighted orange ball at the end of it. This "golf swing trainer" helps  to  improve range of motion in ones swing, balance, and flexibility. All important aspects of an optimal golf swing. I had tested this orange whip out at a golf clinic myself a few years back. Then a friend sent a link for the junior version: a flexible shaft, a smaller diameter grip and lighter weights on each end- perfect for my junior beginner golfer to improve his swing.

 

 

Just like the orange whip golf swing trainer, my kids have a smaller baseball glove, smaller golf clubs - generally smaller kid versions to help them play optimally. Makes sense. 

Well Arc4life has kids pillows. Why? Because kids have smaller spines, smaller curves in their neck and need pillows that are proportionally smaller. For instance, my son a contoured neck pillow for sleeping every night- the arc4life cervical traction pillow (its comes in a small, medium and large. The small pillow is smaller in length, width and thickness: 20x15 vs the medium size which is 24x17. There is a big difference in all the dimensions of the pillow. It is ergonomically designed for the size of his little neck and gives him the support he needs for great posture while he sleeps (on his back or on his side). If children use adult pillows that are too large, the pillows can cause forward head posture,  pushing their head and neck forward. My son loves his pillow so much that if he goes for a sleepover at his grandparents, we pack his pillow with him as well: It's essential.

 

Also, you can get kids pillows for neck support in the car and for travel as well. Here is an example of a twist pillow made of memory foam that can be used for kids while they are in the car.

 

Memory Foam Twist Pillow

 

Additional Reading:

• Orange Whip Full-Sized Golf Swing Trainer Aid - for Improved Rhythm, Flexibility, Balance, Tempo, and Strength - 47”
• Arc4life Twist Pillow works great for patients who are travelling or for kids in the car
• Contoured Kids Pillows Designed for Smaller Cervical Spines
• Arc4life's Linear Gravity Neck Pillow- Small Size for Toddlers, Teens and Petite Individuals
• Kids need their own backpacks too.

Born in the USA.....

I was singing in the house recently, "MAAAADE IN the USAAAA"- My husband corrected me, its "BORN IN THE USA" by Bruce Springsteen. Oh Yes... I corrected myself.

 

It's March 2020, and the headliner is the Coronavirus.  You cannot get away from it. This is a time in history that no one will forget. Travel plans, event plans, mortgages, work - everything is being affected. Even schools are being cancelled. This coronavirus continues to spread globally, with over 111,000 cases and 3,800 deaths as of Monday March 9, 2020,  Johns Hopkins University. It is important to practice good hand washing, be vigilant, don't get too close to people , and don't even think about going on a cruise . Even for me personally, we have family who is supposed to be visiting in both March and April - they are trying to postpone ✈️, and with good reason. The airlines are being more lenient and allowing customers to postpone flights.

 

Recently we received this concerned email from a customer who wanted to order our Arc4life Traction Pillow:  " I’m interested in ordering a cervical traction pillow. I’ve struggled to find correct pillow and have not seen one like this before. Before I purchase I need to know your return policy. And if it ships from US. Not China. Thanks -Maple" 

Our arc4life traction pillow, arc4life gravity pillows and adjustable foam-fiber pillows are made in California, USA . Our return policy is 30 days. You have to ship the pillow back to us to our Port orange Florida location. There is a 5% return fee and the shipping is not refundable. The shipping we charge when you order is $5. Email us back if you have any questions about our pillow. 

Additional Reading:

• The Switchboard that controls everything
• Wake up with More Pain
• How does Traction work on a Traction V Pillow
• Keeping at a healthy weight naturally
• Exercises to Help you with neck pain

 

 

Exercises to Help you with Neck Pain Relief

Here are 7 amazingly effective neck exercises that you can do on your own at home:

These neck exercises will help to strengthen your neck muscles. They involve putting your head and neck into certain ranges of motion. Make sure to do on both sides of your head:

• rotation
• flexion
• extension
• lateral flexion

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

 

 

 

Ideas to Help You Sleep Better at Night

  

Sleep Is Part of Life - 33% of it in fact.

Sleep is a great thing...when you can get it. When you cannot, you scratch your head and wake up feeling like you are not rested.

A recent study even showed that if you felt like you did not sleep well, then you were less likely be to productive.

You spend one third of your life sleeping. Its something that you should try to do as well as possible. It will do your body good.

Sleep is a great thing...when you can get it. When you cannot, you scratch your head and wake up feeling like you are not rested.

You spend one third of your life sleeping. Its something that you should try to do as well as possible. It will do your body good.

  Your Bedroom Set up is Important

Simple is Best, especially when it comes to keeping your rooms ready for sleep.

 

 Avoid Eating too Close to Bedtime (especially Snacks)

If you are planning on sleeping at 10 pm, try to have your last meal at around 6:30 to 7. You will then give your body proper amount of time for digestion. Also don't be eating too many sugary things close to bedtime, as this can keep you awake. For example apple pie or ice-cream (my downfall). These, I do not recommend right before bed time.

What Does the National Sleep Foundation Say about How Much Sleep We Should Get?

The National Sleep Foundation released the findings of a 2 year sleep study and looked at how many hours of sleep people need every night:

• Newborns (age 0-3 months ): 14 to 17 hours
• Infants (age 4-11 months): 12 to 15 hours
• Toddlers (age 1-2 years): 11 to 14 hours
• Preschoolers (age 3-5): 10 to 13 hours
• School age children ( age 6-13): 9 to 11 hours
• Teenagers (age 14-17): 8 to10 hours
• Younger adults (age 18-25): 7 to 9 hours
• Adults (age 26-64): 7 to 9 hours
• Older adults (age 65+): 7 o 8 hours

Source: National Sleep Foundation’s sleep time duration recommendations| Journal Sleep Health, March 2015, Volume 1, Issue 1, Pages 40-43

 

 Time Your Caffeine Consumption Carefully

I wish I was one of those people that could enjoy a cup of coffee right before going be bed. I really enjoy hot beverages like tea, coffee and hot chocolate. But I stay away and drink these hot drinks in the early afternoon, and never after 1 pm.

I once had a ice coffee at a Vietnamese restaurant, and it kept me up for 2 days. Seriously.

So I learned my lesson about too much caffeine throughout the day.

Pass on the cappuccino and caffeinated coffee after dinner, if possible. Opt for hot milk instead (this will actually help you fall asleep). Coffee can definitely keep some people up at night. I don't recommend having this hot beverage right before going to bed.

 

 

Drinking Coffee in the Afternoon sounds Wonderful, but not so Wonderful for Helping me Fall Asleep at Night. Choose the time that you drink your caffeinated drinks wisely.

 

A Warm Shower: This can feel Relaxing Right before You Go to Bed.

Make sure your shower is not too hot. Lukewarm is best and it won't dry out your skin. Taking a warm shower before going to bed can be very relaxing indeed. Make sure that your shower is not super hot.

 

Your Mattress and Pillow can Really Help you Sleep Better

a) Your Mattress

Test the springyness of your mattress. If your mattress sags, you need a new one. Even when you test out mattresses at the store, make sure there is no sagging when you lay your body on the mattress. Check your upper back, neck, and lower back. Does it feel supported? That is why it is super important to do some testing when you purchase a new mattress. This is not something to be purchased online.

Recently friends of ours got a very fancy mattress. You know the Select Comfort type where you can choose the level of firmness of the mattress. I am happy for them- but I truly don't think you need to spend so much money on a mattress. Yes it is important ,b ut other things are MORE important.

If you and your partner like two different styles of mattresses, and cannot comprise, then the select comfort that iImentioned above may be ideal for you. You can actually select hard vs soft for mattress softness - for both the right and left side of the mattress. That is pretty cool.

b) Your Pillow

The right pillow can not only help you fall asleep faster, but also stay asleep. A contoured neck pillow- one with rolls in it, is the best choice. This provides proper alignment in the cervical spine (your neck).There is often a center depression in this type of pillow: a square, trapezoid, or triangle. This helps you to rest your head comfortably with support. Always check the firmness of a pillow. A pillow that is too firm will be very uncomfortable to sleep with. Also, check the size of your pillow as well.

 

 Turn off The Technology Around You

By Technology I mean your a) cell phone b) tablet c) computer d) laptop.

Avoid keeping your cell phone, tablet computer or laptop near your bed where you sleep. Turn them off, and put these things in a different room, or away from where you are sleeping. Sometimes even the lights from these gadgets can be enough to keep you awake.

We used to keep our cell phone near our bed, on the nightstand. Recently, we have moved the cell phone right out of the bedroom. It now sits just outside the bedroom. One of us has to get up and turn of the alarm every morning. This has turned out be ideal because it helps us to wake up as well. It can be annoying on the weekends, but we don't mind.

 

Do This Before Sleeping..... Make it a Habit

Don't Worry You Can Get Your All Your Messages The Next Day...

 

Keep Your Room as Dark as You Can

Keeping the room dark can help you sleep better. Sometimes all you need a small night light that may be down the hall that keeps just enough light on.

Just outside our bedroom door we plugged in a small night light. Enough light that you can get up and go to the bathroom and see where you are going. Just enough. Overall the room is pretty dark.

 

A Little Literature can Help you Sleep

Nothing too exciting should be read, but this does work for many people, including myself. Reading for about 20 minutes can be very relaxing and just put you into the mood for sleep. One tip I would suggest, is to read a real book, not something in the digital format. The light that is emitted from a device can actually hinder you from going to bed.

Even for my kids, this technique works. We have recently been reading the Jack and Annie Magic Tree house books. My kids love them and both of them know that it is time for bed.

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Relax before going to bed

Relaxing right before going to bed is most important. Put on some light music that is low in volume, dim the lights. Sometimes just doing NOTHING, can really help you get to sleep.

 

Sleep on a neck pillow WITH CONTOURS

By this I mean sleep on a contoured neck pillow- one with rolls in it. This provides proper alignment in the cervical spine.There is often a center depression such as a square, trapezoid, or triangle in shape and helps you to rest your head comfortably with support. Always check the firmness of a pillow. A pillow that is too firm will be very uncomfortable to sleep with.

 

 

An Example of A Pillow with Contours.

The TriCore Family of Neck Pillows has contours on it that support Your Neck. This pillow is on the firmer size of support.

 

 

 Exercise Can Make A Difference During the Day, Not Right Before Bed

I have found being tired out seems to help. A good workout or in my case a brisk 20 minute walk can be very beneficial.

I don't recommend exercising right before bed; but do something during the day that will fatigue you, get your heart rate going. Fresh air helps too.

 

 

The Benefits of Exercise cannot be Overstated. A simple morning walk can make a big difference to my entire day and to how well I sleep that night.

 

Increase Your Consumption of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Researchers at University of Oxford (UK) recently published (2014) in the Journal of Sleep Research and showed that consuming higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids DHA allows us to experience better sleep. This was seen especially in children. The study was done on 362 children, ages 7-9.

Where do Omega 3 Fatty Acids Come From?

• Fish oils
• Tuna
• Flax seeds
• Avocado
• Salmon

 

The Right Sleeping Pillow Can Make a Big Difference.

Arc4life Cervical Traction Pillow for Neck Pain Relief, Cervical Neck Support and Neck Traction, Best Pillows for Sleeping, Stop Neck Pain, Side Sleeper Pillow for Neck Pain MEDIUM 24x17

The Arc4life Traction Neck Pillow. Easily sleep on your back or side. Gives your neck and head good support so it is easier to relax.

 

 

 

Invest in a Sound Machine

When my daughter was born, we needed some kind of sound device to lull her to sleep. It was the only thing that worked. A sleep machine worked wonders for her.

Over the years, I have found out that the sound of running water, thunder and rainstorms helps me sleep. This might be the case for you as well.

We ended up getting the Big Red Rooster (see below) sound machine. I liked how it looked and the reviews on it were positive overall. This sound machine features white noise, the sound of water, the sound of crickets, the sound of the amazon... you might be surprised at what might work for you. They even have a button called white noise. That one is interesting. A little scary, I thought personally- but it might appeal to some.

A Little Box with a Big Effect

 

 

 

 

These are my Top  Tips for the Best Sleep. What Are Yours? Please Share.

 

10 Best Ways to Do Neck Traction at Home

Here are 10 ways you can stretch Your neck Effectively:

 

#1. The Posture Pump 1000 - Here is a very comfortable type of neck traction that arc4life recommends. You simply lay down and you will feel a neck stretch behind your neck. Simply inflate or deflate the bulb to increase to decrease the stretch.

#2. The Soothe- A- Ciser - a natural way to do neck traction. Simply lay back on the cushion. Use many times by chiropractors, massage therapists and other health professionals in their office.

#3. The Arc4life Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow - the arc4life traction pillow gives you a gentle neck stretch when you sleep. Very comfortable.

#4. Over the Door Neck Traction System - A simple and effective way to do do neck traction. You can get up to 20 lbs of neck traction with this system. May look archaic, but it does the job effectively.

#5. Your Bed - a great way to start neck traction. Simply lay your head off of the bed, and let gravity do the work.

#6. A Towel Roll - roll up a towel and put it under your neck. You can make the towel roll as small or large as you wish to. Very comfortable and a great way to get started doing neck traction.



#7. The Omni Neck Stretching Device - simply lay on this device and your neck will be stretched.

#8. A Collar for Linear Neck Stretching - imagine wearing a neck collar that inflates on the right side and the left side. That is what the trac collar does. You can increase to decrease the right, left or both sides. Great for seated traction.

#9. A Neck Orthotic - a gentle less aggressive way to do neck traction. Simply lay on the neck orthotic which is made of a soft foam. Great for someone older or with advanced degeneration with still wants to do curve correction or gentle extension traction.

#10. Saunders Neck Traction Unit - a more advanced type of neck traction. You can get up to 50 lbs of pressure with this traction unit.  Another more advanced traction unit is called the Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction Device which comes in 3 sizes as well.

Neck Traction= Neck Pain Relief

When doing any type of neck stretch, it is best to follow the advice of your Doctor or health care professional. Often times, a chiropractor or physical therapist will stretch your cervical spine in their office and give you home instructions. Usually patients do neck stretching from 5- 20 minutes, with varying levels of neck traction (up to 20 lbs). It could be as simple as just laying on a roll type of material (a pillow or foam roll) or doing active neck traction with a traction machine: the Saunders, the posture pump 1000 or a trac Collar.

You want to gently stretch your neck before you start by doing simple flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion

After traction, you may want to use some ice on the muscles to minimize soreness (which can happen in the beginning of doing a neck traction protocol).

Updated: 4/24/2020