The Alternative Pain Relief Blog

Back Pain and Neck Pain Due to Fibromyalgia: Can Diet Make A Difference?

2009-07-06T08:40:00.007-04:00

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex condition that includes widespread symptoms of muscle and joint pain, where everything seems to ache and is associated with severe exhaustion and fatigue. It can cause pain in the shoulders, neck, low back, hips, or other areas. Other symptoms such as sleep disturbances, sensitivity to touch, genitourinary symptoms are common as well. It affects up to 4% of the population, woman greater than men, with no known cause or known cure. With these facts, it’s not surprising that many sufferers have turned to diet as a means of trying to improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, there are many conflicting dietary recommendations for FM, some completely contradicting the other, leaving the patient and doctor confused as to who or what to believe.

FM can be primary (of unknown cause) or secondary (caused by a different specific condition). Because many conditions can give rise to FM, it’s not surprising that there is no one diet that works universally for all FM patients. However, many FM sufferers respond from eliminating one or more of several types of foods according to experts interviewed by WebMD, and utilizing these recommendations can prove highly effective. They specifically identified 7 foods to avoid in the management of FM, which include the following:

Aspartame (NutraSweet): All of the experts interviewed by WebMD agreed a large majority of FM patients could worsen by eating or drinking foods sweetened by aspartame.
MSG (monosodium glutamine) and nitrates: MSG is a common additive to enhance flavor in many processed and frozen foods as well as in some Asian (eg., Chinese) foods. Hence, lunchmeats like ham, bologna and bacon should be avoided.
Sugar, fructose, and simple carbohydrates: Though no study has clearly identified that these foods directly worsen the symptoms in FM patients, eliminating foods like cake, white bread and sugar in general, will decrease the risk of developing secondary conditions such as yeast infections that can give rise to FM. Eliminating foods with high levels of fructose corn syrup has been reported to help some FM patients.
Caffeine (coffee, tea, colas/soda, chocolate): After a brief stimulating effect (energy boost), there is a longer lasting sedative affect, which is amplified in FM patients. The good news is that most of the caffeine is out of the body within a week of discontinuing use.
Yeast and glutens: These two are not related but are frequently used together in foods like cake, donuts and bread and both contribute to FM symptoms. Yeast gives rise to yeast fungus where an overgrowth may cause or exacerbate FM symptoms resulting in joint and muscle pain. Glutens can cause stomach and other GI problems, which in turn can give rise to fatigue.
Dairy: Regardless if its low or high fat, some reports indicate that dairy products, particularly milk can increase the symptoms of FM and avoiding these can help.
Nightshade plants: Tomatoes, chili and bell peppers, potatoes and eggplant can trigger flare-ups of FM and various forms of arthritis.

Some GOOD diet approaches include a heart-healthy diet – that is, one that is low in saturated fat and includes lean meats; poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables. This diet improves one’s overall health, thus reducing the risk of secondary FM and allowing the body to better fight off other disease processes. This diet is also anti-inflammatory, the common link found in many health conditions. A vegetarian diet comprised of mostly whole foods was also reported as helpful. High potency vitamin supplement and specifically Omega 3 fatty acids (main ingredients – EPA & DHA) included in fish oil, flax seed, walnuts, some fortified cereals, and eggs also help reduce inflammation.

Additional Reading Resources

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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10 Problems with your Chair that Can Contribute to Lower Back Pain

2009-07-02T14:07:00.011-04:00

If you work with a computer constantly, drive long distances, or are sitting on the telephone talking to your clients all day, this next blog post will be beneficial for you.

There is a technique of sitting, and your chair has a lot to do with it.

When you sit in a chair, your muscles should be relaxed, and you should have good posture while you sit. An ergonomically correct chair will work with you to ensure that you are sitting correctly and are pain free by the end of the day. Sitting in an ill-fitting chair puts added stress to your body. It can cause fatigue and strain to your muscles. A great chair will allow your body to relax and give you support when your posture is not at its best.

Not using a Lumbar Support- this causes added stress to the lower bck. A Lumbar Support is often “C”shaped to conform to the curves of your lumbar spine. A Lumbar Support allows you have the correct lumbar lordosis in your back. There are so many lumbar supports out there with a common goal of making sure you have good posture when you sit. For an office chair lumbar support, try the SitBack Rest. It has slight wings that will hold your midback area in place along with giving you a lordosis in the lumbar spine. If you want something that is less bulky, you can try the SlimRest Back Cushion which is ideal for automobiles. You can also get lumbar support cushions for which you control how much pressure and support you want for your lower back: The Inflatable lumbar support cushion. Recently, we introduced our readers to a back rest that provides ice or heat therapies while you sitting. If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, this back rest has a spot for hot or cold therapy pack- This sitback rest PLUS is very convenient and handy.
Watch Arc4life's YouTube Video about how to use a lumbar cushion here:
The arm rests are not at the right level. If your armrest is too high or too low they can cause discomfort while you are sitting. Your elbows should reach the arm rests, therefore decreasing the stress on your shoulder muscles. Ideally, your arms should be flexed 75-90 degrees for optimal posture.
Back rest is scooped in the upper portion of the chair. The backrest should be flat in the upper portion. This can cause you to lean forward or slouch, which is not good for back posture. A chair with a flat back will ensure that as the day progresses and you get more tired, your posture stays in good form.
Back rest is too vertical
Backrest is too short
Jack knifing effect at the hips and knees.This position can exaggerate the curve in the lumbar spine which increase pressure on the lower back muscles and ligaments, creating pain and discomfort. Your knees should be even with your knees or slightly elevated for good posture.
High front edge of the seat. This can decrease circulation to the legs and feet
Seat Bottom is too soft in the center. This creates a “bucket effect”- this effect places more stress and load on your outer thighs, instead of the bony joints of your buttocks.
Feet are not in the right position when sitting. Make sure that when you are sitting, your feet are touching the floor flat. If you are uncomfortable with this, use a foot rest or even a phone book to elevate your feet.
Overall chair size is not right for you. If you are petite person an over size chair is not going to help you or be comfortable.

Making changes to how we sit can be difficult and discomforting at first. It can even cause soreness because your body is not used to changing the way our muscles are being used. However the effort put into making sure you have good posture while sitting is well worth it. You back will thank you in the long term.

Source: Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, by Travell and Simons

Photo Source: Joanie Malone

Additional Resources:

Visit Arc 4 Life for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products, lower back supports and cushions.

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The Neck Pain and TMJ Connection

2009-06-09T11:13:00.004-04:00

Today’s blog post comes from Dr. Matt Bellinger’s Chiropractic newsletter that he mails to his patients monthly. A chiropractor in Glastonbury, Dr. Bellinger is dedicated to treating chronic conditions such as neck pain and lower back pain.

If you have ever suffered with jaw pain, then you also suffered with neck pain as well. The two are structurally related as we shall see.

The jaw (frequently referred to as the TMJ) is associated with neck function, especially the upper cervical vertebrae. The muscles that move the jaw/TMJ are largely innervated by the 5th cranial nerve, also called the trigeminal nerve. Several studies have found that when stimulating structures innervated by the trigeminal nerve, neck and/or jaw pain was created and vise versa.

Similarly, patients with jaw problems (called temporomandibular dysfunction or, TMD) often report neck pain. When we open our mouth wide, head-neck extension always occurs followed by head-flexion when we close the jaw. Hence, the neck is always moving when we chew, yawn, talk, and clench our teeth. In fact, all of these every day activities result in jaw, head, neck motion extending from the base of the skull and first cervical vertebra (occiput-C1) and continues down through the entire cervical spine.

This was investigated in a study where the relationship between neck symptoms, jaw function – specifically active mouth opening, and pressure pain sensitivity in a trigeminal nerve innervated region after a spinal manipulation was applied to the upper neck vertebrae. Here, 37 female patients with neck pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups (control and experimental) and, before and after treatment, exams of mouth opening and pressure pain levels were measured. The group receiving the upper neck manipulation showed a significant increase in active mouth opening motion as well as improved pressure pain tolerance compared to the control/non-manipulation group in a sample of woman with neck pain.

This study is very important as many people suffer from neck pain, headaches and TMD. In order to properly treat these patients, one must focus on multiple regions, not just the neck area. It has been demonstrated when we bite down, there is a corresponding tightening of two important muscles in the neck and upper back region.

Similarly, studies show relaxation of muscles in the neck, upper back and TMJ after spinal manipulation to the neck is applied. Injuries to the TMJ are common but often not pursued by patients as often they’ll say, “my jaw clicks and snaps but I don’t think about it much.”

Additional Reading Resources

Photo Source: New England Dental

Visit Arc 4 Life for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products, lower back supports and cushions.

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I woke up with a terrible pain in my neck when I move it. Must have fallen asleep in bad position. Help?

2009-06-05T11:28:00.005-04:00

Question:This morning I woke up and when I move my neck I have a terrible pain!! I know I must have fallen asleep in a bad position but it has never hurt so bad. I can't look both sides. I have to keep my head tilted down. If I lift it up straight, it hurts terribly. It hurts to try to get my head on the pillow. Has this happened to any of you?? Will Tylenol help?? I hate taking meds unless I think it really works! HELP!

Answer: Yes, this happens to everybody at some time in their life. Sometimes sleeping in an awkward position strains our neck muscles to the point that it causes stiffness and pain. Sleeping on a couch or in a weird position is not healthy for ones neck. My recommendation would be to use a heating pack and also do to neck stretches. Right now, you may not be able to move your head too much- but only do the stretches to the point of feeling a stretch, not to the point of pain. The best thing would be do them while having a hot shower (let the water hit the back of the neck and upper back), as this will help to loosen up the muscles.

Also, you should get a good neck pillow to sleep on. Specifically one that will align your head and neck in a good position for sleeping. Check out Arc 4 Life’s Linear Gravity Neck Pillow- This is a great cervical support pillow. It has two different neck rolls for you too choose from. A pillow that does not give you support or one that raises your head too much can cause neck pain and stiffness in the morning. It is tough to find the right balance, but very important for getting a good nights sleep. Sleeping on a supportive neck pillow is also good for your neck posture.

Also, you should work on the tight muscles of your neck- use a pain relief gel like ben gay or biofreeze to alleviate the pain.

I think that taking the Tylenol may help you temporarily- but this is not a long term solution at all, so I do not recommend it. If you want to use a natural muscle relaxer, try Formula 303

Finally, I highly recommend that you see a chiropractor. They will be able to some gentle mobilization on your cervical spine and check to see if you have a misalignment. They can do therapy in the office as well ( like heat, ice or e-stim). Trigger point therapy will also be beneficial for you.

Hope this helps.

Additional Reading Resources:

How Driving A Truck can be Cause for Neck Pain and Lower Back Pain

2009-05-24T10:31:00.005-04:00

Driving a Truck is a tough job- one that is physically demanding on the body. The fact that you sitting continuously is stressful on your neck and lower back area. This prolonged sitting, long hours without proper sleep, constant vibration and sometimes poor diet while on the road can make the case for poor health. Coincide that with a pre-existing condition in your neck and back area, may be aggravating one’s symptoms even further. So what are some things that a truck driver can do to maintain good health while on the road?

You may have to change the way you are working- for example, maybe lower or raise the truck seat, and use a lumbar cushion on your back to get the proper lordosis. Sometimes, your vehicle seat also has a built in lumbar support that you can inflate.

If you are doing heavy lifting make sure you are wearing a lumbar support belt to protect your lower back area.

Make sure you have a good head rest when you are driving as well. Even using a towel roll or Jackson Roll can aid in making sure you have good posture in your neck while driving.

Before starting a days work, stretch your neck and lower back area. Getting our joints and muscles warmed up before any activity can prevent major injuries later on. Truck driving is not just sitting for prolonged periods of time- the job description involves much more. There is a lot of heavy lifting, loading and unloading the trailer, yanking on certain parts of the truck like chains, and getting into and out of the truck which can be physically demanding on the body. Most people who are truck drivers are in good shape, but overall there is a lot of wear and tear on the body. There is a lot of bending, twisting and lifting involved.

An exercise program may be beneficial especially with the long hours with no activity that stresses the joints and body. Simply getting outside and walking after a few hours of driving can make a big difference. There are other treatments to try as well such as: chiropractic, massage therapy, Acupuncture, Physical therapy, traction for the neck/lower back - maybe even aquatic therapy.

Additional Reading Resources

Visit Arc 4 Life for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products, lower back supports and cushions.

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Sleeping Comfortably when You Have Neck and Lower Back Pain

2009-05-16T22:13:00.006-04:00

If you are experiencing neck and lower back pain you know that it can be very difficult to get into a comfortable position for sleeping. In fact, you may find yourself tossing and turning for most of the night. You may even have tried sleeping on different mattresses, chairs, using different pillows and positions. So what can you do finally get some deep sound sleep?

Using a cervical support neck pillow (one with an indentation in the middle) can make a big difference. For example, Arc4life’s cervical traction neck pillow is a good cervical support pillow especially for neck pain relief. This neck pillow has two sides to it- a support side and a traction side. The traction side with give your head a gentle lift while sleeping and keep your head and neck in the proper position for sleeping. This cervical traction neck pillow is not going to be hard like the tempurpedic pillow- and it is not going to be soft like a feather pillow. It is called a cervical support neck pillow because it supports your head and neck in the most natural position.

Also, sleeping with pillows placed under your knees will help the lower back pain ease. You can buy fancy positioning products such as a knee elevator.
This position of sleeping will decrease the pressure placed on the lower back muscles and bones. IF you sleep on your side, take a pillow and put it in between your knees. For sleeping on your side you can try the spinal relief pillow: perfect for placing in between your legs when sleeping on your side.

Also, using a heating pad on your neck and lower back will help to decrease pain and calm the muscles down.

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How to get rid of foot and leg pain after standing all day?

2009-03-29T18:57:00.006-04:00

One of my friends works at Nordstroms- all day she stands at the cash register or is putting stuff nicely on the displays- thats her job- stand, walk, stand, stand some more. So you can imagine that at the end of day she is going to be having pain in her feet and legs. Multiply that 1 day by 5- and she may be experiencing some major pains. What can she do for this foot and leg pain...well i have some ideas for pain relief:

Get fitted for orthotics- they can make such a big difference in your stance and the way you walk. They will make sure you have the proper arches in your feet, thus helping your posture. Foot orthotics allow the muscles, tendons & bones of the feet and lower legs to function at the best that they possibly can. They will help to decrease pain that you have associated with standing for prolonged periods of time.

You can get fitted at your chiropractors office for custom orthotics- insurance will cover it as well sometimes. The chiropractor has to fit your for these orthotics and they do this with a special mold of your feet. Alternately, you can also purchase a generic version at a pharmacy--but they won't be as effective or last as long.

Also at the end of the day take a tennis ball and massage the bottom of your foot. You can do this sitting. Sit on comfortable surface. Put the tennis ball on the floor and put your foot on top- then roll the ball with your foot along the tendons. This will help give you a good stretch of the foot tendons and muscles as well.

Alternately, you can also get a home foot massager. The Jeanie Foot Rub Massager is specifically designed for aching feet and legs. There are two speeds: a soothing low speed or an invigorating high speed massage for your feet. This foot massager is great for temporary discomforts or chronic conditions.

Well my friend continues to work but with some relief now- standing at a job is extremely tough on the body, but with a little extra effort we can make it more relaxing and less painful.

Additional Resources:

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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Natural Pain Relief for the Knee

2009-03-07T21:58:00.002-05:00

Chronic knee pain can be caused by an arthritic condition such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic Knee pain can also result post trauma, such as a past knee injury. Knee pain can be brought on by temperature changes outside, a rigorous workout such as kick boxing or even running. It can affect how well you are able to move around and simple things as standing to do the dishes can become quite a chore. What are some things that you can do for your knee pain naturally?

Slow moving martial arts called Tai Chi has been found to be a natural pain relief technique that is can decrease chronic knee pain. In fact, a new Tufts University study found that practicing tai chi for 12 weeks eased the pain of greater than 75% of people with chronic knee pain.
Use a topical analgesic gel such as Ibunex that contains Ibuprofen. Ibunex contains a combination of glucosamine and ibuprofen which works together to relieve chronic knee pain and delays the progression of osteoarthritis.
Use positioning products to make yourself more comfortable creating less stress on the knee joint. For example, use a leg spacer between your legs while sleeping (on your side) or a knee elevator (while sleeping on your back) under your legs. Positioning your knees in a position of maximum relief can allow for better circulation
If you are active and want to have extra knee support consider using a knee support- one that provides warms and mild compression. Try to use an elastic knee support as opposed to neoprene because elastic webbing acts like a muscle in that it stretches and contracts easily to conform to your body shape. It also provides constant pull or tension. Similar to a muscle so that you cannot overstretch your joints. If you suffer from chronic knee pain and use a knee support- use an elastic knee brace or an x-back elastic knee brace.

What Is the Best Neck Pillow for Someone with a Cervical Disc?

2009-02-11T21:18:00.006-05:00

By far, the #1 neck pillow we reccomend is the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow. The reason is that it will support the neck its proper alignment. By putting the normal curvature in the neck it allows the discs to stay in place as much as possible.

Secondly, it also takes tension off the spinal cord allowing inflammation to dissipate from the region and allow hydration and nutrients in. This in turn helps the discs to retract back into place.

Third, it gives a gentle stretch to the cervical spine allowing the nerve holes to open up, again reducing pressure and inflammation.

In addition to using the cervical traction neck pillow one will also benefit by doing regular neck traction during the day using the Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction Device, until symptoms resolve.

Additional Reading Resources

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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What is the Burning Sensation between My Shoulder Blades?

2009-01-13T10:07:00.004-05:00

Today's Blog Post comes from a Yahoo Question from a 16 year old with pain in between the shoulder blades:

My brother says I have bad posture. I just have this horrible burning sensation between my shoulder blades and I get a stiff neck often, and it is just killing me. I am a 16-year-old teenager, why I got to suffer from this pain at such a young age?

This burning sensation between your shoulder blades is probably the rhomboid muscles being tight and in spasm. The Rhomboid muscles sit between your spine and scapula. The rhomboid muscles attach from C7 to T5 vertebrae to the medial border of the scapula. So the this muscle connects to your neck and midback area. The rhomboids are made up of rhomboid major and rhomboid minor. Also contributing to the pain in between the shoulder blades is going to be the thoracic paraspinals, and the trapezius muscle.

As a student, do you spend a lot of time studying or sitting with your head forward over your books? Inadverdently, you may even be slouching ! Especially if you have upper back sticks out. If you do, you are setting yourself up for bad posture. If you do this everyday it puts a tremendous amount of pressure on your back muscles and even more on your neck. Bad posture can contribute to neck pain, upper back pain, stiff neck and sore shoulders and more.

The good news is that there are some simple things that you can do:

[1] Try not to slouch when you are sitting at school or while studying- make sure your back is straight. A good idea is have a back rest or cushion on your chair- this will ensure that you can sit back comfortably and not slouch. A back rest will also put a slight curve in your spine which promotes good posture. The Sit Back Rest is a good low back rest designed for the lumbar spine. Another good choice for when you sitting in the car or prefer a lumbar support that is slimmer is the SlimBack Rest.

[2] Instead of having to flex your head forward while studying, raise your material to eye level- If you can stand your books up that would really help with the neck and upper back pain.

[3] Exercises are important for your neck and upper back. Here are some good neck exercises. Even exercises like Yoga will help.

[4] Take breaks while you study

[5] Look at your backpack. Is it too heavy? Your backpack should weigh no more than 15 % of your body weight; So for example if you weigh 100 lbs, your backpack should weigh less than 15 lbs. There is a really good backpack called the Air Pack that your parents may want to check out. Look for a backpack that evenly distributes the weight of the contents.

[6] Here is a stretch for your rhomboid muscle and upper back: Cross one arm in front of your body. Now use the opposite arm to squeeze into your body and above or below elbow joint. Hold this stretch for about 10-15 seconds.

Visit Arc 4 Life for your online selection of low back pain relief products, back pack and lumbar supports.

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Ravens' Ed Reed Continues Playing His Best Despite a Nerve Impingment in his Neck

2009-01-08T14:51:00.009-05:00

American football player Ed Reed who plays for the Baltimore Ravens has been having quite the season. He is playing so well despite a nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder. This is one of the reasons Reed wore a hands-off red quarterback's jersey much of training camp and was sidelined the entire preseason.

Reed has battled through the condition to become a relentless pain in the neck to opposing quarterbacks. Reed has said that his health is very important to him, and if it means that he has to sit it out for a while, he will.

"I never doubted my ability," Reed says. "It was just a matter of playing with my injury. The pain is still there. I've just been doing a lot of treatment this year and staying focused and keeping my eyes out for any feeling that I had in training camp that would put me out.

"I haven't had that. So I just move forward with it, take it day by day."

If it comes to surgery for this nerve impingement in his neck, Reed knows that it will affect his career and he is not willing to take that risk.

A nerve impingement in the neck is a very serious medical condition. It creates extra pressure on the neck nerves- nerves that supply all the head and neck muscles. When pressure is put on a cervical nerve 3 aspects are effected: motor, sensory and reflex. Reed may feel muscle weakness on the side of nerve impingment, may have a change or loss of sensation (like numbess and tingling) and also diminished reflexes. Regardless of the pain that he is dealing with in his neck, Reed continues to make a great performance.

Reed led the league in interceptions with nine this season and has 43 in the regular season for his career. He also has five career playoff interceptions and would seem a natural spokesman for the Maryland Lottery folks because of his uncanny knack for cashing in a pick six.

Reed continues to work to get treatment for his condition, and judging from his recent plays it is working but he has to be very careful. Having good support for his neck will be helpful such as neck traction or using a supportive neck pillow at night. There are newer treatments such as non surgical spinal decompression that may help him as well. Modalities such as heat and ice. Electrotherapy and massage will be beneficial to aid in muscle spasms and pain.

The 2004 NFL defensive player of the year is the only player in league history to boast a touchdown off a punt return, blocked punt, interception and fumble recovery. "He's maybe the best player in the game," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

Reed has be careful in his next plays- yes he wants to be the best he can be for his team, but his health is more important and will affect the rest of his life.

Source: Jim Corbett: Reed overcomes own anguish to be a pain to opposing QBs USA Today

Picture Source: Lil_Mon_21 on Flickr

Additional Reading Resources:

What is the Best Pillow for A Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Part III: The Causes of Severe Neck Pain Resulting from a Cervical Radiculopathy
Part II: Neck Pain resulting from a C5, C6, C7, or C8 Radiculopathy
Part I: Are Your Severe Neck Pain Symptoms the Result of a Cervical Radiculopathy?
How to End Neck Pain By Doing Cervical Traction At Home - Learn Step by Step instructions how to use the Pronex Cervical Traction Neck Unit at Home
How Does a T.E.N.S Unit Work for Pain Relief
Hot and Cold Therapy for your Neck Pain Symptoms

Easy Pain Relief at Home: Using Hot and Cold- A Blog Post about how to treat pain at home with ice or heat; when to use each.

Visit Arc 4 life for your online selection of Neck Pain Relief Products for Home- cervical support neck pillows, neck traction, electrotherapy and other products

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Help Me! My husband Snores and I Cannot Sleep!!!

2009-01-03T20:20:00.010-05:00

More people than you think snore. If you are a spouse or loved one of a "snorer" you know all to well how annoying it can be. More importantly is that for the person snoring is it not healthy. It is a sign they are not breathing properly. It may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

In the vast majority of snorers it’s an obstruction of airway. Breathing is extremely important because getting fresh air through your system is very valuable in your body functions and processes. Almost every reaction in your body uses oxygen. Fresh oxygen also helps detoxify your body. We know without air we cannot survive !

Whether you notice it or not snoring will also prevent you and who ever can hear you for a good nights sleep. The body performs many healing functions when you sleep and without a good amount of rest your body and mind will not work at its best. Just think of how you feel the next day if you didn’t sleep much the night before.

The Cervical Traction Neck Pillow puts your neck in its optimal position. This not only reduces pressure or nerves in your neck but allows for all your nasal passages to stay in an open clear position.

Clearly keeping all your nasal passage ways allows for air to move in and out freely reducing and preventing snoring. Something that many people overlook however is that keeping pressure of nerves communication to your sinuses and air passageways also plays a vital role.

Every aspect of our body and its functions are controlled by our nervous system. If we keep pressure and unwanted stress off of the nerves communication to our sinuses and nasal passageways we ensure that all is functioning 100%. Remember, any pressure on our nerves means that the part of the body those nerves innervate is not functioning at its best.

The right neck pillow puts your neck spine in its proper position. It helps keep the neck spine free and clear of any nerve pressure. This is often why the breathing strips placed over the nose sometimes do not work. The really only help open one air passage but don’t do anything for the nerves. The cervical traction neck pillow helps with both.

Some other things that may be contributing to the snoring is poor air quality. In the winter time when the air is oten more dry an the furnace is always running you may notice the snoring problem more. Allergens in the air can also contribute to the problem.

The Cervical Traction neck pillow is made with special hypoallergenic fibers and also is available with a dust protector cover to protect it from the outside dust and allergens in the air. This can be very helpful to individuals with dust allergies that can be contributing to the problem.

Also I recommend changing your air filters frequently and often cleaning your air ducts periodically to reduce dust and allergies in your homes air supply. Sometimes a humidifier in the bedroom may help put a little moisture in the air. So start in the path to getting rid of your snoring habit by choosing the rght neck pillow. Not only will it make your loved ones happier but it will improve your health.

Additional Resources:

Neck Pain Support Blog

Visit Arc 4 Life for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Natural Products for pain relief everyday.

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To all our Loyal Readers, Wishing Everyone A Wonderful 2009, filled with Good Health, Happiness and Laughter !!- NJ

A Travel Neck Pillow for the AirPlane and Airport

2008-12-21T11:57:00.004-05:00

No one wants to have neck pain just from travelling during the holidays. It has been reported that 20% of travelers injure their back or neck in the whole travelling process. A large percentage of those report having a sore neck after being in uncomfortable positions while seated. If you are travelling during the holiday season by air plane, then you will definitely be spending some time in the airport waiting area and then sitting on an airplane. Most likely in the seated position. Trying to get some sleep in a sitting position can be difficult. There are special travel pillows that are u shaped that made especially for going around your neck in any position. They will ensure that your head and neck are aligned properly. It is very easy to have your neck flopping from side to side in a awkward position. These travel pillows can be made out of fiber or foam depending on your preference.
There is also a special neck pillow designed for people who suffer from headaches, call the Headache Ice Pillow- it uses the combination of ice (with a gel pack) and proper support for the neck to decrease inflammation and tension in the muscles of the neck.

Travel pillows will ensure that you arrive well rested and refreshed, no matter where your destination.

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 Winter Weather is Here: Are you Shoveling Snow Properly?

2008-12-19T19:43:00.004-05:00

Today in central Connecticut we had 6-10 inches of snow. We have a very long steep driveway, that needs to get shoveled by hand. Once in a while, our awesome neighbor will come and use his 4 wheeler with a plow hook up to plow our driveway, but we do have to shovel a few times during the winter season. Here are some tips to keep safe this season:

Bend with the knees, not the back. When you go to pick up or move the snow, bend your knees. You may have to think about this the first few times, but your body will get used to.
Brace shove handle against thigh to lift snow
Use a good shovel with a with a bend in the handle. This allows you to stand up straighter as you push for less back strain.
With heavy and wet snow lift smaller amounts of snow. Don’t try to push too much snow either, you can injure yourself just like if you tried to lift too much
Do some gentle lower back stretches before you start to warm up and loosen up your muscles. Flex forward, extend back, laterally bend right, laterally bend left and hold each stretch for 10-15 seconds.
Dress in layers and make sure you try to stay as warm as possible. It is very important to wear a hat, gloves, a scarf, and double socks. If you get cold, you muscles will tighten and you can more easily get injured when cold
Wear a support belt if you suffer from back pain. Wearing a lumbosacral belt when you shovel will help you protect your lower back muscles. Here is a great article about how to wear a lumbar support belt: How to Properly wear a lumbar Support Belt for Moderate- Severe Lower back pain
Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help
Don’t be too cheap to get the driveway plowed- a back injury is not worth it if you have a back condition
This applies to using a snow blower as well- let the plow do the work, do not try to push too much snow or move the snow blower to often with out using the motor
If you know there is 6-10 inches coming, do some shoveling at the 2” mark and then again when the storms over. As snow sits it can get heavier, making it more likely that you may injure yourself. Fresh snow is lighter and much easier to handle. It is safest to shovel snow early, rather than waiting until the snow stops falling. If you wait, the snow may pack down to create an icy lower layer that is hard to scrape away. So shovel twice when the snow is 2 inches deep rather than waiting to struggle with the ultimate 6 or 8 inches.
Take breaks frequently. This is no marathon against your neighbor. Your neighbor may have a 4 wheeler with a plow hook-up and you may just have your lonely snow shovel- its best to be as safe as possible.

Shoveling snow in the New England area is inevitable during the Winter Season. We don’t like to do it, but we will because we have to drive out of the driveway and get on with our life. But snow shoveling doesn’t have to be painful and put you on the couch for a few days. Dress warm, rest frequently and keep an eye on the snow accumulation – and you will be safe this winter season.

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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More Americans using Alternative Therapies for Pain Relief

2008-12-14T18:48:00.006-05:00

Arc4life.com, a leader in alternative health pain relief products recently released a new new study that highlights how the US uses Alternative therapies for their health care. A recent survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 38 Percent of Adults and 12 Percent of Children Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This independent study substantiates more Americans are turning to alternative medicine for treatment of pain.

Dr.Matthew Bellinger, chief health advisor at Arc4life.com stated that "Neck Pain and back pain are leading causes of missed time at work, lost productivity, lost time with family and not being able to complete daily activities of living. Keeping your spine healthy should be a priority in everyone's life. Neck pain and back pain should always be treated with natural therapies before opting to use drugs or surgery, which can have many negative effects and other implications"

The survey included questions on 36 types of CAM therapies commonly used in the United States — 10 types of provider-based therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic, and 26 other therapies that do not require a provider, such as herbal supplements and meditation. The NIH Survey also found that "many people feel alternative medicine may work better for them than typical medical approaches, with fewer bad side effects."

The most commonly used CAM therapies among U.S. adults in 2007 were:

Nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products (17.7 %)
Most common: fish oil/omega 3/DHA, glucosamine, echinacea, flaxseed oil or pills, and ginseng
Deep breathing exercises (12.7 %)
Meditation (9.4 %)
Chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation (8.6 %)
Massage Therapy (8.3 %)
Yoga (6.1 %)

"As I look at this data, what I'm most struck with is how much people areturning to CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) approaches as partof the management of chronic pain conditions, particularly chronic backpain, but also neck pain and musculoskeletal pain and headache," said Dr.Josephine Briggs, director of the US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the NIH.

The 2007 survey results were based on responses from 23,000 adults nationwide.

Overall, women and people with higher levels of education were more likely to use alternative medicine techniques, the survey concluded.

Visit Arc4life for your online selection of pain relief products such as cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief, home traction units, lumbar supports and other products for pain relief

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The Dreaded Hunchback - How to Correct That Area of Your Upper Back That Pops Out and Looks Funny!

2008-12-04T15:33:00.005-05:00

Today's Blog Post is Courtesy of Dr.Bellinger of CT Spine and Disc Center near Hartford CT. Today he discusses a special type of posture that we all call the "hunchback"- and how to take steps to correct and prevent it:

How does this dreaded "hunchback" form? This condition actually stems from poor neck and upper back posture. What happens is your upper back starts shifting up and back. So that "hunch", is actually bone.

This phenomenon happens because the neck spine shifts forward. They call this forward head posture or forward head carriage.

The whole spine works together. When one section is shifted or misaligned, it causes problems elsewhere. So as the neck spine shifts forward and looses it's normal alignment and curvature, the upper back spine starts pushing up and back increasing it's curve.

What is the concern if you have a slight "hunching" of the upper back?. First off, it doesn't look good and it will get worse, looking worse. But more important; if you have it, you know for a fact that your neck and upper back are out of alignment. This is extremely important because research shows that any spinal misalignments eventually puts pressure on nerves. Any pressure on nerves means the body is not working at it's best. This not only predisposes you for neck pain, back pain, and headaches, but can cause something even worse.

So how do you correct this "bone" that's popping out? Answer - we simply need to correct the posture and spine alignment. With this particular problem, the best way is with a good neck neck pillow and neck traction device.

A good neck pillow is one that gives the proper neck support when you sleep. The Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow supports your neck while improving alignment.

A true neck traction device will help bring the head and neck back and improve the neck curve even more quickly.

Restoring the normal neck curvature and improving forward head posture will then restore upper back posture and alignment. The upper back spine that was protruding or "hunching" up and back will move back down and forward.

Not only will this neck pillow and neck traction devise correct that ugly "hunch back", it will prevent it from ever occurring to begin with!

Source:
Ezine Health Articles: How to Correct that Area of Your Upper Back That Pops Out and Looks Funny!

Additional Reading Resources:

Visit Arc4life for stiff neck, neck pain, pinched nerve in the neck and other symptoms. Arc4life specializes in cervical neck pillows, neck stretches and pain relief products for home.

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"I awake with neck and shoulder pain daily"....

2008-11-30T18:43:00.009-05:00

We recently received the following email from a desperate customer looking for the right neck pillow...

Hi, im pretty new to picking a pillow for my cause i was hoping you could help me. I am a side sleeper and awake with neck and shoulder pain daily, mainly on the right side because that's the shoulder i lay on. I may have a pinched nerve but have yet to see the doc. Any sugesstions i would greatly apprciate and would give a try. Thanks ~ Davinder

Dear Davinder,

Thank you for your email- I think that I would recommend a cervical traction neck pillow for you. This cervical support pillow has two functions: support and traction. The Cervical traction Neck Pillow is for side and back sleepers. This pillow is particularly good for patients who suffer from a disc herniation in the neck or a “pinched” nerve. The traction part of the pillow is designed to support your neck in the proper cervical curve and also to maintain proper alignment when you are sleeping.

Because of the special design of the pillow, it back take a few nights to get used to. My suggestion would be to try the CLT pillow using the neck roll side of the pillow to begin with - also use the pillow for a few hours each night and then go back to your regular pillow. Slowly use the pillow a few hours greater each night. Some soreness and achiness is normal for some of our patients because they are not used to a pillow with this built in support for the neck. I am also going to give you a link for neck stretches that you can do in the A.M: arc4life.com/neckstretches. Make sure you do these only to the point of feeling a stretch, not to the point of pain. Davinder, you will notice that you may only be able to bend your neck in a small range of motion in the beginning, but this increase as you continue the neck stretches.

For more information about a pinched nerve in the neck, visit the Neck Pain Support Blog.

I hope this helps- IF you have any more specific questions about this neck pillow, please email me directly at arc4life[at]Cox.net (change the [at] to @).

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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Don’t make your Back Pain An Excuse For Everything

2008-11-29T10:27:00.003-05:00

When you suffer from lower back pain it prevents you from working, from spending time with your families, not being able to participate in special hobbies - but don’t let back pain excuse you from exercising.

For those patients who suffer from chronic back pain, they are often put out of commission for periods at a time, make a part of the family room couch.

According to the University of Michigan Health System, here are some guidelines on how to to continue exercising even with back pain.

It is very important to check with your Primary Care Physician to make sure you are okay to being any new activity. Here are some guidelines to keep yourself active:

Low Impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and biking are generally safe for a sore back
Before exercises, it is very important to stretch your lower back so that your muscles are warmed up. Also if you feel that your muscles are sore and tight before starting take a warm shower
Wear Loose clothing, and don’t wear shoes
Any time you feel pain, stop that exercise
Avoid more involved exercises such as situps, hip twists, toe touchs or any activity that cause hyper extension in y our back
Avoid high impact sports like soccer, football or volleyball
Avoid Lifting weights – lifting to much weight or lifting incorrectly with bad form can aggravate a back condition.

Additional Reading Resouces:

How to Properly wear a lumbar Support Belt for Moderate- Severe Lower back pain

How to Treat Tight Muscles

Products for Lower Back Pain Relief

Visit Low Back Pain Relief- Lower Back Rests, Lumbar Support belts, and Lumbar Traction Devices

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Part II: Are you a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression?

2008-11-13T20:28:00.006-05:00

For patients who are looking for an alternative to lower back surgery such as a laminectomy or a spinal fusion, a new computerized treatment called Non Surgical Spinal Decompression is now available.

What are the indications for spinal decompression? Non surgical spinal decompression works for patients suffering from:

lumbar herniated disc
lumbar bulging disc
sciatica
severe lower back pain
degenerative disc disease
numbness and tingling into one or both legs
weakness in the legs due to a pinched nerve
post back sugery pain
posterior facet syndrome
foraminal stenosis

Non surgical spinal decompression is a treatment option for those patients who have tried all forms of conservative treatment such as injections, acupuncture, chiropractic, medications and physical therapy, and even some that have had a surgery.

What are some of the contraindications for spinal decompression? Patients who have hardware in their back from surgery such as metal rods or screws, spinal fractures, surgical repair of an aortic aneurysm, infection of the spine, or severe osteoporosis.

As we discussed in the previous post introducing spinal decompression, the doctor will determine what the treatment will focus on. So for example if a patient’s MRI shows a herniated disc at the L4 disc, and the exam findings support that the L4 disc is affected, treatment will occur at the level of the L4 disc.

Spinal Decompression works by creating a negative pressure or a vacuum effect inside the disc. This effect causes the disc to pull in the herniation and the increase in negative pressure. This in turn causes the flow of blood and nutrients back into the disc allowing the body's natural fibroblastic response to heal the injury and re-hydrate the disc.

In our Part III of this special series, we will have a discussion with Dr. Matthew Bellinger, of CT Spine and Disc Center, and ask him specific questions about how spinal decompression works for his patients.

Please email me if you have specific questions about non surgical spinal decompression for lower back pain, sciatica and lumbar disc herniation.

Here are a partial Listing of Doctors that specialize in Non Surgical Decompression:

CT Spine and Disc Center- Dr. Matthew Bellinger, located in Glastonbury, Connecticut 860-633-8756

Spinal Decompression with the Drx9000- Understand how non surgical spinal decompression works

Lower Back Pain Relief Blog- A discussion of alternative non surgical treatments for lower back pain.

Additional Reading Resources:
Part I: A Non Surgical Way to Treat Moderate-Severe Lower Back Pain
How to Properly Wear a Lower Back Support Belt for Moderate to Severe Lower Back Pain

Visit Low Back Pain Relief - Arc4ife carries low back supports and rest as well as lumbar belt for low back and sciatica pain relief

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A Non surgical way to treat mod-severe lower back pain: Part I

2008-11-05T14:53:00.006-05:00

For patients who suffer from mild discomfort or pain in the lower back, there are treatment options such as chiropractic, acupuncture, stretching, exercising, yoga, even medications. What about patients who suffer from moderate to severe lower back pain? Pain that is unrelenting, one that goes into the legs and the buttocks, causes weakness, pain and numbness and tingling? Often for these patients they receive little relief from chiropractic, physical therapy, injections, steroids and medications. They often have to take strong medications such as cortisone and often times, these come accompanied by unpleasant side effects.

Often times, patients have gone to their primary care physician, neurologists, chiropractors, and orthopedic surgeons. They often have alread had a lower back MRI, a special type of imaging that can reveal disc issues- such as a herniated disc, disc bulge, and degenerated disc. Problems in the disc can cause pain the leg, numbness and tingling, sciatica and high intensity that does not go away- it affects all aspects of their activities of daily activities, even work.

After trying multiple injections, medications and still no relief, the orthopedic Dr may even recommend surgery for the lower back- often times a laminectomy or a fusion surgery to take pressure off of the disc.

These patients with moderate-to severe lower back pain may benefit from a non surgical procedure called non surgical spinal decompression. Spinal Decompression significantly reduces back pain in many patients and also enables the majority of patients to return to more active lifestyles.

Spinal Decompression utilizes revolutionary technology to apply a distraction force to relieve nerve compression often associated with lower back pain and sciatica. To see a video of how spinal decompression treatment works click here.

After completing a consultation, examination and analyzing a patients MRI, the Dr can determine what level to target the decompression at. The patient is specially positioned on the decompression machine and is pulled with varying degrees of weight similar to a logarithmic curve or an accordion. When distractive forces are generated on a logarithmic curve the typical proprioceptor response through muscle spasms are avoided. By not involving the muscles of the lower back, decompression can occur at the targeted disc level. The Drx9000, by Axiom Worldwide is one such device that does non surgical spinal decompression. Because this technology is only a few years old, it is only available in certain Doctor’s offices. If you need help looking for a Doctor who does the non surgical spinal decompression, please email us at info@arc4life. com.

A patient who is undergoing non surgical spinal decompression treatment will also have cold therapy and interferential stimulation to treat muscle spasms and inflammation in the lower back. They will also be given home icing instructions, as well as special stretching and strengthening exercises specifically for the lower back region. They will also be asked to wear a special lower back brace that will aid in healing of the lower back. By limiting the motion of lower back muscles and ligaments as much as possible, its support also helps improve posture. It also serves as a reminder to use proper lifting techniques to protect the lower back as much as possible.

In the Part II Discussion about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression I will discuss:

What happens during a session of Spinal Decompression
Are there any side effects or contraindications for Spinal Decompression
How is Spinal Decompression different from other treatments of lower back pain
What are the more specific indications for Spinal Decompression

Please email me if you have specific questions about non surgical spinal decompression for lower back pain, sciatica and lumbar disc herniation.
Here are a partial Listing of Doctors that specialize in Non Surgical Decompression:
CT Spine and Disc Center- Dr. Matthew Bellinger, located in Glastonbury, Connecticut 860-633-8756

NYC Spinal Decompression Center- Dr. Steven Shoshany located in New York City 212-645-8151

Executive Express Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression- Dr. Eben Davis located in San Francisco, California 415-392-2225

Additional Resources:

How to Properly Wear a Lower Back Support Belt for Moderate to Severe Lower Back Pain
Visit Low Back Pain Relief - Arc4ife carries low back supports and rest as well as lumbar belt for low back and sciatica pain relief

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What's the best neck pillow for aches and knots?

2008-11-04T10:05:00.009-05:00

Today's post comes from Yahoo Answers- Everybody suffers from aches and knots in the neck. So here is the question:

Question:What's the best neck pillow for aches and knots? I have this neck pillow that vibrates. Well, I took out that mechanism that causes it to vibrate, because it feels like it's shaking my brains, and that's not very comfortable. I've just been using it to sleep with now, and I'm looking for a neck pillow that might gently knead the neck muscles. Any ideas? I tried several searches, but I can't seem to locate one that does that. Maybe you know from personal experience, which one is the best. Thanks so much :)

Answer: Here is a great neck pillow that will give you a gentle stretch in your neck while you are sleeping: the Cervical traction Neck Pillow.
If you look at the design of this pillow you will note that this pillow has a "v" in the center and other other side is a neck roll. The V Part actually gives your cervical muscles a gentle stretch when you are sleeping. This is really good especially if you have a decreased cervical curve in your neck. The other side of the pillow supports you head and neck, making sure that it is properly supported while sleeping.

How about instead of getting a pillow that "vibrates" or "kneads"- get a home portable T.e.n.s Unit for your muscle spasms. Do this during the day, when you are awake for about 20 minutes. Use ice (acute neck pain) or heat afterwards (chronic neck pain). Also you can use a natural pain relieving gel like biofreeze to work on the cervical paraspinals and suboccipitals.

Source(s): Yahoo Answers

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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Tuesday November 4, 2008 - Today is finally Election Day here in the US. Everybody get your voice heard by voting !

Moms Takes Notice: New BackPack Lightens School Back Pack Load

2008-10-31T14:30:00.009-04:00

Moms, do you cringe every time you see your kids going off to school with their back packs chock full to the point that they are going to fall over ? Personally, I notice it every morning on the way to work when the children get on the bus. These days kids have to carry heavier and heavier back packs that includes their books, lunches, sports equipment, musical instruments and other school supplies.

Kid’s backpacks should be no more than 15% of their body weight, so a seventh grader that weighs 100 lbs should have a backpack that's no more than 15 pounds.

11 year old Amanda’s back pack was so full of books that she had pain in her shoulders, back and legs. "It's just too heavy for me!" she cried.

Amanda was introduced to a special type of Backpack called an AirPack, as offered on Arc4life.com.
This backpack has a unique patented, ergonomic air transfer system. This support system is created by a hidden adjustable air chamber placed in the lower back which transfers weight to the hips. The wide, foam-cushioned straps have buckles at the top and bottom to provide a two point adjustment. These back packs self-adjust side to side to provide better fit across the shoulders. Side cinches pull the load closer to your center of gravity increasing balance and stability. These backpacks come in 3 convenient sizes: Small, Medium, Large. The Air Packs also come in a variety of colors, popular with kids.

Well how did Amanda fare with her Airpack backpack? According to Amanda,the book bag has definitely lightened her load.

“When I put on my book bag with all of its textbooks, and books, its just much lighter. If feels much better. The Pain is Off. My backpack is just…I mean its wonderful. The straps help my shoulder and I have an airpack over here which the greatest thing. I mean, It helps the spine, it helps by back.[It] carries the load off of my back and shoulders. The back pack is my favorite color- its pink. Its comfortable, its light- its just the best book bag ever. I am definitely going to keep using the Airpack. It's just wonderful !"

Additional Reading Sources:

BackPacks A Pain in the Neck
The Case of the Heavy BackPack

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of the AirPack BackPacks. Available in Small, Medium and Large.

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Source: Rachel Ray: Back to School- Watch Little Amanda Handle all her Books with her AirPack on the Rachel Ray Show

Happy Halloween from Arc4life.com

Easy Pain Relief at Home: Using Heat and Ice

2008-10-30T10:49:00.014-04:00

You were in a whiplash type accident, what should you use on your neck? Ice or Heat? You have been suffering with low back pain for 4 months, what should you use on your lower back? Ice or Heat?

The Use of Ice and Heat Therapy has been found to be very beneficial for not only decreasing pain but also controling pain. Cold Therapy or Ice should be used in the acute phase of an injury- you bump your knee on the coffee table, immediately apply ice. This aids in decreasing inflammation and numbs the immediate pain. Ice can sometimes increase pain that arises from a trigger point, so don't use cold therapy in these cases.

Use heat therapy for the treatment of muscle spasms. It relaxes the muscles and stimulates vasodilation to help remove inflammatory toxins and by products of muscle spasm. Because using heat can increase inflammation, it should be avoided during the acute phase.

**In general, begin with using ice during the acute inflammatory phase, as long as you can tolerate it, and then move on to heat therapy.

Read more about Hot and Cold Therapy - Understand the optimum way to use heat and cold for pain relief
Photo Courtesy of QueenThings on Flickr.com

Visit Ice and Moist Heat Therapy for your acute and chronic injuries: Pain Relief for your neck and lower back

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Introducing Arc4life’s NEW Lumbar Back Rest with Ice Pack Built Right in

2008-10-21T22:28:00.004-04:00

Trying to drive or do office work with lower back pain can be very difficult. Just trying to get into a comfortable position can be impossible.

Today I want to talk about a new lumbar cushion that is great for the car with some added benefit. This lumbar support cushion will not only support your lumbar spine but it can give you the therapeutic effect of ice or heat.

Its called the Sit Back Rest Plus- Arc4life has carried the Sit back rest for many years and time and time again our customers have agreed that it is a great lumbar support cushion. The new SitBackRest PLUS now offers therapeutic benefits- A 6 x 10 hot or cold pack that can be easily fastened via a hook-and-loop closureto the lumbar cushion. The hot and cold pack helps ease low back pain from flare-ups and day-to-day discomforts such as sitting for prolonged periods of time. Use heat for sore and muscle spasms in the lower back or chronic low back pain. If you recently have suffered from acute lower back pain after a trauma or accident to the lower back, use a cold pack to decrease swelling and inflammation and decrease the pain sensation.

The hot and cold pack on this backrest helps ease back pain from flare-ups and day-to-day discomforts such as sitting for prolonged periods of time. This lumbar cushion is shaped to fit snugly against bucketseats to maximize comfort and support while driving. The hot/cold pack is covered by a soft fabric. Hence you can easily apply directly to your skin without using a towel. To use the Hot Pack, microwave for 30 sections- kneading after to distribute the heat. To use as a cold pack, store in the freezer for a few hours, preferably over night.

Dimensions of the Sit Back Rest: 13" x 14" (33cm x 36cm). – Made of Precision Cut Foam with a Durable Fabric Cover

Dimensions of the Hot/Cold Pack: 6" x 10" (15.24 cm x 25.4 cm).
On Sale at Arc4life.com: SitBackRest PLUS- The SitBack Rest PLUS a 6x10 Ice/Hot Pack

Photo Courtesy of: Arc4life.com

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 High Heels Controversy: Do they Really Cause Low Back Pain?

2008-10-15T11:40:00.010-04:00

Personally, I love to wear heels- they make you look and feel taller, elongating your body, making your feet look very pretty. In fact I would love to own a pair of Christian Louboutin

If you are working in construction, nursing, or in a factory job you can get away with wearing comfortable sneakers or shoes that provide good support for your foot. But having an office job means that every once in a while, or maybe more often depending on your style, you will wear high heels. Even if your occupation does not require it, it is nice to wear high heels for a dinner or special occasion.

With all the running around that the job candidates did on The Apprentice this season, many of the woman wore heels - And some of them suffered. Claire Young, a 29 year old, 5 ft 6 business woman wore her fashion heels on every episode. Her heels measured 5 inches. According to Claire wearing heels increased her confidence level by giving her more height, and slimming down her body. Well it also increased something else: Her low back pain. On the day that the final Apprentice Episode aired, Claire was in bed with severe lower back pain, not able to move.

This morning I was watching a segment on The Today Show where they were talking about heels getting even higher- I mean like 7- 9 inches…Can you imagine that? Even models who have been wearing heels on the runway looked like they were having a difficult time walking and standing.

Truth be told, wearing heels is not the best thing for your health, particularly your lower back. Especially if you wear heels everyday, many hours a day. Wearing heels tilts the pelvis and upsets the natural s shape of your spine, creating more stress for the nerves of the lumbar spine. It can cause low back pain, knee pain, and foot pain. You can develop trouble walking, sprains, strains and conditions of the knee and ankle. Wearing heels also changes the way the muscles of the pelvis, legs, and ankle contract. Imagine walking on tipping toes all day long- how would that feel after 8 hours? Not the best. Well that’s exactly what wearing heels does to you- it changes the biomechanics of your gait (how you walk)- which then affects the alignment of your pelvis, your hips, your knees and your ankles. It’s hard to stabilize yourself wearing long heels – this can cause more falls and sprains and strains of the ankle. Finally, often times high heels squish your foot together, causing further misalignment (and Pain) to the individual bones of the foot.

For lower back pain relief from wearing heels, it helps to use a support at night while sleeping. A simple Knee Elevator placed under the knees at night can help take the pressure off the nerves of the lower back.

So how can we woman who love our heels still wear them and not suffer from the many conditions that I have painfully listed above? Wear them for shorter periods of time. You also don’t have to wear 5 inch heels- how about 2 or 3 inch heels?

So even if I do get my Christian Louboutin’s some day, I imagine that I will wear my heels on my special occasions and feel good at the same time !! – Imagine That ! - NJ

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of low back supports, lumbar rolls, lumbo sacral belts, traction products for lower back pain relief.

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