How much do you know about the neck pain?

Don’t get too depressed. You are not the only one who’s suffering from neck cervical pain. Nearly 70% of North Americans are experiencing it and people are looking for solutions in order to relax their muscles. Under stressful working conditions, people spend up to 8 hours on average per day by sitting in front of their computers and not surprisingly it may cause neck disc pains.

Your stresses due to high amount of work and psychological pressure by having project dead lines tense up your upper body muscles, making them more prone to get injured. This constantly stress can result in neck cervical pain. Therefore, it is very important to know techniques to relax your muscles.

What causes the neck cervical pain?

Staring at something that is not properly positioned at eyes.

If you are looking at a computer screen  that is way too below or above your eye level for a long period of time, your neck muscle gets continuous stresses causing cervical pains.

Poor sitting posture brings cervical pains.

What makes difficult to correct your wrong position is that you sit and get yourself positioned everyday and unconsciously. Since the muscles on the front of the neck are stretched too much, this repeated actions become your daily habit causing neck disc pain. Whenever you hold your head too far forward, this bends your spine and strains neck muscles due to the weight of the head as well. Always remember putting your chin straightforward and center your head over the neck.

Suggestions for reducing neck cervical pain

There are solutions to reduce neck cervical pain. A good recommendation to relax your body and mind is simply having meditation at home. Set yourself aside from stresses and invest just 20 minutes a day. Forget about your tedious daily work activities. Turn off TV, cell phones, lights and concentrate only on deep breathing with your eyes closed.

You will realize that your mind is slowing down and you are getting comfortable as you further concentrate on this activity. While you are meditating, consciously have your neck muscles tightened up and follow through the relaxation. It is very important because it makes your neck muscles not only get stronger but also even more flexible. Also we suggest that you consult your chiropractor before performing any exercises for neck cervical pain relief that you are not confident with.

If you are looking for a more immediately effective, convenient and affordable solution for neck cervical pain relief, we suggest the ChiSoft NeckTraction. This device is designed with professional knowledge of the neck cervical pain relief treatments and it stretches your neck muscles, reduces muscle tensions and enhances neck disc pain relief.

Finding gifts for men seems to be more difficult than for women. Most women have difficult time to find the right gift men. One thing you should remember is that men always like gadgets and practical gifts.

So for anyone who already started considering their holiday gift shopping, I thought I would write a few posts dedicated to popular health and wellness items that are inexpensive and reasonably priced.

Body Massager

Body Massagers are great for people who are stressed, tense, or who have circulation problems. For trying to find an alternative to the spa massages we’re in luck, because as technology advances, so does variety. You can find massagers in all shapes and sizes, from the simple hand-rollers, to electronic massagers, to some with infrared.

What Are Infrared Massagers?

Infrared is thermal heat, and when combined with a massager, it’s great to help relax the muscles and improve circulation. With improved circulation allows better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tired, or sore muscles. Here is a an example of a percussion massager with heat

Hand-held Infrared Massager

What kind of hand held massagers are out there?…

There are many sizes, and many shapes that are designed for a specific handling and usage. For instance, there are hand-held massagers, which are kind of curved. Or there are the traditional straight massagers. This one is designed to help you tone and firm the muscle, also called the relax and tone massager

Hand-held massager

Here is another hand held massager that I’ve found. This plug-in hand held massager can be used for different body parts. I find this very useful for massaging my back muscle. With a long grip, it’s easy to reach my back. Besides, this hand held massager is pretty light weight. Good for the ladies.  They also call it the heavy duty massager.

Heavy Duty Hand Held Massager

When shopping back massagers…

Most massagers would state a specific area they were intended for. A back massager wouldn’t be the same as a neck massager. So a small multi-purpose massager can be more practical than one big one, if you know you’re going to be tackling more than one area.

This lower back massager looks like an apple. Don’t think it’s a just delicious looking apple, this back massager comes with heat and two relaxing shiatsu massage rollers. When you put this massager at your lower back, you can feel the sensational massage….

Back Massager

If you need a more fancy back massager, here is one that I’ve found. This one covers your whole back, so you can get a full back massage. With the massage rollers moving up- and downwards it gives you a complete soothing massage. It even comes with heat.

Back Massager with Heat -

Car Seat Massager For Lonely Drivers

For people who are too busy but love their cars, or love/have to drive long distances daily – car seat massager can hit two birds with one stone. A relaxing massage to relieve the tension as traffic builds, to and from work.

Car Seat Massager

More gift ideas for men to come.  Stay tuned…

Massager Resources

• List of Body Massagers
• List Portable Massagers
• List Back Massagers

Choosing the right cervical traction device can be a little confusing. It is critical to treatment of neck pain relief success. Whether it be relieving some of your chronic pain, recovering from an injury, etc. There are many neck traction devices to choose from, some looking better, and safer than other (I.e. door neck tractions).

Here are some facts about the top three major brands of inflatable neck traction devices. A safe treatment of cervical pain, that should be considered part of your neck pain relief options.

TracCollar Pneumatic Cervical Traction Device

TracCollar has two hand-held inflation bulbs, which inflates a bladder on one side of the collar. Both are combined to create an upward pressure on the head. You can precisely control the amount of traction for either the right or left side of the neck. TracCollar is made of plastic foam, and the inflatable bladders of natural latex rubber. While the fabric you feel around the neck is made of comfortable blend of cotton (97%) and Lycra (3%).

Neck Cervical Pain Treatment: Inflatable Neck Traction Devices

ChiSoft Neck Traction Cervical Traction Device

ChiSoft Neck Traction has three inflatable air chambers for improved effectiveness and range, and is lightweight and portable. ChiSoft Neck Traction is operated by a single bulb pump and includes an air-release screw for maximum inflation control. Lifting and extending your neck comfortably, to relieve any pressure that would cause neck pain. ChiSoft Neck Traction is constructed of latex rubber inner chambers and comfortable, washable velour fabric covers.

Neck Cervical Pain Treatment: Inflatable Neck Traction Devices

Elasto-Gel Therapy Neck Collar

Elasto-Gel Therapy Neck Collar is designed to provide hot or cold therapy directly on problem areas of the neck. The Elasto-Gel Therapy is made of a tough, flexible gel; and will retain temperature for 20-30 minutes. Elasto-Gel is shaped to fit the cervical area snugly, giving it the nickname, “The Jello Shot”. It stays soft, is freezer safe, and microwavable! An adjustable Velcro closure allows for easy positioning.

Neck Cervical Pain Treatment: Inflatable Neck Traction Devices

*Important:

None of these products are meant to replace specific doctor recommendations, but they can effectively provide cervical traction, thus relieving pressure from pinched nerves, misalignment, and sore muscles, and reducing associated pain symptoms.

A new innovative eye treatment from eyeSlices, that is non-toxic and bacteria free. This is eye treatment is a gel pad for your eye, in lieu of those cucumber slice eye treatments and can be chilled for a cold eye mask. Eye slices contain aloe and bioactive ingredients to improve and soothe any eye conditions. Great if you need to rejuvenate tired eyes, soothe swollen eyes, or calm eye irritation caused by allergens.

How to use eyeSlices eye mask…

Place the gel eye mask on your eyes and gently press over your closed eye. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes, or more if you want. Eye slices can be reused about 5 times if they are tightly resealed in their casing.

Tip: Refrigerate before using for a soothing cold eye mask.

After using you can rinse the eye slices off before sealing them in the containers, but the natural anti-bacterial ingredient in the eye slices keeps this eye treatment bacteria-free!

Benefits of eyeSlices eye treatment…

Compact casing allows you to easily store it. Use it at home or even at work when you feel the need to soothe or refresh your eyes.

These eye slices contain no cucumber extract, which is great for people who are allergic to cucumbers. These eye treatment eye slices can be used to reduce eye puffiness, appearance of red eye, dark circles and wrinkles under the eye. It can also be used to help soothe eye conditions such as tired and swelling eyes, and any eye irritations.

Eye masks: Eye Slices soothing eye mask

Welcome to the beginning of the new year of 2010. My how time flies. To start the new year’s posting, let’s talk about essential oils. Particularly one product: Peppermint Halo, by Saje Natural Wellness.

One of the best natural headache remedies, I’ve found, that is completely safe and harmless to the body. An encouraging natural headache relief option to consider, instead of consuming drugs for those in constant need of a headache remedy. My friend introduced me to this little bottle, and I have forever been in love. Personally, I was never really firm believer in natural medicine, because not everything works for everyone. However, I have never doubted natures healing remedies as it was used long ago – before science discovered how to cram things into a pill form, with side effects.

Relieve headaches: Peppermint Halo

Peppermint Halo is a natural headache remedy made of essentials oils of: peppermint, eucalyptus, cajeput, rosemary, lavender & vetiver. To use, manually apply to the scalp (either with your finger, or roll-on application), following your hairline all the way around your head. This is the “halo”. Extra drops can be used to massage your temples and the area between the eyes.

Peppermint Halo: how & does it work?

The headache remedy begins to take effect almost immediately. A warm and cooling sensation helps to relieve headache pains. It’s a nice tingly feeling that sedates and relaxes the body, while the smell of lavender calms you down, and eucalyptus assists in deeper, soothing breathes.

Saje now has a policy, that if you do not like it or it didn’t work – you can return it. They understand that people avoid trying natural healing remedies, because some people consider them ineffective. What’s Saje Natural Wellness Policy? Buy it, try it, use it – don’t like it? Return it. Perfect for people who are afraid to try, in fear of losing money.

Natural Headache Relief - Peppermint Halo

For anyone who’s been on a plane will know, the airline pillows aren’t really pillows, but they better than other transportation providers who provide none. Long travels become agonizing as you twist and turn in your seat, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep. Times like these, you hope to get a window seat so you can attempt to cozy yourself in the corner, and you’d still wake up with neck strains.

A travel pillow is a great Thanksgiving gift idea that can be used for either travel, or at home watching TV. They can relieve any neck tension or stress, by providing correct posture alignment through comfortable means.

How to pick a travel pillow…

*Recommendation: Choose a travel pillow with quality stuffing*

Most blow-up-yourself plastic pillows are often cheap, both in price and in quality. Flexible, and travel convenient as they are, they tend to leak and deflate easily, especially with to the amount of body pressure. These do not usually last long, offer no real support, and the plastic seal lining can be a little irritating on the bare neck.

Pillows with stuffing are preferable, and can be found at prices less than $50. Even though they’re not as compact as the inflatable pillows, it offers great support and comfort for all users. They usually come with a removable lining that offers easy cleaning, and soft comfort when used. Shapes vary from your regular rectangle pillow; to the “C” shape pillow that allows your head to naturally rest against the back seat.

You can find many quality pillows out there. Here are a few of our travel pillow favorites for this year’s Thanksgiving gift idea:

Buckwheat Travel Pillow

The Buckwheat Hull travel pillow is a great Thanksgiving gift idea that’s environmentally friendly, offers excellent support, and is less than $50. Finding a good quality buckwheat pillow should last a person 8 good years, so do a good inspection when you shop. Weight may be a little heavier than ideal, but the wheat allows stern support, and better air circulation; so no need to worry about smells embedding itself into the pillow interior.

buckwheat hull neck pillow

Comsoft Travel Pillow

Memory foam cushion that offers superb comfort and support during any usage. Just like the commercials for the memory foam bed mattress, the foam in the Comsoft travel pillow adjusts itself to suit your body. Designed to relieve pressure the Comsoft is comfortable, and offers great support for a proper posture head & neck alignment. You can find Comsoft pillows for about $50 online.

Comsoft Travel Neck Pillow

Tempur Neck Support Pillow

Developed by NASA, the Tempur material was originally designed to relieve the pressure experienced by astronauts. Since then, improvements for the regular earthly lifestyle has been made to provide pressure relief, comfort and sleep quality. Prices vary by store.

Tempur-pedic Neck Support Pillow

Heating pad is a great Thanksgiving gift idea that costs less than $100. Heat gifts are great for anyone who has arthritis, circulation problems, or for anyone who just wants to stay warm.  Heat wraps/pads are great, as they do not take up a lot of energy like personal heaters do. They come in all different types of sizes and materials, and their flexibility in material and design allows you to focus the heat source to targeted areas.

The Chi Ondi Heating Pad with wrap is my new founding suggestion for a Thanksgiving gift idea that’s less than $100. It has a ceramic powder pad, which helps to retain the heat longer than usual heat pads or a hot water bottle. The elastic wrap material and Velcro straps allow for secure comfort for anyone of any size.

ChiOndi Heat Wrap for upper back relief

Chi Ondi Heat Warp Benefits:

You can get a large pad to wrap around your mid-section, or you can get smaller pads to focus on specific joints.

-    100% Ceramic powder only
-    Ceramic pad retains heat longer compared to other heat pads
-    Safe, will not explode if overheated
-    No Leakage material
-    Can last 2 – 3 hours

ChiOndi Heat Wrap around the waist

How to use Chi Ondo Heating Pad:

1.    Remove the ceramic powder pad from the wrap, and microwave for no more than 3 minutes.
2.    Place ceramic pad in the wrap pocket
3.    Use wrap in desired area
**Recommendation: Avoid applying the wrap directly to skin once removed from the microwave, place an extra line of thin cloth in between.

Ceramic Joint Heating Pads

Whether you just want to relax, or purify the air, aromatherapy diffusers are a great way to go in any household. They can be found in different colors and designs. These diffusers can be inexpensive if found for a good price, less than $100 and the best bargain I’ve found so far. Especially in these economic times, bargains are the best.

How aromatherapy diffusers work…

These aromatherapy diffusers use essential oils to spray a nice light scent into the room, while the mist cleanses the air of pollutants and bacteria. A great way to clean the air while flu season is in session. This is a safer alternative than spraying chemicals  into the air.

It also works wonders for getting rid of the smoky smell of cigarettes/cigars in a room. But be aware that it won’t necessarily protect you from inhaling second hand smoke.

Perks:

-  Most have a timer that you can set it to turn on and off automatically
-  It only uses essential oils and water, no other chemicals
-  Purifies the air of bad smells, bacteria, and pollutants
-  Releases a light, relaxing fragrance

Aromatherapy Diffuser