Neck Braces - Cervical Collars

Cervical Support and Neck Pain Relief

Cervical Arthritis, also known as Cervical Spondylosis of the neck and upper spine affects millions of people across the country and is extremely painful and the effects are very difficult to reverse. The best method of prevention is being proactive, stretching and strengthening the neck muscles before the symptoms of neck pain occur. The causes of Cervical Spondylosis have been linked to both genetics and over-use and are easily prevented with simple flexibility exercises and early detection. There are hundreds of devices specifically catered to help slow the progressive degeneration of the disks and help relieve chronic neck pain, devices ranging from simple neck rests and collars, to clinical-grade traction units and inversion tables. Such a varied and plentiful selection of cervical neck pain devices allows the person suffering from cervical pain to custom-select the right product for their needs, and their wallets. However, choosing the best device out of that selection can prove to be a bit daunting.

To assist in narrowing down the best neck pain remedy, there are two very important factors that must be considered. The first factor, and the most important one, is the extent of the injury. If you are suffering from stiffness and minor neck pain, purchasing an inversion table or full body traction kit might be overkill. However, if you are experiencing severe neck pain, or suffer from scoliosis or a degenerative disk disease, a simple neck rest will not provide enough beneficial support, and your condition may require surgery. As always, it is beneficial to first address your specific condition with a competent medical professional.

The second factor to consider before purchasing any new neck support or pain relief device is the future. Unfortunately by its very nature, arthritis of the neck and spine is a degenerative disease, and will not get better with time. Many devices will help to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility in the neck and this will help to minimize the pain and degradation, but once the vertebrae and disks begin to erode there are few options for relief other than surgery. It is very important to consider your longevity when purchasing a cervical device, the muscles of the neck and spine hold up the full weight of the skull and their strength and durability is paramount to living a full and pain-free life. By addressing these points before making a purchase, you are more likely to find a beneficial device that will help you stay healthy and active for years to come.

Cervical Neck Pain Frequently Asked Questions:

What types of neck supports are the best?

There are many different types of cervical supports and collars ranging from simple foam and Velcro collars like the FLA Orthopedics Foam Cervical Collar which provides support for the neck by preventing the neck from drooping forward, to the Releaf Neck Rest, a device that lifts and supports the skull by means of their unique flex tension construction, dispersing the weight of the head to the shoulders and back instead of the neck and providing minor traction and comfortable support.

What is a cervical traction device and how does it work?

Cervical traction devices are designed to lift the head and elongate the spine. This process allows the intervertebral disks in the spine and neck to decompress and elongate, relieving pressure and strain. Options like the NeckPro Cervical Traction Device provide user-specified traction, allowing the user to customize the amount of tension they need to relieve the muscle tightness, pinched nerves and neck strains, the typical symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Another popular traction device is the Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Inversion Table. By using the body"s own weight to help decompress the vertebrae of the neck and spine, inversion tables provide unmatched natural traction and have been highly reviewed by chiropractors and patients alike.

What are the benefits of heat and cold therapy on cervical tension?

There are many different heat and cold cervical therapy devices available for the treatment of stiffness and pain in the neck and upper spine. Heat therapy helps to loosen the muscles of the neck and promote increased circulation to the area, reducing pain and muscle fatigue. Cold therapy is beneficial for injury recovery. Cold therapy helps prevents fluid build-up and reduces swelling, it also numbs the nerve endings in the neck and spine, effectively reducing pain and inflammation. There are many hot and cold therapy devices designed specifically for the neck and some can even be used for both heat and cold treatments like the specially contoured Elasto-Gel Cervical Collar, or the highly affordable Carex BED BUDDY Hot Cold Pack.

What can I do to help relieve neck pain at night?

This question frequently comes up when addressing cervical neck pain and stiffness, as the way you sleep can have dramatic effect on your vertebral alignment. There are many different orthopedic pillows and posture supporting pillows available on the market in a variety of different designs and thicknesses. This variety allows the person suffering from cervical spondylosis to decide the best nighttime support for their specific needs. Pillows like the Duro Med Cervical Rest Pillow and the Butterfly Pillow have a unique design that supports and aligns the shoulders, neck and head, providing a restful and refreshing night"s sleep. Other devices for night-time support include orthopedic pillows like the Double Core Pillow, or the Memory Air Core Pillow from Core Orthopedics. These pillows are designed with multiple levels of support, and actually help to re-establish the natural curvature of the neck and spine while you rest, minimizing rehabilitation time after injury as well as maximizing rehab treatment benefits to help ensure long term health.

Whether you are trying to relieve minor stiffness and tension, or are rehabilitating after an injury or an arthritis diagnosis, by considering these important factors and commonly asked questions you will be well on your way to determining the best cervical pain relief option for your needs. Be it a hot or cold pack, orthopedic pillow or full inversion system, buy your cervical support and neck pain relief device from ActiveForever today, and start living a full and pain-free life.