MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Many people are able to find relief from their back or neck pain by making modifications to their daily routines, sometimes with the use of medical products.

The following products have been used with some success in many patients, but be sure to discuss these products with your doctor before using for the first time. Many of these products work well for some patients, but there is a possibilty of further injury or worsening of pain if not used properly or if the product is not appropriate for your specific condition.

Water Pillows

The water pillow is a water-filled pillow that is used for reducing neck pain and improving the quality of sleep. I have recommended the Mediflow water pillows to thousands of my patients over the years. Many have been so happy with the Mediflow water pillow that they returned to buy more pillows for their family members.

A clinical study performed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine on 41 patients with benign cervical pain found that when patients used water-based pillows, they had less morning pain, increased pain relief, and improved quality of sleep compared to when they used their regular pillow and roll pillow (Lavin et al., 1997).

BIOFREEZE

BIOFREEZE is a unique and effective pain reliever. It contains ilex, which is an herbal extract from a South American holly shrub. BIOFREEZE can effectively help relieve pain from the following: sore muscles and muscles spasms; back, shoulder and neck pain; arthritis; knee, hip, ankle or elbow pain; and muscular strains. BIOFREEZE is not available in most stores, but it is widely available on the Web.

PRONEX Cervical Traction Units

This pierce of equipment is a great device to help people with neck pain to break the chroinc pain cycle. The PRONEX provides an even distraction to the anterior and posterior cervical discs without aggravating the temporomandibular joint. Although the PRONEX is easy to use, it does require a prescription. If you have chronic neck pain, you should discuss the PRONEX with your physician or physical therapist. They can assist you with ordering the right size as well as going over guidelines for proper use.

Lumbar Rolls

Lumbar rolls are an inexpensive and effective way to improve posture. Not all lumbar rolls are the same, so make sure to choose one with the firmness and diameter you need.

References:

Lavin RA, Pappagallo M, and Kuhlemeier K (1997). Cervical pain: a comparison of three pillows. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 78, 193-198.

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