Top 5 Gifts for the Busy Mom in Your Life

By on May 8, 2013
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Neck Pain, Products, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , .

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Every year flowers are bought, breakfast in bed is made, and cards are given to Moms on Mother’s Day. But why not get her something that she can enjoy all year long?

Relax The Back has the perfect gift for any mother who could use more relaxation in their life. These products will help relieve back, neck, shoulder, and other physical pains she may have. Give a gift that will last her years to come and provide comfort and relaxation whenever she needs it.

Here are 5 of our favourite Mother’s Day gifts:

  • Kneading Back Massage Cushion – after a long day working at the office or around the house, give the gift of soothing massages anytime she wants.
  • Monitor Mount iPad Holder – for the tech savvy mom, this eases and minimizes eye and neck strain.
  • Original Backnobber II - a simple, portable tool for self deep-muscle massages that any on-the-go mom will enjoy.
  • Foot Log – busy moms who are on their feet all day, whether in the kitchen or running errands can relieve the pressure in aching feet anywhere, anytime in just ten minutes.
  • Wrap-Around Neck Pillow with Lavender – offer the hardworking mom a relaxing, spa-like experience with comfortable head and neck support.

To treat the mother(s) in your life to something truly special this year, visit us in-store, online (www.relaxtheback.com) and on Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Tablets Can Hurt Your Neck

By on May 1, 2013
This entry is filed under Conditions, Neck Pain, Prevention, Products, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , .

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As you’re reading this article, observe how you’re seated and viewing it.  Chances are you’re slumped over your chair with curved shoulders and your head tilted forward at an uncomfortable angle. If you’re accessing this on a tablet, the chances are likely higher. This poor posture called “tech neck” is caused by straining your neck forward to meet your screen. While we cannot deny the ever-increasing demands and convenience of mobile work and play, we can make sure that technology makes our lives easier and not worse.

Staying in this “tech neck” or “forward head posture” can cause muscle strain, disc herniation, pinched nerves, upper back pain, and vascular disease as slouching can reduce lung capacity. So what’s a plugged-in generation and workforce to do?

  • Take frequent breaks – About every 20 minutes, break your eyes from your screen to roll your shoulders and neck. Take a short walk – your work will be there when you return.
  • Bring the screen to you – Consider using ergonomically designed mounts such as the Monitor Mount iPad Holder to minimize eye/neck strain. For those who prefer to work on your favorite sofa, the Tablet Floor Stand works well as a freestanding table.
  • Stretch Your Neck – Some easy neck stretches include chin tucks, tilting your head side to side by bringing your ear close to the shoulder, rotating your chin towards each shoulder, and pushing your chin down towards your neck with your finger.

Benefits of a Personalized Sleep System

By on April 24, 2013
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Conditions, Prevention, Products, Promotions and tagged , , , , , .

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Whether you’re a couple with different sleep habits and needs or an individual looking for a more comfortable night’s rest, you might want to consider an adjustable bed. Adjustable beds allow you to personalize your own sleep system, providing that perfect position to ensure a very convenient, comfortable, and even therapeutic experience. Here are the numerous benefits:

Lifestyle Benefits

  • Massage: Enjoy a relaxing massage to ease tension and anxiety as most adjustable beds provide massage options.
  • Reduce or Eliminate Snoring: Sleeping with your head raised slightly will decrease or eliminate snoring. It will also help with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Watching TV, Reading: Spend more time being comfortable as adjustable beds make it very easy to watch television or read in bed.

Medical Benefits

  • Back Pain Relief:  Raise and/or lower your head and feet any way you want, including the zero gravity position which is the most ideal position for rest. This position redistributes pressure across different parts of the body, which can help reduce back pain.
  • Heart Health: Raising your legs while asleep allows your heart to work less difficultly.
  • Increased Blood Flow Circulation: The adjustable positions and massage feature promotes increased circulation and blood oxygen levels.
  • Swelling: Raising your legs above your heart can help with swelling 

Adjustable bases are simple to operate, and you can even program it to automatically recline into a pre-set position, so all you have to do is push a button and fall asleep. Learn more about which adjustable base model is the right one for you. And now through May 5, 2013 you can SAVE up to $400 on TEMPUR-Ergo™ Advanced.

Five Healthy Ways to Spend Your Tax Return

By on April 17, 2013
This entry is filed under Prevention, Products, Sleep, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , .

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If you’re expecting a check in the mail this year from Uncle Sam, here are our top five tips for making the most of your hard-earned tax return

  1. Invest in Fitness – One way to long-term wealth is long-term health. By getting fit and healthy now, you can save a fortune in medical bills later. Consider using your refund for a gym membership or appointments with a physical therapist. There’s something for everyone in the wellness industry including programs to help you stop smoking, reduce stress, lose weight, etc. If back pain health is your focus, we have products to get you back to feeling your best, whether it’s to relieve tired/injured muscles or to increase strength.
  2. Invest in sleep – Another overlooked way to improve your health is to invest in sleep. Many health problems can be improved with a good night’s rest as sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more. If you’re not getting the recommended 8 hours every night, you risk (among other things):
      1. Increase stroke risk
      2. Weight gain
      3. Memory loss
      4. Bone damage
      5. Increased heart disease risk

    We take a whole body approach to improving the quality of your sleep, so come visit a store to talk to a trained associate. You might be surprised that your “old mattress” may not be the problem.

  3. Invest in your diet – A change to healthier eating also includes learning about balance, variety, and moderation. Rather than dieting (a temporary fix), healthy eating means making changes that become life-long habits. It can help you get the right balance of nutrients and have you feeling and looking your best. Your diet is also a key in preventing and controlling heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
  4. Treat yourself to a massage – Reduce stress and painful aches of a long day with a massage. There’s an option for any price point – from portable, travel-size massage products to a luxurious, 3D massage chair – for all members of the family. Melt away the stress of the pre-tax season by opting for a relaxing, therapeutic experience that comes with many health benefits.
  5. Invest in memories -  They say money can’t buy happiness but you can get close. Reserve your refund for experiences (not material objects) that give you more bang for your buck. For example, a getaway trip with loved ones or a cooking class can lead to increased happiness/health with fond memories. They keep giving long after, unlike a new wardrobe piece purchase.

How will you be spending (or saving) your tax refund this year?

Office Stretches

By on April 10, 2013
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Prevention, Products, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , .

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Sitting for long periods of time can cause key muscles in the body to become tight and ultimately weak. Here are some tips to get moving in the office:

  • Think and work on your feet: Standing while working helps promote increased circulation, mental alertness, core strength, and relieves stress on your back and legs for a productive, pain-free workday. Our Sit-to-Stand desk quickly, quietly, and conveniently converts from a low of 26” to a high of 55” for flexibility in work habits.
  • Take stretch breaks: Take hourly stretch breaks, focusing on leg and feet stretches right at your desk. Try standing on tiptoe or on one leg, and do small lounges to work the calf muscles and knees.
  • Walk the talk: Instead of emailing a coworker who’s nearby, walk to his or her desk to discuss in-person or suggest a mobile meeting where you walk and talk.
  • Climb: Ditch the elevator, and take the stairs wherever possible. Stair climbing is a vigorous activity that counteracts the slowdown of metabolic activity that happens when seated.

In addition to these activities, try these great stretches to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. Jeremy Shore from Livestrong.com shows you a few easy and effective office stretching techniques.

Knowing the Difference: Strain vs. Sprain

By on April 3, 2013
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When you’ve got a sore and swollen ankle after falling the wrong way, you’re left wondering if you’ve got a strain or a sprain. Although these two words seem interchangeable, they are injuries that involve different parts of your body.

In the case of a strain, you’ve stretched/torn a muscle or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. For this reason, you often hear people “pull a muscle” or “strain a muscle.” Most commonly, hamstrings (during sports) and the lower back (lifting heavy objects) are common muscle strain sites.

In the case of a sprain, you’ve stretched/torn a ligament. Ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones to joints. Sprains occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, which most commonly occurs when turning or rolling ankles and wrists.

What are the Signs?
Although signs and symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the injury, both strains and sprains share and differ in symptoms.

Common signs include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Instability
  • Limited ability to move the affected joint/muscle

For Sprains:

  • Bruising

For Strains:

  • Muscle spasms and weakness

How are they treated?

For severe cases, see a doctor immediately. But for most mild cases, remembering RICE can help minimize the damage and help recovery:

  • Rest – Limit any physical activity using the body part within the first 24-48 hours after the injury.
  • Ice – Within the first 48 hours, ice the sprain or strain 30 minutes at a time every 3-4 hours. Consider using Reusable Cold Therapy Pads which delivers cold therapy at temperatures that comply with medically accepted protocols.
  • Compression – Use compression to help reduce the swelling. These include bandages such as elastic wraps, special boots, casts, and splints. The wrap should be snug, but not entirely cut off circulation. So if your extremities (fingers and toes) become cold, blue or start to tingle, it’s time to re-wrap! For an all in one therapy system, we recommend the VitalWrap System with a universal 6” wrap, hold, cold and compression therapy.
  • Elevate – Try to get your injury higher than your heart if possible. Use pillows under arms or legs to elevate while staying comfortable at night. Consider a body pillow that provides extra support and stability for all areas of the body, not just the head and neck.

No one is immune to sprains and strains, but here are some to help reduce your injury risk:

  • Exercise to build muscle strength, including stretching to increase flexibility
  • Always wear properly fitting shoes
  • Nourish your muscles by eating a well-balanced diet
  • Warm up before any sports activity, including practice, to loosen up
  • Use or wear protective equipment appropriate for sports and other strenuous activity

 

 

How to Foam Roll

By on March 27, 2013
This entry is filed under Uncategorized.

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Last week we touched on the importance and benefits of stretching. While there are numerous stretching exercises out there, we’d like to highlight one of our favorite ways to stretch with added benefits of a massage! Foam rolling is inexpensive, effective, and easy. See how you can start incorporating these exercises for just 10-15 minutes a day for a healthier and happier you.

Importance of Stretching

By on March 19, 2013
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Conditions, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , .

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While we all know that regular exercise is important for our overall health, stretching is often an overlooked part of our routine. And for those with back pain, the benefits of stretching are far too important to neglect whether you’re active or sedentary. Here’s why you should stretch:

  1. Flexibility: The spine is a complex structure comprised of muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. Stretching helps keep all the parts flexible and in good working order. Rather than being stiff and less mobile, you’ll have an increased range of motion to ensure good posture, balance and normal/proper movement.
  2. Stress-relief: Stretching helps relieve tension and can make you feel relaxed. Use it as a way to not only relax your body but also your mind.  You’ll be more focused and better able to manage stress that could result in back pain.
  3. Pain-relief and prevention: Stretching improves the flexibility of surrounding lower back muscles, reducing lower back pain and muscle soreness. The combination of flexible muscles and increased range of movement prevents injury trigger points that would otherwise remain. 

Now that you know about the importance of stretching for spinal and overall health, consider incorporating it more into your exercise routines. It’s an important way to prepare the muscles for vigorous activities. That’s why stretching exercises should also be done before and after a workout to prevent muscle strain and soreness and to help avoid injuries. For spine stretches, consider using our Lumbar Extender Plus. Or for more information on how to stretch using proper technique, try our definitive book or see our trained associates in-store for recommendations tailored to your physical needs and abilities.

 

Top “Mancave” Picks

By on March 13, 2013
This entry is filed under Product Reviews, Products, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , .

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With March Madness right around the corner, it’s time to do some serious college basketball watching in the perfect Mancave. Instead of struggling to find the best seats in crowded sports bar, watch your favorite teams play in the comfort of your own home. Here are our top picks to help make viewing and cheering on your teams as comfortable as possible:

  1. The perfect chair – The sleek and elegant Human Touch® Power Silhouette Perfect Chair® has a smooth-gliding power recline motion eases the chair into a physician-recommended zero-gravity seating position that alleviates stress and improves performance. Silhouette comes with built in lumbar support and luxurious top-grain premium leather upholstery option.If you’re looking for something more classic with vintage styling to fit the rest of your mancave decor, we recommend the Marseilles Zero Gravity Recliner. With its mustache-back silhouette, rich leather and overstuffed roll arms, the look of this unique recliner recalls the vintage deco club chairs of the 1930s. You still get all the modern, health-conscious amenities you’d expect from a Relax The Back® exclusive: temperature sensitive memory foam to provide pressure-free support and a deep zero gravity recline for perfect natural posture are just a few of its benefits. The Marseilles also has an extended footrest to accommodate taller users and a pillow for cervical or lumbar support.
  2. Chair accessories – Complete the perfect chair with an accessory table, and you’ll never want to leave. It will allow you to hold most snacks and beverages, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the game. Got two Perfect Chairs for your mancave guests? Elevate the room into a home theatre and entertainment room with the Perfect Chair Spanner Wedge Table. In fact, you don’t have to limit yourself to only two chairs – you can connect a whole row of Perfect Chair® recliners in an arc for a great home theater setting.For the multitaskers, we recommend the Tablet Floor Stand – the ideal mobile freestanding table for any mancave chair. It provides plenty of foot and legroom so you can enjoy your tablet viewing in full comfort.
  3. Foot Massager – Turn your mancave into a calming place with the Therapeutic Foot Massager. It helps relieve the fatigue and stress of a long day by stimulating the essential reflex points on the soles of your feet.
  4. Air purifier – A much-needed solution for improving indoor air quality, ZŌN removes more than 99 percent of airborne particles of all sizes for the cleanest possible air. With patented technology, ZŌN surrounds the user in a bubble of air that’s free of pollutants, dust and biological contaminants while boasting silent, breeze-free and ozone-free operation.

What are your must-haves for the perfect mancave? Is it the best entertainment system, a poker table, or a well-stocked bar?

Tempur-Pedic Pillows for Your Sleep Personality

By on March 6, 2013
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Neck Pain, Products, Sleep, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , .

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Although known for their mattresses, Tempur-Pedic offers a quality line of pillows that can do wonders for your sleep. Whether you prefer ergonomically contoured shapes for more support or gentler, shapeable pillows for different sleep styles, there’s a match for you. To find your pillow match, start with your “sleep personality”:

  • Side Sleeper - Consider The TEMPUR-Side Pillow, which was designed by doctors for sleepers especially like you. It cradles your shoulder and neck when you sleep on your side for better alignment and support. You might also consider a body pillow, which is ideal for side sleepers as it provides extra stability and support for your entire body.
  • Back Sleeper – Ensure proper alignment of your head, neck, and shoulders for the perfect night’s sleep! The dual-lobe design of the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow will allow for just that.  It’s important, however, to choose the proper pillow thickness based on your shoulder dimensions so your head is neither too high nor too far back.
  • Stomach Sleeper - You may want something on the softer side like our TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow. It combines the traditional feather pillow feel with the support that only Tempur materials can provide. Aptly named, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.

Tempur-pedic pillows are designed to complement their mattresses, from more basic models to the luxurious ones. Whether you sleep on your side or your back, if you snore or have an injury, or if you just want a better night’s rest, Tempur-Pedic has a pillow for you.  Stop by your local Relax The Back store to get properly fitted for a pillow by one of our trained associates. It’ll make all the difference.

 

 

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