Should You Crack Your Own Neck?

Bone popping is a common habit. People will press in their knuckles, crane their back, and even pull on their own necks in order to feel that oh-so-satisfying cracking sound. Not to mention the feeling of relief that comes with it, releasing pent-up joint pressure, and providing immediate endorphins that are said to reduce pains and increase relaxation. It's also why so many are popping their own joints. 

But it is a practice that's safe?

Depends where you're popping. There's a reason physical therapists and chiropractors go to school for years – they learn about how the body is put together, how it works, and where bones should sit. Then with this training in tow, they set out to help others stay aligned. One of the most dangerous areas is the neck, where the spine is narrowed, and where a wrong move can seriously injure a patient, or send aches and pains down into their back. Possibly even worse.

Should we be attempting to do the same on our own? Probably not. It's one thing when joints give and pop when prompted only by your movements. But it's another to pull and press until a sound is heard. In fact, it's actually a dangerous way to strain muscles in a very sensitive area. 

Instead, it's best to stick with a professional and let them put your bones where they need to be. Steps like sleeping on an alignment pillow, regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help with neck health. And better yet, each of these can be done on your own. When paired, they can help eliminate the need to "crack" your neck all on their own. Or, visit your medical professional to keep everything in check, then ask their advice for making their handy work last. 

These simple steps, when combined, can help increase neck and spine health for the long-term, and eliminate pains.  

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The MiniMax Multi-Purpose Wedge, Now in Grey!

Great news for all of our MiniMax Wedge users out there. One of your favorite cushions now comes in grey! It's a move that's as fashion-forward as it is productive. Whether you have a wedge cushion version in the traditional tan, or are just looking to lounge in comfort … on a pillow that also matches your décor, this is an upgrade you can count on. It still provides all of your favorite MiniMax classics, just in a new and updated hue. 

Use your MiniMax to alleviate pain or add support to various sections of the body. Prop, adjust, elevate, and more with one single wedge cushion. All of which can be done throughout the neck, lower back, knees and legs, and even into the torso. Or use it in the car for added rear comfort when driving (or tagging along as a passenger). With its wide range of versatility, you can fold and adjust your way to all different types of relief with one versatile product. Purchase more than one and gain dual relief at the same time, or stock up on savings and hand out as a unique (and extremely sought after) gift. There's even the full-sized Multi-Purpose Wedge available if you're looking for a larger surface area.

However, because of its mobility, many enjoy the MiniMax, especially when using in bed or in the vehicle. But no matter your wedge of choice, because it's a Contour Living product, you're sure to get some much-needed comfort. As well as the ability to adjust and conquer your individual needs. Even if they change over time – or for some long-term sufferers, by the day. 

To learn more about the MiniMax Multi-Purpose Wedge (now in grey!), head to our product page. Or start stocking up on your holiday gifts!

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5 Non-Beachy Ways to Utilize Your LA Wedge Headrest Pillow

A few months ago Contour Living came out with a brand new summer-friendly product. A foamy wedge that could support the head (even in the sand or water), keep drinks cold, and tote around belongings – in whatever order the user saw fit. We call it the LA Wedge Headrest Pillow. Now that it's not exactly pool season, however, those same uses have been put on hold. But that doesn't mean you can't still find some great functions from your pillow.

Whether you already have one (or more) or are considering buying, check out these top five off-season tasks it's ready to take on. 

5. Road Trip Companions

Load 'em up and pack 'em in the car. Your LA Wedge can double as both a place to store belongings, and as a comfortable trip pillow. Use for yourself, or grab one for each of the kids – they can bring whatever activities can fit inside. And because the Wedge comes in six neon colors, it's always easy to tell whose is whose.

4. Hot Tub Head Support

Sitting in a bath of hot swirling water can be relaxing, but the facilities don't usually count for individual heights. Pack along your LA Headrest and gain access to some serious head support that you can adjust as you soak. The same goes for the bathtub too! You can even pack its pouch full of belongings to keep them nearby (though it's best to remove anything that isn't waterproof before getting in.) 

3. Stargazing

Traditional pillows obstruct your view, and can get bogged down with some of Mother Nature's finest, like leaves or dirt. Opt for your foam headrest instead for a comfortable way to take in the sights. 

2. Carryon Item

Much like in the car, the wedge offers great head support on a plane. And because you can store things inside it, the LA Headrest helps combine luggage, streamlining the travel process.

1. Tailgating Gear

Walking to your favorite sporting event, or even just navigating the pre-game parties, often means lots of outdoors time. Stock your LA Wedge with some beverages to keep cold (maybe a snack or two), and get ready to enjoy the game.

Learn more about the LA Wedge Headrest Pillow here! 

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4 At-Home Tips to Reduce Neck Tension

The neck is one of our most important body parts. Holding up our heads and allowing us to turn and view as needed, it's what keeps us upright and alert throughout the entire day. Yet it's also very easily injured … if even slightly. Simply by sleeping or turning wrong, you can pull a muscle or jolt a bone – a single move that can cause pain for days on end. Even worse comes stress or daily habits that create ongoing tension.

To obtain better neck health and to eliminate pain … without drugs or expensive treatments, consider:

4. Temperature Changes 

Depending on what ails you, isolated heat or a cold compress can do wonders for the neck. Talk to a pro or research which extreme will provide the best results. Then create temperature changes right where they're needed most. You can also look to lotions or salves that add or remove degrees simply with application.

3. Stretching

Neck muscles are most often pulled because they are under developed. However, turning your head in certain directions or performing strengthening movements can eliminate that issue. By creating a stronger, more versatile portion of the body that won't strain with sudden movement. 

2. More Pillow Support

When sleeping "wrong," your neck can suffer immensely during waking hours. Simply from being jarred or unsupported throughout the night. (And for hours on end.) Instead of risking this painful fate, enlist the help of a pillow that offers its healing services. Comfort and better neck health, all while you sleep.

1. Massage

Sore muscles deserve to be relaxed, and nothing relieves quite as much tension than an old-fashioned neck rub. Schedule an appointment, ask your significant other, or invest in a small device that will work out kinks. It's a proven, relaxing step that can negate pain while helping reduce future injuries. 

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Are you Suffering From “Text Neck”?

Whether or not you’ve heard this new-fangled term, it’s likely you know exactly what “text neck” is referring to. The uncomfortable, bent, and ready for anything our phones may send us position that we always seem to find ourselves in. Where the head is hunched over, our shoulders hiked up, and the back bent and in no sort of routine. And after a while, it starts to hurt. We might not even know it at the time, but this continued position will create incredible amounts of stress within the shoulders and neck.

So why do we keep doing it? Chances are, you don’t even know you’re texting this way. The habit just creeps up on you, until it simply feels natural to communicate in such a position. 

You Likely Have Text Neck if: 

• You have tight or painful shoulders
• Cricks in the neck
• Your neck or shoulders “pop” regularly
• You regularly sit in a hunched position
• You fail to sit up straight
• You send multiple texts per day

The good news, however, is that you can train your body to stop texting this way. Just like you trained it to start hunching (even if you didn’t know it). By remembering to stay aware of how you’re sitting or standing, you can reverse the unhealthy behavior. You should also be aware of how your shoulders are sitting, the position of your neck, and how close the phone is to your face. And if you really need it that close to your face, move the phone instead. It’s that easy.

Over time, this behavior will become muscle memory, and the body will eliminate its next neck behavior without even thinking about it. Start incorporating these small changes today for an easy, yet effective way, to eliminate texting-based side effects once and for all. 

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Perks of a Properly Aligned Neck

Few people worry about the alignment of their neck. Unless it’s hurting or causing some sort of health risk, they assume it’s taking care of itself. And don’t think much else about the neck. But when we consider everything that the neck does – or rather, what can go wrong when it isn’t functioning properly – it’s actually one of the first things we should be looking out for. 

A misaligned neck can cause headaches, pinched nerves, affect balance, and more. But when taken care of – supported by a foam pillow or adjusted by a medical professional – there’s plenty to be gained.

Ongoing Neck Care Can Offer:

Height – stand tall when the neck is fully straight and in place. It’s better for your posture, and for keeping the vertebrae in place.  

Proper mobility – when out of whack, it’s difficult to turn and view one’s surroundings, especially behind and to the sides. Better alignment, however, eliminates this issue, along with any pains that might come with it. 

Comfort – the neck can often trigger pains we didn’t even know were associated with its alignment. Headaches, back and shoulder issues, and more can all be solved with an in-line neck. 

Better understanding of health – if you know how it feels to be aligned, you’ll soon know how it feels when you’re out of place. Identifying this issue quickly can reduce long-term side effects by addressing misalignment immediately. 

Better circulation – this can improve health on its own, while also restoring range of motion in the neck and surrounding muscles, which reduces stress and tension within the body. 

Just because the neck doesn’t receive much attention doesn’t mean it isn’t an important part of the body. Or that it shouldn’t be looked after on a nightly basis. Consider upgrading your neck care routine today for an easy way to gain ongoing health benefits. 

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