Can a Knee Pillow Help Back Pain?

For years folks have been talking about using knee pillows to help with all types of back issues. That, even though the support isn't directly located on the painful area (the lower back), a pillow can bring on all levels of relief. The reasoning behind this claim, however, is solid, no matter how unrelated the actual treatment might sound. Here's why:

When we experience lower back pain, it's often caused by a secondary issue – a part of the body that's acting up and putting strain elsewhere. Likely hips, knees, etc. that's moving pressure up into the back. Nerves can be touchy and send pain signals, or sciatic areas can be making up for other areas that are failing to do their intended job. But no matter the cause, lower backs are one of the most common areas to experience pain. It's a center hub for functions, and takes a brunt of our daily tasks, even when that means we're sleeping.

However, by providing better alignment and reducing those same pressure points, back pain can be eliminated all on its own. Like with a knee pillow that's designed to keep the spine steady, reduce gravity on the hips, and promote blood and oxygen circulation. The pillow can also keep pressure from setting in on the lower back, which can cause pain round-the-clock, not just while lying down. 

Whether or not your knees and their alignment are the culprit, using a knee pillow will allow you to obtain better spine health through virtually any sleeping position. In fact, regular back pain patients often feel immediate relief when sleeping with this type of pillow. 

To learn more about how a knee pillow can help eliminate back pains, or to start shopping today, 

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5 Reasons Online Shopping is Better for Your Physical Health

When compared against holiday shopping, the existence of the Internet is one that's fairly new. In only the past few years have we been able to browse and shop online, then have all our of items delivered conveniently to our front door. It's also a process we're embracing whole-heartedly. Not only is online shopping convenient (who doesn't want to window shop in their PJs?), it's often cheaper. Coming with free shipping and allowing us to have as low of prices possible. 

Other perks include your physical and mental health. Without the need to push your way through a crowd, many health risks are greatly diminished. Including:

5. The Risk For Cold

There's no denying that it's cold season, but eliminating the amount of interaction you have with crowds can lower your chance at getting sick. By coming in contact with fewer public surfaces (and fewer crowds), you can help keep yourself well by avoiding germs.

4. Tall Shelves and Heavy Boxes

It's not a combination we like, but it's often one that exists. And even though it's better to ask for help, when there's a great sale, there isn't always time. However, by sticking to your couch instead of attempting to lift these boxes, you can save yourself a whole lot of back pain.

3.  Anxiety

Crowds can be seriously stressful, especially when you have a specific goal. Why put yourself through all that stress when you can shop at home in an environment that's as relaxed as you make it?

2. Pushing a Cart

Let's face it, how often do you get lucky with a "good" cart? Instead, you're usually forced to push a squeaking, hard-to-steer carriage throughout the store. Besides, even the best of carts can't always hold up with heavy weight. Save yourself the backache and shop from home instead.

1. Keeping Strange Hours

Some of the best sales are held in the most inconvenient hours. Rather than getting up in the middle of the night to deal with all of the above, consider sleeping on your normal schedule, all while still cashing in on holiday deals. 

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Are These Underrated Behaviors Causing You Back Pain?

Throughout the course of a lifetime, almost everyone will experience back pain. Oftentimes it's minimal and for a very short amount of time, but others aren't so lucky. Their back pain is chronic, and quite possibly severe. What's even worse, however, are cases that can't be strictly diagnosed. Rather living with ongoing pain and attempting to solve what can't be pinpointed. 

To avoid ongoing back pain, or to diagnose current intermittent aches and their potential causes, take note of these common habits. Everyday activities such as:

Laying on the Couch

Every once an a while, this is a welcome treat, but being too much of a couch potato can mess up your entire back alignment. If you can't limit your time on the sofa, look to special cushions or wedges that will help hold everything in place. And that help to keep it pain free. 

Smoking

We all know smoking is unhealthy, but few of us know that it can cause back pain in addition to other health risks. Nicotine can affect blood flow, cutting off circulation throughout the body. Over time, this can cause pain and inflammation throughout the body, while often focusing on the back.

Too Much Exercise

Yes, there can be too much. Overdoing it with the weights, having poor foot insulations, etc. can all affect the back and cause pain. As well as robbing the body of too many calories.

If you're suffering from back pain,or minor aches and pains, the culprit might just be one of the above. Whether it's affecting the body all on its own, or adding to a previous condition, these underrated and often sneaky factors can cause far more harm than we realize. Look to adjusting simple steps, or work toward a daily routine that is not only healthier, but that works to reduce back pain. And eliminates your ongoing triggers.

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Football Traditions That Can Leave you Down in the Back

Fall means football, one of America’s favorite pastimes. And with it comes a heavy dose of tradition. Aside from the actual games themselves, people will travel from miles around to barbeque, tailgate, play backyard games, and more. All in support of this beloved sport. However, just because said pastimes are enjoyed, doesn’t mean they don’t (or can’t) leave you hurting in their wake.

To stay healthy and fit all through football season, remember these side effects that can occur from all the tailgating fun.

Actually Playing Football

Most of the time it’s left to the players, but throwing around a football before the game can cause serious injury. Whether in the back, shoulders, or outside muscles, playing too rough of a game is sure to leave you hurting well past the fourth quarter.

Heavy Tailgate Gear

Tailgating can often mean some serious equipment hauling. Rather than lifting items that are too bulky for travel, consider easier methods instead. Such as coolers with wheels, or lightweight tents that can be held in place by ropes or pins. These simple gestures can do wonders for the body and leave you pain free the following day. 

Sitting in Bench Seats for the Entire Game

We’ve all sat in the cheap seats. Where no back supports are given and we’re left to our own devices to sit up straight. And while sometimes they’re a necessity, they can also leave your rear screaming for some cushion. Next time you’re left with a bench seat, remember to bring a retractable back or pillow to help ease some the sitting pain. 

Unhealthy Foods

Chowing down on dips might be tasty at the time, but they can also do a number on your digestive system. Remember to take these snacks in stride, or to pack along some healthier alternatives for a stomach that isn’t rumbling during the big game.

To make the most out of your football team’s season, follow these simple health-friendly tips. 

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