I have a couple of herniated discs in my neck. If you’ve been following along with my blog for a while then you know that my neck gives me a lot of fits. I’ll go for a while with little problems then need to be at the chiropractor at least weekly to get things sorted out.
I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.
Ever since my last stint in physical therapy, I’ve wanted a home traction device. I just couldn’t justify the expense. Silly really, given the money it could save me from chiropractor co-pays (not to mention the time spent in their office). So, when I came across Posture Pump®, it was something I really wanted to try. So, when we landed this campaign with Chronic Illness Bloggers, I wanted to make sure that I put myself on the list.
The Posture Pump® is not your standard traction device. Instead of just stretching your neck out, it actually works to put the correct curve back into the neck. As we sit staring at our devices, our necks end up in the wrong position. This video shows what happens as we spend so much time staring down at our mobile devices and laptops.
You can see from the videos why I have herniated disks in my neck. All that added pressure on the joints in my neck, what else would you expect to happen? TMJ made this even worse for me, and when I spend too much time with my neck in the wrong position it causes pain in my jaw joints as well as my neck and shoulders. I often catch myself and try to pull my shoulders back into place, pulling my chin down to put my head and neck back into the right posture.
The idea of a device that could help me retrain my neck to go back to the correct position is very appealing to me. Just a few minutes a day could make some big changes.
“Posture Pump® reinforces the normal and natural curves of the neck & back, hydrates the joints of the neck and back, decompresses joints and increases ranges of motion, reduces neck and back pain, headaches and stiffness.”
When I received the Posture Pump® Dual Disc Hydrator® (Model 1400-D) I spent some time watching the instructional videos. I quickly realized that this was a product I’d probably need to use a while so that I could work up to using it the full amount of time suggested. You start off with just 2 minutes to acclimate your neck to the position, then you release the air, and start again. The first few times I used the product I only made it 4 or 5 minutes.
I found that after that first couple of minutes when I would release the air that I’d feel my neck crack a bit, as if settling into a better position. I also noticed that my neck didn’t feel quite “right” after using the Posture Pump® the first couple of times. I kept wanting to “crack” it. But, having been through plenty of PT I know that often when your body is getting used to being in the right position it can feel a bit uncomfortable at first.
After about the third or fourth use I noticed a definite improvement. My neck was no longer uncomfortable after using the device. I even found that a few mornings when I woke up with a crick in my neck, I knew using the device would improve it, and it did!
This is actually a great thing. I can’t honestly say that I’ll use the Posture Pump® every single day, but I know I will use it enough to be worthwhile and I know that it will save me some co-pays and some time. Now, instead of putting off a chiropractor visit because of the time I don’t want to spend going to and sitting in the office, I can simply pull out my Posture Pump® and allow it to help adjust my neck.
The Posture Pump® Dual Disc Hydrator® (Model 1400-D) isn’t cheap at $199 but neither are thrice-weekly chiropractor trips. Now I can stay home and get more work done rather than driving across town at an inconvenient time for an adjustment.
Eventually, I’d love to upgrade to the Posture Pump® Deluxe Full Spine (Model 4100-S) which adjusts the neck and back (lumbar region.)
If you’d like to give Posture Pump® a try, they are are offering you a 15% discount if you use coupon code: D15 when you purchase.
Cynthia says
It’s good to know there are alternatives! I won’t let chiropractors near my neck anymore because I feel that worsened the problems. I had a disc fusion a few years back for the worst cervical herniation. There are some days when my neck hurts so bad I put my old neck brace on for a bit, for a type of traction! :/
Julie says
It’s hard to find a good chiropractor. I’ve been really lucky with mine, but it is really great to have other options. Like this morning (a Sunday) when I woke up feeling like I slept wrong. I was able to get on the Posture Pump and ended up feeling better.
Julie Vaughn says
I bought my Posture Pump Spine Trainer for my neck about 14 or 15 years ago, approximately 2003. It is still as good as when I first bought it. The 2 straps fit snug across my forehead and chin to hold my head still while I gently slowly pump it up to work at the curve in my neck. It’s is awesome and helpful! To be honest though, for me personally I would not want my eyes covered – I am unclear as to why they would make the forehead strap to also cover ones eyes? Nonetheless, this is a well made, helpful, product that I have faithfully used for 15 years… Stay strong!
Julie says
It doesn’t totally cover the eyes. It comes just above them really. I don’t feel like I can do much while I’m on it anyway so vision isn’t really a neccesity.