How to (Un)Straighten a Neck: the Posture Pump®

Freeze.

Are you reading this on your smartphone or laptop? How is your head positioned? (Looking down, right?)

You aren’t alone. The Washington Post reported that over half of the adult population is guilty of behavior that leads to the growing problem known as “tech neck,” and it’s getting worse every year.

I began my tortured relationship with my neck when I went to a chiropractor many years ago. He put me in a fighting stance, stood behind me, and pretended to rip my head off. And I PAID him to do that. Then about seven years ago, before I was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a different chiropractor (yeah, I tried it again) told me my neck was “straight like bamboo,” gave me a triangle shaped pillow, and instructions to lay with my neck on the pointy part in order to put the curve back in it. Sounds easy, right? The problem is, I also had undiagnosed atlanto-axial instability (very bad, somewhat dangerous instability of the upper cervical spine) and after a few months of treatment, rather than putting a healthy curve back into my spine, I got a weird warping at C4/C5 and viscous chronic headaches. Argh! Bye, Felicia…

Since then I am highly suspicious of anyone or anything that touches my neck, as it tends to cause me increased headaches or threaten my joint stability. However, when Posture Pro asked me to be a brand ambassador for their Posture Pump® , I did not hesitate to say yes. I have told you about my Dream Team of experts, and how I only work with the best people who know how to manage EDS better than anyone around. My current, beloved chiropractor (of course NOT the neck breaker or the guy who hurt me with the triangle pillow) had already told me about how wonderful the Posture Pump®  is, how it was helping his clients feel better, and put a healthier curve back into their cervical spine. I made it the next item on my wish list, when the company contacted me to say that they wanted to give me one so that I could try it and tell you about my experience! WISH GRANTED!

I have been using the pump for about a week now, and I’ve enjoyed using it as much as I thought I would. Even though I can’t speak to the long-term effects yet, I am already feeling a difference. So, here is my pro and con list for those of you considering buying this product:

PROS:

• Comes in one piece, no assembly required.
• Lightweight, easy for disabled people to lift and manage.
• Lies flat to be stored underneath something, but can also stand up on its side and be tucked away when not using.
• The pump to fill the bladder is soft and easy to squeeze, even for sore, hypermobile hands.
• The bladder is gentle and comfortable on the neck and back of the head, even if you have trigger spots.
• Posture Pro has a written protocol that comes in the box, so you know how to use the Posture Pump®.

CONS:

• You have to slide your head under a strap after you lie down on the device, which can be a little awkward until you get used to it.
• You have to strap your forehead down to the device, which some people may not like. However, the straps are made from a very comfortable material, and they are adjustable. Save the Valium for the closed MRIs.
• It won’t wash your dishes for you. (Get on that, Posture Pro…)
• As with any device that makes changes to your cervical spine, there is a risk of increasing headaches. If you experience an increase in headaches, please back off on the intensity of the pumps, or the amount of time, or both, until you feel you are stable enough to advance. If done right, this product can be what fixes your terrible headaches, so it is worth being patient.

Sadly, tech neck isn’t going away anytime soon. Victims are getting younger and younger as our technology-dependent society spends more time looking down at its devices. Share this post with the people that you love, so that they know there is a way for them to reverse the damage without paying people to “faux break” their neck (Scary, and not really that good for us!)

If you buy a pump from their website, make sure to use promo code MOM15 to get a 15% discount! (Thanks, Posture Pro!)

Posture Pro has sponsored this post, but the experience using the Posture Pump®, the artfully crafted words, and ringing endorsement of the product are all mine.