Plixio Memory Foam Seat Cushion
If you have sciatica, chronic pain from a broken tailbone, piriformis syndrome, or similar low back/hip/buttock pain then you know how hard it is to find relief from applying stretches or physical therapy to the area. A seat cushion made of cooling gel memory foam that is ergonomically shaped, featuring a cut-out hole that relieves pressure to the coccyx and sacrum.
The shape of the pillow encourages the alignment of the sacrum and coccyx; the U-shape of the design helps removes upward pressure to the coccyx by allowing the tailbone to hovers over the surface of the seat without being pressed upward, pinching key nerves and causing shooting pains in the lower back, buttocks, and the hips. Sitting for long periods of time exacerbates this kind of pain, so this low-priced pillow is a huge help.
It can be used in office chairs, wheelchairs, the car, or in the airplane to alleviate pain from long sitting times. The gel layer helps keep sweaty areas cool and dry.
Paraffin Baths For Arthritis Pain
Joint pain from arthritis, injury, neuromuscular problems, or autoimmune problems can get a lot of relief from a paraffin bath. These easy-to-use warming tubs are big enough to accommodate elbows, hands, wrists, feet, and ankles, and are available for less than $100 in most cases.
Painful hands and feet can be crippling, making it impossible at worst, and difficult at best, to perform any common activities of normal daily life. People with chronic arthritis pain have usually tried every kind of pain medication available, and they still suffer from constant aching pain. The pain is usually worse with damp weather and other barometric changes.
This warm paraffin bath is especially helpful to ease pain from joints, and the people who use these devices are very happy to get temporary relief. The paraffin is reusable for multiple treatments and can be infused with essential oils to further help the pain.
TENS Units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
Sufferers of chronic, hard-to-treat pain have used TENS units for decades, with various levels of relief. Although it isn't always a source of everlasting comfort for every old sports injury, or slipped disc, it is a proven source of pain relief for a great number of people who try it, usually in conjunction with other methods of pain relief.
A TENS unit is a lightweight, diminutive that has a series of electrode pads that resemble the kind on an EKG machine. You attach these electrodes to key places around your painful injured area, and when the battery-operated device is turned on, it sends electrical impulses to the areas. This causes tingling, but not usually any kind of "shock" or pain sensation.
These impulses can interfere with pain signals that are coming from the old injury to the brain, confusing nerve pathways and frequently relaxing the muscles as well as relieving some very hard to manage pain.
The body is thought to send endorphins into the bloodstream as a result of the shocks, which further helps with pain reduction.
TENS units are very affordable, sometimes covered by Medicare or insurance, and are easy to use with just a small amount of teaching.
Sana
The developers of this tech device that fits like a pair of oversized goggles, resembling a virtual reality gaming mask, say they want to help end the opioid crisis. The Sana uses a tech that is called "Flow State"; the mask delivers light and sound impulses that are designed to restore brain wave patterns that can relieve pain, as well as hopefully break dependence on opiates.
The designer of Sana nearly died in a car accident, and that terrible experience is what prompted him to try to help chronic pain sufferers and opiate addicts. This is a lofty, but noble, goal. Sana is still awaiting FDA approval.
Early clinical trials have shown that Sana may be of help to people with fibromyalgia, a hard-to-treat condition that is defined by chronic pain issues. Buying a Sana isn't cheap, but you might qualify to use one for one of several clinical trials that are happening this year and next year. Look for more information on these trials on Sana's website.