Neck Pain Relief, Without Drugs
Target musculoskeletal neck pain with continuous, wearable therapy.
ActiPatch® is an FDA 510(k) cleared (K192234), drug-free wearable that delivers pulsed shortwave therapy at 27.12 MHz for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. One device provides 720 therapy hours and costs $39.99 at painkiller.care. It may be positioned over musculoskeletal pain associated with neck pain; individual results vary and it does not address the underlying condition.
Why Neck Pain Keeps Coming Back
Neck discomfort or stiffness can interfere with work and daily movement. Causes vary; consult a clinician if symptoms persist or worsen.
Targeted Neck Therapy
ActiPatch® delivers nonthermal, noncontact therapy at the neck. Unlike TENS units, it is a self-contained wearable with no electrode pads or lead wires to manage. Wear it directly on the skin secured with the included tape or wrap, or over thin/light clothing. Thick fabric reduces therapy reaching the area. The device produces no tingling sensation.
ActiPatch® is FDA 510(k)-cleared under K192234 for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. It is for pain relief only; it does not address the underlying condition. Individual results vary.
What You May Notice
Getting started
Place the loop over the painful neck area as directed
With regular use
Notice whether neck pain changes with use
Over time
Discuss persistent or worsening pain with a clinician
Responses and timing vary; relief is not guaranteed.
Where to Place It
Place the device directly over the area of discomfort:
Wear ActiPatch® directly on the skin secured with the included tape or wrap, or over thin/light clothing such as a t-shirt or leggings. Thick fabric can reduce therapy reaching the area. Follow the package insert for positioning.
- Base of neck
- Upper spine
- Side of neck where tension is greatest
Focus on the area where pain or stiffness is most concentrated.
The Science Behind It
ActiPatch® uses Pulsed Shortwave Therapy (PSWT), a nonthermal, noncontact form of PEMF technology operating at 27.12 MHz. Unlike TENS, it is a self-contained wearable—no electrode pads or lead wires to manage. Designed to operate without perceptible heat or tingling from the device.
What neck pain can feel like
Musculoskeletal neck pain can feel like a localized ache, tightness near the base of the neck, or discomfort when turning the head. It may be more noticeable after prolonged screen time. Pay attention to whether discomfort stays in the neck or travels into an arm; those differences matter to a clinician.
Common musculoskeletal contributors
Muscle strain, sustained positions, and changes in joints of the cervical spine are possible contributors. Neck symptoms can have causes unrelated to the muscles and joints as well. ActiPatch is for adjunctive relief of musculoskeletal pain; it does not diagnose cervical osteoarthritis or correct a structural neck problem.
When to see a clinician
Seek prompt care for neck pain after significant trauma or with fever, a severe headache, new arm or leg weakness, difficulty walking, or new numbness. Ask for medical advice if pain persists or spreads down the arm. Do not use an over-the-counter device instead of evaluation of sudden or unexplained symptoms.
Where to position the loop
Position the loop over the painful muscle at the back or base of the neck, following the package insert. Keep it away from the eyes and from open wounds. If the most painful spot is actually in the shoulder or upper back, do not assume neck placement is the right answer without considering the source.
Wearing it during your day
At a desk, check that the loop remains in place when you look down or turn your head. Use the included tape or a wrap to secure it on skin, or wear it over a thin shirt collar where appropriate. Avoid thick scarves between device and skin, and take it off before getting wet.
What does the published evidence say?
El Mohammad and colleagues reported an open-label randomized trial involving 200 people with cervical osteoarthritis pain, comparing pulsed shortwave therapy with etoricoxib (SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine, 2021). Because participants were not blinded and the comparison was an active medicine rather than sham therapy, the design cannot answer every efficacy question. Its pain findings are relevant to the studied population, not proof that ActiPatch changes cervical osteoarthritis. Individual responses vary; see the science page.
Source: El Mohammad et al., SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine, 2021. Read the ActiPatch science overview.
Important Usage Guidelines
Not a Cure: ActiPatch® is intended for adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain, not a cure for neck pain.
Water Resistance: The device is not waterproof. Remove it before showering, bathing, or swimming.
Contraindications: Do not use if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other active implanted metallic or electronic device. Follow the supplied instructions for use.
Pregnancy: Do not use if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Not for children: Not for use by or on children under 17.
Pain of unknown cause: Do not use for sudden or unexplained pain, or if the cause of the pain is unknown. Not for pain deep in the body such as the chest or stomach, and not for cancer-related pain.
Open wounds: The device is not sterile. Do not place it in direct contact with open wounds.
If pain does not improve: If pain does not improve after 7 days of use, stop and consult a doctor. If you are under a doctor's care, consult your doctor before use.
See the package insert for full contraindications, warnings and precautions.