Benefits of cervical traction
Cervical traction is a popular treatment for neck pain and related injuries. Essentially, cervical traction pulls your head away from your neck to create expansion and eliminate compression. It’s considered to be an alternative treatment for neck pain, helping people avoid the need for medication or surgeries.
A harness is attached to your head and neck as you’re lying flat on your back. The harness hooks up to the machine or system of weights that apply traction force to pull your head away from your neck and spine to open the spaces between the cervical vertebrae.
Cervical traction devices treat different types and causes of neck pain, tension, and tightness. creating space between the vertebrae relieves the sustained pressure on the nerve roots, and hence alleviate symptoms of radiculopathy. It’s also used to treat pinched nerves, and cervical spondylosis. Symptoms include stiff neck, shoulder pain, upper back pain, numbness along arm and fingers, muscle spasm…
Warnings
Generally, it’s very safe and effective to perform cervical traction, but remember that results are different for everyone.
It’s very rare but possible that you can experience some discomfort such as headache or pressure around occipital area. You can press the red security button and stop the treatment immediately.
Always discuss your medical history with your doctor or therapist before any treatment. They can help you to set up a treatment plan that addresses exactly what you need to correct.
You should avoid cervical traction if you have:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- post-surgery hardware such as screws in your neck
- a recent fracture or injury in the neck area
- a known tumor in the neck area
- bone infection
- issues or blockages with vertebral or carotid arteries
- osteoporosis
- cervical instability