Are you one of those suffering from chronic upper cervical or neck pain? If so, then cervical traction may be an option that experts may bring up. Cervical traction is a popular alternative method using a pulling force to the neck to stretch the spine and alleviate pressure on the nerves, muscles, and discs, potentially reducing your overall pain and discomfort. If done correctly, it can bring you several benefits.
This method can be done either by you at home or with the help of your healthcare provider. It uses at least 25 pounds of force or the head's weight using a traction force to produce measurable separation or significant decompression in the area. Below are some of the conditions that can benefit from cervical traction:
You can use cervical traction devices to help stretch your spinal bones and muscles to help relieve them from pressure or pain using force or tension.
Cervical traction can offer numerous benefits if done right. It can help relieve compression and stretch your muscles and joints around the neck, which can lead to the following:
Cervical traction can be done with a physical therapist or on your own. However, we encourage you to reach out to your trusted healthcare provider before trying this method yourself. They can help show you how to properly use cervical traction devices for your safety and the efficacy of the routine. Below are three (3) different cervical traction methods:
A physical therapist does this where they gently pull your head away from your neck when lying down. As the neck gets pulled, you must hold the position for some time before releasing and repeating.
This is when you use a harness attached to your head and neck while lying flat on your back. The force will come from a weighted machine connected to the harness, pulling your head away from your neck and spine. A physical therapist also does this.
This uses a device you can use at home where you attach a harness to your head and neck, which is then attached to a weighted pulley system. You can apply the traction while sitting, leaning back, or lying down.
Sometimes, neck pain stems from upper cervical misalignment, a condition that people cannot easily identify on their own through symptoms alone. Misalignments can stem from poor postural habits or trauma-related injuries. You will need a chiropractic doctor to help identify and correct such misalignments.A misalignment in your topmost spinal bones can cause nerve irritation, eventually affecting your posture and mobility. Poor alignment can also lead to muscle stiffness when trying to move around normally. This misalignment also stresses joints, leading to further discomfort throughout the body over time if not addressed correctly through a professional intervention like upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. These adjustments focus on realigning vertebral subluxations, or misalignments, that occur in the upper part of the spine near where it connects with the skull base. Upper cervical care also helps you ensure the alignment and balance hold for a long time to alleviate the pressure on nerves, thus helping patients get lasting relief from their neck pains.Consult an upper cervical chiropractor near you if you notice neck pains and other issues affecting your mobility, especially if you're aware of your usual poor posture or have recently endured any physical injury. They can also help reduce your chances of recurring pains through regular care of your upper spine.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
