Pain Relief With Cervical Traction Device

By Debra Cooley


A lot people suffer from mild to severe neck pain due to a variety of reasons. They seek professional treatment from physicians and chiropractors who try a number of different remedies to relieve the discomfort. Many find that using a cervical traction device can often provide a respite from the often debilitating hurt of so many things from a headache to a herniated disc.

These traction devices work on a relatively simple premise. A force is applied to the neck in order to stretch the soft tissue and reduce the pressure in the cervical region, which also relieves spasms. These tools come in many different forms that are designed for use both in a doctor's office and at home.

This type of therapy is often prescribed as treatment for many issues including rheumatoid or osteoarthritis based neck pains, numbness in one's arms or hands, muscle spasms, herniated discs, and aches in the back, jaw and head. It is commonly regarded as a most effective way of restoring and correcting one's posture. This process can soothe a migraine in approximately twenty minutes according to major studies on the subject.

While it is believed this process was first practiced by the Ancient Egyptians, it has only been utilized in a clinical application since the 1930's. Although the practice is generally low impact and perfectly safe, it should not be undertaken without the consent of one's personal physician. There are certain situations such as cancer, specific infections, ruptured discs and pregnancy that are not conducive to type of treatment for various reasons.

The therapy works by gently stretching the spinal vertebra, as well as the soft tissue and muscles surrounding them. The purpose is to relieve the pressure on the discs and the nerves that may be pinched between them. When everything has been properly realigned, the necessary fluids are again able to circulate, easing pain, stiffness and other symptoms.

Sessions should not be performed for more than fifteen minutes each. It can be done multiple times each day, as needed for pain, but there should be a minimal of two hours between treatments. Those doing this at home should heed their doctor's advice carefully as applying the pressure too often could cause a soreness that actually works counter-productively.

In many cases, a therapist will manually manipulate the patient's neck by gently stretching and supporting their heads when in a lying position. They may also place their subject in an over the door sling that uses a mechanical mechanism to slowly pull up on the skull via the jaw. When treating at home, many people will use an accordion type of collar that is inflated via a hand pump held by the wearer to push up on the skull and extend the cervical section of the spine.

There are multiple reasons a person may suffer harsh pains in their backs, necks, hands and heads. A cervical traction device may be the perfect way to stretch the spine and relieve some of that pressure on vertebra that could be causing the aches. Though this treatment is gentle and considered safe, a physician should be consulted before applying because there are certain conditions that could worsen with such activity.




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