Cervical Traction Device Helps With Pain

By Debra Cooley


There are many conditions that may cause a person to suffer mild to crippling pain in their necks. Most turn to their doctors or chiropractors to find a solution for relief. In a good many cases, a cervical traction device is the best non-surgical alternative for decreasing the discomfort caused by numerous issues ranging from chronic headaches to bulging discs.

The concept by which these items work is a fairly simple one. It consists of a gentle, yet firm upward application of force to the head in order to stretch the vertebra, soft tissue and muscles in the neck which relieves pain and soothes spasms. There are several different ways to do this therapy either at home or in a practitioner's office.

Used to treat multiple issues including muscle spasms, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis related neck pains, bulging discs, numbness in the upper extremities, aching backs and jaws as well as headaches, this practice is becoming quite common. Many consider it to be the premier method for restoring posture to correct positioning. Several studies show that it is capable of diminishing severe migraines in approximately twenty minutes.

A process that is believed to date back to the time of the Ancient Egyptians, this stretching method has only been used in a clinical setting since the 1930's. Though generally understood to be a perfectly safe practice, one should never begin this therapy without first consulting their physician. It could cause more issues if the patient suffers from any of several maladies such as a ruptured spinal disc, cancer, has certain infections or is pregnant.

The process entails stretching the spinal vertebra and their surrounding muscles and soft tissue in a gentle upward motion. Separating them removes compression on the discs and the nerves they protect. Proper realignment allows the important fluids to once again flow freely through the area, easing stiffness, numbness and pain.

It is only recommended that the activity be performed just 15 minutes per session. While it is safe to repeat the therapy multiple times in one day, there should be a minimum of 2 hours between. Anyone choosing this option needs to recognize the limits of their own body and heed the advice of their medical adviser because doing it too often could actually prove to be more harmful than helpful.

A qualified practitioner can apply this therapy manually by having the patient lay on a table to have their neck stretched. A popular device used both under supervision and alone is a sling that goes over the door and has a harness to cradle the skull beneath the jaw, using a mechanical winch to gently raise it up. For home use, many choose to use a collar that is inflated via a hand pump the wearer controls, applying even pressure to all points of contact.

Pain related to spinal issues can come as a result of many causes. A cervical traction device can be used to manipulate the vertebra and relieve the pressure that is compressing the nerves, tissue and discs. When used cautiously and correctly there is little risk to be had with this therapy though one should always seek a doctor's advice first since there are certain conditions under which this method should not be used.




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