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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The first method by which the therapy is often administered is manual manipulation, where a trained practitioner gently supports and stretches the neck while the patient lies on a table. Another way is to place one's chin in a sling device that hangs over a door and uses mechanical means to apply an upward force along the jawline. The final tool is an inflatable collar that the wearer controls with a hand pump to evenly distribute pressure to extend the upper 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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