Cervical traction is a treatment for neck pain. It pulls your head gently to make space between the bones in your neck. This can also be called spinal traction.
You can get cervical traction from your doctor or do it at home. It can be done by hand or with a special device. Either way, it makes more space between the bones in your neck to relieve pressure and tension.
This article explains how cervical traction works and what to expect during treatment.
Table of Contents
What is Cervical Traction?
Cervical traction is a therapeutic method used to treat neck pain and associated conditions. It involves applying a pulling force to the head to create distance between the vertebrae of the neck. This process aims to relieve pressure on the spine by stretching the neck muscles and joints, thereby reducing compression.
Cervical traction can be administered in several ways: manually by a physical therapist, mechanically using a device equipped with a harness and weights, or at home with an over-the-door pulley system.
The technique is designed to be gentle and should not cause pain. It serves as an alternative treatment option aimed at avoiding the need for medication or surgery for conditions such as neck pain, tension, and tightness, as well as more specific issues like herniated discs, pinched nerves, and cervical spondylosis.
Benefits of Cervical Traction
The benefits of cervical traction are multifaceted, primarily focusing on alleviating discomfort and improving the functional capabilities of people suffering from neck-related conditions. Key benefits include:
- Reduce Muscle Spasms and Tension: By gently stretching the neck, cervical traction helps to relax the muscles, significantly relieving pain and stiffness, and increasing flexibility.
- Relieve Nerve Compression: It creates more space between the vertebrae, which can alleviate pain from pinched nerves and improve conditions like cervical radiculopathy.
- Improve Mobility and Range of Motion: The stretching involved in cervical traction can lead to improved mobility, range of motion, and alignment, allowing people to perform daily activities with greater ease.
- Temporary Pain Relief: While evidence on long-term benefits is limited, cervical traction has been shown to provide temporary relief from neck pain, making it a valuable non-invasive treatment option before considering more invasive procedures.
How it’s Done
Cervical traction is a therapeutic method used to treat neck pain and associated conditions by gently stretching the cervical spine. This treatment can be performed manually by a healthcare provider or through mechanical means using specialized devices.
If your physical therapist recommends it, you can buy cervical traction equipment online or at medical supply stores. Some devices may need a prescription. Before you attempt to use the equipment on your own, your therapist will give you clear instructions.
Manual Cervical Traction
Manual cervical traction is a hands-on approach typically performed by a physical therapist or chiropractor. During this procedure, the patient lies down on their back in a relaxed position. The therapist then manually applies a gentle pulling force to the head, gradually increasing the stretch on the neck. This force is held for a few seconds before being released, and the process is repeated several times during a session.
The goal of manual cervical traction is to relieve pressure on the cervical vertebrae and nerve roots, which can help reduce pain. Depending on the patient’s condition and response, the therapist can adjust the angle and force of the pull to target specific areas of the neck.
Mechanical Cervical Traction
Mechanical cervical traction uses devices to apply a consistent traction force to the neck. This method can be performed in a clinical setting under the supervision of a physical therapist or at home using portable traction devices. In both scenarios, the patient typically wears a harness that fits around the head and neck. This harness is connected to a mechanical system, which could be a machine or a weight and pulley system, that applies a steady pull.
For home treatments, over-the-door traction devices are common. These involve a pulley system set up over a door, where weights or a mechanical force apply a consistent and controlled traction force. The patient can adjust the intensity of the traction force according to therapeutic requirements and personal comfort levels.
Mechanical traction is particularly beneficial for providing sustained traction, which can help with conditions like herniated discs and muscle spasms. For certain chronic conditions, longer duration of traction makes the treatment more effective.
Side Effects and Cautions
When it comes to cervical traction, everyone responds differently. Normally, it shouldn’t cause any pain during treatment.
However, some people might experience side effects like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, and in rare cases, even fainting. If you feel any of these, stop immediately and chat with your doctor or physical therapist.
There’s a risk of injury to your neck, spine, or tissue if you:
- Have rheumatoid arthritis
- Have surgical implants like neck screws
- Recently injured your neck or have a fracture there
- Are dealing with a known neck-area tumor or bone infection
- Have issues or blockages in your neck’s arteries
- Suffer from osteoporosis, cervical instability, or spinal hypermobility
Some people should avoid cervical traction, including those who are:
- Pregnant
- Anxious about confinement or have claustrophobia
- Previously had cervical fusion surgery
Always follow the safety guidelines from your doctor or device manufacturer. Make sure you’re using the right weight and doing the movements correctly. Don’t push yourself too hard or go beyond the recommended duration. If you feel pain, irritation, or worsening symptoms, stop immediately.
Cervical Traction Exercises
You can do various exercises with cervical traction devices. Listen to your body and stretch to your own comfort level and duration. Here are some guidelines:
Air Neck Traction Device
The Air Neck Traction device improves posture and relieves nerve pressure. Use it for 30 minutes a day to boost flexibility and range of motion.
- Place the device around your neck.
- Adjust the straps for a comfortable fit.
- Pump it up and wear it for 20–30 minutes.
- Use it a few times a day, even during activities where you slouch.
Over-the-Door Neck Traction Device
This device lets you do PT exercises anywhere. It relieves stiff, sore neck pain by gently stretching and separating spinal discs, restoring motion and taking pressure off the spine.
- Start with 10–20 pounds of pulling force.
- Increase weight as you gain strength (consult your physical therapist).
- Pull and hold for 10–20 seconds, then slowly release.
- Repeat for 15–30 minutes a few times a day.
Posture Pump
You can ease neck pain at home with a posture pump. It offers deep, corrective relief from headaches, stiffness, and fatigue. Here’s how to use it:
- Do a warm-up by moving your head side-to-side and forward/backward.
- Attach the device to your head, increase pressure, and wait 10 seconds.
- Repeat 15 times, then inflate and relax for up to 15 minutes.
- Avoid over-pumping, especially initially.
- Release, keep your head aligned, and stand up.
- Repeat warm-up routine.
When to See Your Doctor
Before using a cervical traction device at home, talk to your healthcare provider. Visit them if you experience:
- New or worsening pain.
- Numbness or tingling in limbs, hands, or toes.
- Changes in vision.
- Headaches.
Sophia Anderson, PT, DPT is a physical therapist who offers online pain management consultations. She helps people with various types of pain, especially neck, back, and knee pain.
She graduated from the University of St. Augustine with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. She has experience in orthopedic physical therapy, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, advanced assessment and treatment of running injuries, and advanced treatment of the pelvic complex, spine, and extremities.
If you’re experiencing any pain, let Sophia Anderson, PT, DPT help you out.