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.

The practice has been used to treat a myriad of issues such as bulging discs, muscle spasms, neck pains stemming from both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, hand and arm numbness, back pain, aching jaws, headaches and many more. It is considered one of the best methods for correcting and restoring proper posture. In numerous cases, it has been credited with relieve intense migraines in as little as 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.

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.

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.

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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