Traction of the spine, known as cervical traction, is a popular treatment for neck pain and related injuries. Essentially, cervical traction pulls your head away from your neck to create expansion and eliminate compression. It’s considered to be an alternative treatment for neck pain, helping people avoid the need for medication or surgeries. It can be used as part of a physical therapy treatment or on your own at home. There are lot of Chiropractic neck traction device available in market for home use. Does Chiropractic neck traction device really work? Cervical traction devices lightly stretch the neck to reduce pressure on the spine by pulling or separating the vertebrae. It’s said to be both highly effective and fast-acting.
What Is Chiropractic care and benefits?
Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments. The theory is that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support.
Chiropractic treatment is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment. The initials “DC” identify a chiropractor, whose education typically includes an undergraduate degree plus four years of chiropractic college.
What does Chiropractic Treatment for back neck pain Involve?
A chiropractor first takes a medical history, performs a physical examination, and may use lab tests or diagnostic imaging to determine if treatment is appropriate for your back pain.
The treatment plan may involve one or more manual adjustments in which the doctor manipulates the joints, using a controlled, sudden force to improve range and quality of motion. Many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling and exercise/rehabilitation into the treatment plan. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of injury in addition to back pain relief.
What is the best Chiropractic neck traction device?
1. Saunders Cervical HomeTrac Traction Device
Pros
- Referred to by a considerable number of customers as “the best possible option for in-home cervical traction”
- Extremely reliable, as customers receive the same high-quality care regardless of if it is used every day or once a year
- Operating as a single unit, the Saunders HomeTrac is significantly easier to set up and operate than over-door systems
- Several customers credited the Saunders HomeTrac for having allowed them to avoid dangerous spinal surgeries and decrease the frequency of their visits to the doctor
Cons:
- None found
The Saunders Cervical HomeTrac Traction Device earns the number-one spot to the users with ease. It’s the most highly-recommended, positively-reviewed, and even the most generally reviewed traction device on the top five. The Saunders HomeTrac makes use of a mechanically-operated pump on a frictionless track. Capable of applying up to 50 pounds of tractive force—over 25 pounds more than the next highest in the top five—this cervical traction device provides patients with a smooth, safe tractive treatment.
Patients use the pressure gauge to control the force of traction during treatment, offering a high degree of precision. The high quality of care and the reliability of the Saunders HomeTrac device are, above all else, the most frequently praised feature of this product. Multiple customers explained that they were able to use the Saunders HomeTrac as a safer, less expensive alternative to undergoing spinal surgery.
Other customers explained they were able to decrease the frequency of their visits to a physician, as the Saunders HomeTrac provided a quality of care great enough to extend the time between appointments.
The high quality of care provided by the Saunders HomeTrac is accompanied by praise for its ease of use. Operating as one unit, this product requires considerably less setup than the over-door competitors. Customers also explained that the device is easy to move and store, adding yet another advantage to the Saunders HomeTrac’s already long list.
Features and Benefits
The Saunders HomeTrac device is the most highly-praised traction device in customer feedback by an overwhelming margin, receiving hundreds of five-star reviews for its quality and reliability!
Operating as a single unit, the Saunders HomeTrac is easier to set up than much of its competition and operates more precisely thanks to its use of a manual pressure pump and gauge. The Saunders HomeTrac uses patented self-adjusting neck wedges that allow the device to be one-size-fits-all, removing the concern of purchasing the correct size.
This product is also praised for helping patients avoid dangerous surgeries and reduce the frequency of visits to the doctor.
2. Forent Inflatable Neck Traction Collar – best value
Air neck traction devices (inflatable cervical collars) are basically inflated neck braces. You secure them around your neck (great for neck posture as well) and use the pump to inflate them. As the pillow gets filled with air, it straightens takes the weight off your neck and pushes down your shoulders. You use the pump to gradually raise the level of air to a comfortable stretch.
Your muscles relax and your discs are aligned and ready for re-hydration. You are also taking the pressure off your nerves and blood vessels of course. Here’s how to use an inflatable neck traction collar:
Pros
- Air neck traction devices are easy to use, require no assembly, and are completely portable. You can easily take them anywhere and use them at the office or while traveling. You can use them while sitting or lying down, any way you’d like.
- They are portable units.
Cons
- Not all air neck traction devices are made of high-quality materials. One unit I had started leaking after I’ve used it for only 6 times, so you really have to know which one is the best (see below).
- They can apply a bit too much pressure on your TMJ since the pillow inflates around the jaw as well.
The Forent inflatable neck traction device helps align your cervical spine, correct your posture and stretch your spine and neck muscles, which alleviates neck muscle pain and helps heal bulging discs, pinched nerves, neck arthritis, and degenerative discs. It’s unique safety feature allows you to quickly deflate the device if you accidentally inflate it too much.
3. The Neck Hammock (Neck Traction Sling)
Neck Hammocks are gaining popularity in recent years, probably because it’s really simple to use, it works, and is relatively low cost. The neck hammock creates neck traction by pulling your head away from your shoulders. This makes your neck muscles relax and relieves the pressure off them effectively. It also slightly expands the space around your neck vertebrae, which allows for more blood flow (and oxygen!) to the area – bringing pain-relieving and healing components – faster and better.
4. Neck Posture Pumps- ComforTrac Cervical Traction Unit
Posture pumps are usually a bit pricier than the above two, but they can be worth every cent when it comes to neck pain healing.
Posture pump units are well-built and are heavy-duty pieces of quality durable medical equipment.Through my research I’ve found that they simulate cervical traction performed in a clinic, and are nearly identical as far as the quality of treatment goes.
- Posture pumps are larger, provide stronger traction, and are made with durable material. They are light and portable and come in a handy carrying case.
- They require no assembly and have a softer, more comfortable head pad and straps.
You simply lie down, adjust the little knob/posts that secure the base of your skull, and place the strap on your forehead. Then you just pump up the pressure and tighten.
Posture Pump Pros
- Posture pumps are usually sturdier, made with more durable materials, and work with no problems for years.
- They don’t use pillows that can leak air and they don’t need a door to support them.
- They all have a handy carrying bag that protects them if you want to take them with you anywhere.
- They don’t put pressure on your jaw or anywhere other than where it should be.
- Portable and fit for travel
Cons
- These units are less portable than the air neck traction devices, and they take up a bit more room. You can only use them lying down.
- The price is higher, but in my opinion – well worth it. Especially if you consider the money you are saving on dozens of chiropractor treatments.
How to use Chiropractic Neck Traction Device?
A | B |
- Place deflated collar around neck with inflation tube on your left and at the bottom.
- Adjust velcro straps to make neck traction collar snug, but not tight. (Fig. A)
- Turn chrome deflator valve (Fig. B) clockwise until tight to close air release valve.
- Pump inflator bulb repeatedly to achieve a comfortable amount of traction and reduction of pain. Collar inflates slowly to allow for precision inflation.
- Leave in place for approximately 30 minutes or as directed by your doctor and repeat periodically as needed.
Removal/Storage
C | D |
- Turn chrome deflator valve all the way counter-clockwise to deflate. You may also disconnect the hose at the center connector (Fig. C) for quicker deflation.
- Disconnect velcro tabs and return collar to vinyl storage case.
Portable Use
The bulb assembly may be removed during use so that you can move easily about while using the chiropractic neck traction.
- Find the “bump” at the top of the hose (Fig. D) and squeeze the bump towards the unit to move the metal bead in the bump up and into the tube to block the air.
- Disconnect the hose at the connection below the bump and store the lower hose and bulb in the storage case.
- To deflate, squeeze metal bead back down into the bump and air will flow out of the collar.
Chiropractic neck traction device Side effects and warnings
Generally, it’s safe to perform cervical traction, but remember that results are different for everyone. The treatment should be totally pain-free. It’s possible that you can experience side effects such as headache, dizziness, and nausea upon adjusting your body in this manner. This may even lead to fainting. Stop if you experience any of these side effects, and discuss them with your doctor or physical therapist. It’s possible for you to injure your tissue, neck, or spine. You should avoid cervical traction if you have:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- postsurgery hardware such as screws in your neck
- a recent fracture or injury in the neck area
- a known tumor in the neck area
- a bone infection
- issues or blockages with vertebral or carotid arteries
- osteoporosis
- cervical instability
- spinal hypermobility
It’s important that you follow any safety instructions and recommendations provided by your doctor or by the manufacturer. Make sure you’re performing the movements correctly and using the appropriate amount of weight. Don’t overexert yourself by doing cervical traction for too long. Discontinue use if you experience any pain or irritation or if your symptoms get worse.
Does Chiropractic neck traction device really work?
When considering any medical treatment, in the PT clinic or elsewhere, it helps to understand what research is available for the treatment and how it may help your condition. So what does the research show for cervical traction?
A 2017 meta-analysis published in the journal Spine examined seven different cervical traction studies. The researchers concluded that neck traction can possibly offer short-term neck pain relief. The research is inconclusive when determining if traction offers long-term relief, and more studies need to be done on cervical traction to determine this.3
When considering cervical traction for your neck pain, it’s important to speak with your PT to be sure it is right for you and to have realistic expectations for the treatment.
How long to use a Chiropractic neck traction device?
Most cervical neck traction devices are used anywhere from 10-30 minutes for a session, and it is up to your doctor to determine how many weeks or months of traction therapy are required. That’s why it’s so important to keep your doctor apprised of your progress and any negative symptoms that occur.
Is cervical traction painful?
No, cervical traction should never be painful, and if it is, or if your symptoms worsen, discontinue the use of your device and be sure to inform your doctor immediately. Cervical traction is intended to treat neck pain and tension and should provide relief.
Can I do cervical traction at home?
Traction can be applied to your neck at home;4 this is most easily accomplished by an over-the-door traction unit that’s available at many medical supply stores. If you purchase one, your PT can help you learn how to use the device, and can provide advice on the appropriate amount of force to use for your specific condition.
If you benefit from the mechanical traction in the physical therapy clinic, smaller traction units for home use are available that mimic the device used in the clinic. These devices are a bit more expensive than over-the-door traction units, but they’re less cumbersome and easier to use than the door-mounted units. Your physical therapist can help you obtain a home mechanical traction unit if it’s felt that you would benefit from one.
It is not a good idea to have someone who is not properly trained to perform cervical traction on your neck. You may injure your neck or worsen your condition if the correct application of traction is not performed.
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