Cervical Traction Device Helps With Pain

By Debra Cooley


A lot people suffer from mild to severe neck pain due to a variety of reasons. They seek professional treatment from physicians and chiropractors who try a number of different remedies to relieve the discomfort. Many find that using a cervical traction device can often provide a respite from the often debilitating hurt of so many things from a headache to a herniated disc.

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.

This stretching method has been credited to the Ancient Egyptian healers but has only been accepted as viable treatment by modern science since the 1930's. For the most part there is no real risk to this practice though a health professional should always be consulted prior to putting it into action. The reason for this is that some conditions such as pregnancy, cancer, some infections or ruptured disc can actually yield counterproductive results.

It works by gently pulling the vertebra in the neck to their full extension, stretching the muscles and soft tissue as well. Doing so takes the pressure from the discs and nerves, allowing them to return to their natural positions. This action permits the vital fluids necessary for movement to flow freely once more which soothes aches and pains.

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 several ailments that may cause a body to feel varied levels of pain in their necks, backs, heads and hands. Many of these can be relieved by using a cervical traction device to release pressure on the discs and soft tissues of the spine. While gentle and generally safe, it is highly advised that one consult their personal physician before beginning this, or any other type of therapy.




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