Cervical Traction Device Delivers Relief

By Debra Cooley


Many people are afflicted with intense neck pain due to a myriad of probable causes. They often seek out their doctor or chiropractor's advice on the best way to obtain relief from these ailments. A huge number of them find that the application of a cervical traction device is the most effective method of getting respite from the hurt of a lot of issues ranging from headaches to herniated discs.

The concept by which these items work is a fairly simple one. It consists of a gentle, yet firm upward application of force to the head in order to stretch the vertebra, soft tissue and muscles in the neck which relieves pain and soothes spasms. There are several different ways to do this therapy either at home or in a practitioner's office.

Used to treat multiple issues including muscle spasms, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis related neck pains, bulging discs, numbness in the upper extremities, aching backs and jaws as well as headaches, this practice is becoming quite common. Many consider it to be the premier method for restoring posture to correct positioning. Several studies show that it is capable of diminishing severe migraines in approximately 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 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.

Generally speaking, this process is only done for not more than fifteen minutes at a time. With at least two hours of rest between treatments, it may be administered several times a day as necessary for relief. Practitioners should be aware of their limits and heed their doctor's advice because overdoing this therapy can result in soreness that is actually counterproductive.

In many cases, a therapist will manually manipulate the patient's neck by gently stretching and supporting their heads when in a lying position. They may also place their subject in an over the door sling that uses a mechanical mechanism to slowly pull up on the skull via the jaw. When treating at home, many people will use an accordion type of collar that is inflated via a hand pump held by the wearer to push up on the skull and extend the cervical section of the 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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