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.

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.

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.

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.

A qualified practitioner can apply this therapy manually by having the patient lay on a table to have their neck stretched. A popular device used both under supervision and alone is a sling that goes over the door and has a harness to cradle the skull beneath the jaw, using a mechanical winch to gently raise it up. For home use, many choose to use a collar that is inflated via a hand pump the wearer controls, applying even pressure to all points of contact.

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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