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.
How long does neck traction take at home?
Duration of cervical traction can range from a few minutes to 20 to 30 min, once or twice weekly to several times per day. Anecdotal evidence suggests efficacy and safety, but there is no documentation of efficacy of cervical traction beyond short-term pain reduction.
How many pounds of pressure do you need for cervical traction?
It appears that at least 25–30 pounds of force are required to produce measurable separation of the cervical vertebrae. The traction force must be at least the weight of the head to produce any significant decompression.
Is traction good for cervical stenosis?
Traction has shown to provide relief for cervical radicular complaints (32). Patients can be sent home with nerve mobilization exercises and instructed on the use of home traction (15-20 minutes, 2-3 times per day with a weight of 10 pounds slowly increasing toward 20).
How do you do a neck traction with a towel?
Start with a small hand towel wrapped around the curve of your neck and holding the ends of the towel forward as shown. Next, extend your neck back over the towel as to look up at the ceiling. Then, return to starting position. Your hands should remain still and holding the ends of the towel the entire time.
How to do neck traction at home?
Air Neck Traction (Inflatable) Devices.
How long should I use cervical traction?
Repeat the cervical neck traction each day, adding one minute per day to your time, until you reach 15 minutes. Continue at 15 minutes per day, as long as necessary, or until your symptoms cease.
What is the best cervical traction device?
Cervical traction devices work by stretching the spinal vertebrae and muscles to relieve pressure and pain. Force or tension is used to stretch or pull the head away from the neck.
How do I increase cervical mucus?
Hydrate. Drink a lot of water throughout the day.
