What are the benefits of cervical traction? This article explores how cervical traction can relieve neck pain, treat herniated disks, and improve flexibility. Plus. exercises to try at home.

The Mechanics of Cervical Traction

Cervical traction is a popular treatment for neck pain and related injuries. It works by gently pulling the head away from the neck, creating expansion and eliminating compression. This process is said to be both highly effective and fast-acting in relieving pain and stiffness.

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, creating space between the vertebrae. This relieves compression and allows the muscles to relax, lengthening and stretching the muscles and joints around the neck.

The Benefits of Cervical Traction

What are the key benefits of cervical traction? This treatment can help with a variety of neck-related issues, including:

Relieving Neck Pain and Tension

Cervical traction helps to relax the neck muscles, which can significantly relieve pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility. A 2017 meta-analysis found that the treatment significantly reduced neck pain immediately following treatment, with pain scores also reduced in the follow-up period.

Treating Herniated or Bulging Disks

Cervical traction can help to alleviate pain from joint sprains, muscle spasms, and pinched nerves. It’s also used to treat and flatten bulging or herniated disks in the neck.

Improving Mobility and Alignment

The improvements in flexibility and reduced muscle tension from cervical traction can lead to better mobility, range of motion, and spinal alignment. This allows for greater ease in daily activities.

Types of Cervical Traction

There are a few different ways to perform cervical traction, both with a physical therapist and at home:

Manual Cervical Traction

A physical therapist will gently pull your head away from your neck while you’re lying down, holding the position for a period of time before releasing and repeating.

Mechanical Cervical Traction

A harness is attached to your head and neck as you lie flat on your back. The harness hooks up to a machine or system of weights that applies traction force to pull your head away.

Over-the-Door Cervical Traction

An over-the-door traction device allows you to perform cervical traction at home. You attach a harness to your head and neck, which is connected to a rope and weighted pulley system that goes over a door.

Safety Considerations

While generally safe, cervical traction can cause side effects like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It’s important to stop the treatment if you experience any of these. Certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or recent neck injuries, may also make cervical traction unsafe.

Always consult with your physical therapist or doctor before trying cervical traction, and follow any safety instructions carefully. They can help determine the best method for your individual needs and monitor your progress.

Exercises to Complement Cervical Traction

Cervical traction can be an effective treatment, but it’s often most beneficial when combined with other therapies and exercises. Your physical therapist may recommend complementary exercises to improve mobility, strength, and posture.

Some common exercises include neck stretches, postural exercises, and strengthening movements for the neck and upper back muscles. Doing these in addition to cervical traction can maximize the benefits and help prevent future neck pain.

Conclusion

Cervical traction can be a highly effective treatment for relieving neck pain, tension, and stiffness. By gently stretching the neck and creating space between the vertebrae, it can help reduce compression, relax the muscles, and improve mobility and alignment.

Whether done with a physical therapist or at home, cervical traction is a versatile option for managing a variety of neck-related issues. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.

What Are The Benefits of Cervical Traction? Plus Exercises to Try

What is cervical traction?

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.

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. Read on to learn more about this technique and how it can be of benefit to you.

Cervical traction devices treat different types and causes of neck pain, tension, and tightness. Cervical traction helps to relax the muscles, which can significantly relieve pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility. It’s also used to treat and flatten bulging or herniated disks. It can alleviate pain from joints, sprains, and spasms. It’s also used to treat neck injuries, pinched nerves, and cervical spondylosis.

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. Creating space between the vertebrae relieves compression and allows the muscles to relax. This lengthens or stretches the muscles and joints around the neck.

These improvements may lead to improved mobility, range of motion, and alignment. This will allow you to go about your daily activities with greater ease.

A 2017 meta-analysis of studies analyzed the effectiveness of cervical traction in relieving neck pain. This report found that the treatment significantly reduced neck pain immediately following treatment. Pain scores were also reduced in the follow-up period. More in-depth, high-quality studies are needed to learn more about the long-term effects of this treatment.

A 2014 study found that mechanical traction was effective in treating people with pinched nerves and neck pain. Mechanical traction was more effective than exercising alone or exercising in addition to using over-door traction.

There are several ways to do cervical traction, either with a physical therapist or on your own at home. Your physical therapist can help you to decide upon the best method to suit your needs.

Your physical therapist may recommend that you buy cervical traction equipment to use at home. Certain devices may require you to have a prescription. Cervical traction devices are available online and in medical supply stores. Your physical therapist should show you how to use the device properly before you use it on your own.

It’s important that you check in with your physical therapist even if you’re doing a home treatment. They’ll make sure you’re doing the best treatment, measure your progress, and adjust your therapy as necessary.

Manual cervical traction

Manual cervical traction is done by a physical therapist. While you’re lying down, they’ll gently pull your head away from your neck. They’ll hold this position for a period of time before releasing and repeating. Your physical therapist will make adjustments to your exact positioning in order to get the best results.

Mechanical cervical traction

Mechanical cervical traction is done by a physical therapist. A harness is attached to your head and neck as you’re lying flat on your back. The harness hooks up to a machine or system of weights that apply traction force to pull your head away from your neck and spine.

Over-the-door cervical traction

An over-the-door traction device is for home use. You attach your head and neck to a harness. This is connected to a rope that’s part of a weighted pulley system that goes over a door. This can be done while sitting, leaning back, or lying down.

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.

There are several exercises that can be done using cervical traction devices. Make sure to listen to your body and go to your own edge or threshold in terms of stretching and the duration of your exercises.

To use an air neck traction device, place it around your neck and adjust the straps as necessary. Then, pump it up and wear it for about 20–30 minutes. Do this a few times throughout the day. You can wear the device while doing activities where you tend to slouch.

To use an over-the-door neck traction device, you’ll usually you’ll start with about 10–20 pounds of pulling force, which can be increased as you gain strength. Your physical therapist can recommend the right amount of weight for you to use. Pull and hold the weight for 10–20 seconds and then slowly release. Continue this for 15–30 minutes at a time. You can do this a few times throughout the day.

A Posture Pump is used while you’re lying down. Do a warm-up before using this device. Slowly turn the head side-to-side, then forward and backward, and then lean the neck from side-to-side. Do each exercise 10 times. Then, attach the portable device to your head and increase the pressure so it tightens around your forehead. Once it’s pumped, wait 10 seconds before releasing the air. Do this 15 times. Then inflate the unit and relax in a comfortable position for up to 15 minutes. Make sure you’re not pumping it too much, especially in the beginning. Once you release yourself from the pump, keep your head in line with your spine as you come into a standing position. Repeat the warm-up routine.

You may also wish to incorporate stretching into your daily routine. You can use accessories such as exercise balls or resistance bands. Yoga is another great tool to relieve neck pain, and there are plenty of cervical traction exercises your physical therapist may be able to recommend that don’t require any equipment aside from a bed or table.

Cervical traction may be a safe, wonderfully effective way for you to resolve neck pain. It may provide you with numerous improvements to your body, inspiring you to do it often. Ideally it will be effective in relieving neck pain and enhancing your overall function.

Always talk to your doctor or physical therapist before beginning any treatment. Touch base with them throughout your therapy to discuss your improvements as well as any side effects. They can also help you to set up a treatment plan that addresses exactly what you need to correct.

What Are The Benefits of Cervical Traction? Plus Exercises to Try

What is cervical traction?

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.

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. Read on to learn more about this technique and how it can be of benefit to you.

Cervical traction devices treat different types and causes of neck pain, tension, and tightness. Cervical traction helps to relax the muscles, which can significantly relieve pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility. It’s also used to treat and flatten bulging or herniated disks. It can alleviate pain from joints, sprains, and spasms. It’s also used to treat neck injuries, pinched nerves, and cervical spondylosis.

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. Creating space between the vertebrae relieves compression and allows the muscles to relax. This lengthens or stretches the muscles and joints around the neck.

These improvements may lead to improved mobility, range of motion, and alignment. This will allow you to go about your daily activities with greater ease.

A 2017 meta-analysis of studies analyzed the effectiveness of cervical traction in relieving neck pain. This report found that the treatment significantly reduced neck pain immediately following treatment. Pain scores were also reduced in the follow-up period. More in-depth, high-quality studies are needed to learn more about the long-term effects of this treatment.

A 2014 study found that mechanical traction was effective in treating people with pinched nerves and neck pain. Mechanical traction was more effective than exercising alone or exercising in addition to using over-door traction.

There are several ways to do cervical traction, either with a physical therapist or on your own at home. Your physical therapist can help you to decide upon the best method to suit your needs.

Your physical therapist may recommend that you buy cervical traction equipment to use at home. Certain devices may require you to have a prescription. Cervical traction devices are available online and in medical supply stores. Your physical therapist should show you how to use the device properly before you use it on your own.

It’s important that you check in with your physical therapist even if you’re doing a home treatment. They’ll make sure you’re doing the best treatment, measure your progress, and adjust your therapy as necessary.

Manual cervical traction

Manual cervical traction is done by a physical therapist. While you’re lying down, they’ll gently pull your head away from your neck. They’ll hold this position for a period of time before releasing and repeating. Your physical therapist will make adjustments to your exact positioning in order to get the best results.

Mechanical cervical traction

Mechanical cervical traction is done by a physical therapist. A harness is attached to your head and neck as you’re lying flat on your back. The harness hooks up to a machine or system of weights that apply traction force to pull your head away from your neck and spine.

Over-the-door cervical traction

An over-the-door traction device is for home use. You attach your head and neck to a harness. This is connected to a rope that’s part of a weighted pulley system that goes over a door. This can be done while sitting, leaning back, or lying down.

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.

There are several exercises that can be done using cervical traction devices. Make sure to listen to your body and go to your own edge or threshold in terms of stretching and the duration of your exercises.

To use an air neck traction device, place it around your neck and adjust the straps as necessary. Then, pump it up and wear it for about 20–30 minutes. Do this a few times throughout the day. You can wear the device while doing activities where you tend to slouch.

To use an over-the-door neck traction device, you’ll usually you’ll start with about 10–20 pounds of pulling force, which can be increased as you gain strength. Your physical therapist can recommend the right amount of weight for you to use. Pull and hold the weight for 10–20 seconds and then slowly release. Continue this for 15–30 minutes at a time. You can do this a few times throughout the day.

A Posture Pump is used while you’re lying down. Do a warm-up before using this device. Slowly turn the head side-to-side, then forward and backward, and then lean the neck from side-to-side. Do each exercise 10 times. Then, attach the portable device to your head and increase the pressure so it tightens around your forehead. Once it’s pumped, wait 10 seconds before releasing the air. Do this 15 times. Then inflate the unit and relax in a comfortable position for up to 15 minutes. Make sure you’re not pumping it too much, especially in the beginning. Once you release yourself from the pump, keep your head in line with your spine as you come into a standing position. Repeat the warm-up routine.

You may also wish to incorporate stretching into your daily routine. You can use accessories such as exercise balls or resistance bands. Yoga is another great tool to relieve neck pain, and there are plenty of cervical traction exercises your physical therapist may be able to recommend that don’t require any equipment aside from a bed or table.

Cervical traction may be a safe, wonderfully effective way for you to resolve neck pain. It may provide you with numerous improvements to your body, inspiring you to do it often. Ideally it will be effective in relieving neck pain and enhancing your overall function.

Always talk to your doctor or physical therapist before beginning any treatment. Touch base with them throughout your therapy to discuss your improvements as well as any side effects. They can also help you to set up a treatment plan that addresses exactly what you need to correct.

Gymnastics for the neck with osteochondrosis: a set of exercises

05/11/2022

TOP-11 exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

The systematic implementation of therapeutic exercises strengthens the cervical muscles, eliminates muscle clamps and spasms, improves blood circulation in the affected area. Intervertebral discs receive more nutrition and better withstand pressure.
Thanks to a properly selected complex, the head, neck, shoulders stop hurting and hands do not go numb. Ideally, gymnastics for the neck with osteochondrosis is carried out under the guidance of an exercise therapy instructor or a rehabilitation therapist. But there are standard complexes that you can perform on your own at home. They will be discussed further.

Possible contraindications: what you need to know

Therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be effective, but most importantly, safe. It is forbidden:

• practice through pain or when the disease is exacerbated;
• make sudden movements, jerks;
• rotate and tilt the head back;
• perform exercises without consulting a doctor in the presence of an intervertebral hernia;
• independently use neck traction devices, inflatable collars and pillows. If they are not prescribed by a specialist, you can get injured.

The best exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

You need to start exercising after a warm-up. You can sit down several times, walk in place, roll from socks to heels and back. It is very useful to walk on the outside of the feet, on the toes and heels, especially if there is flat feet or hallux valgus.
When performing any exercises, including warm-ups, you need to remember about a flat back and freely straightened shoulders. Shoulders should not tense up and rise up. After 2-5 minutes of warm-up, they move on to the main part. All exercises can be done standing or sitting.

1. Relaxation of the neck muscles. Starting position – standing (sitting), hands at the seams. Clench your fists and pull your arms down from your shoulders, tensing your muscles. Hold the tension for about half a minute, then relax.
2. Lateral slopes. Gently and slowly tilt your head to the right, trying to put your ear on your shoulder. Hold at the lowest point and feel the tension of the neck muscles on the opposite side. After 10–15 sec. return to the starting position (IP). Repeat tilt now to the left.
3. Turns. Tilt your head forward and down, from here turn it to the side, gradually raising your chin to shoulder level. Hold for 3-5 seconds. and return to the middle position. Then turn your head to the other side.
4. Raising and lowering the shoulders. On inhalation, raise the shoulders to the ears, exactly up, without turning them forward, on the exhale, lower them down.
5. Reduction and dilution of the shoulders. Push your shoulders forward, “close”, return to the starting position. Then take your shoulders back, opening your chest. Mixing and breeding is performed through the center, stopping at the midpoint.
6. Forward bends. Lower your head forward and down, lowering your chin to your chest. Smoothly, without a jerk, return to the IP. Remember to keep your shoulders down, don’t strain them.
7. Blade convergence. IP – arms to the sides, parallel to the floor. Bring the shoulder blades together without involving the hands: they are also raised to the sides and follow the shoulders. Only the back muscles work.
8. Hand rotation. Stretch your arms to the sides and bend at the elbows. Perform rotational movements in the wrist joint, first clockwise, then counterclockwise. Hands do not fall and remain all the time in one position, clearly to the sides.
9. Elbow rotation. IP is the same: bent arms are raised to the sides. Rotate the forearms, making circular movements in the elbow joints.
10. Starting position – lying on your side. Raise your head, holding it on weight for 5 seconds.
11. Raise and lower arms. Standing, raise your arms up through the sides and “drop” down, relax.

The best results can be achieved if you combine dynamic and static exercises for cervical osteochondrosis. The former will work to strengthen the muscles, the latter will effectively improve cerebral circulation.

4 static exercises

1. Press the palms to the forehead and try to tilt the head forward, overcoming the resistance of the hands. Press hands on the forehead, and forehead on the palm for 20-30 seconds.
2. Put the hands on the back of the head, folding them into the castle. Resisting with your hands, put pressure on them with the back of your head.
3. Place clasped hands on the top of the head and pull the neck up, as if a rope was tied to it. Use your hands to press on the top of your head, not allowing your neck to rise. Execution time – 20–30 sec.
4. Place your hands in the lock under the base of the skull and tilt your head back, resisting with your hands. 20–30 sec.

The number of repetitions of each exercise – 4-8 times. The total duration of the workout is about 20 minutes. When performing the complex, it is important to monitor the sensations and avoid pain. If pain occurs, the exercise should be skipped. If it persists for more than half an hour after the end of the session and does not subside, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
The best results for pain relief can be obtained by combining exercise with manual therapy and massage. Therapeutic (preventive) course of treatment you can take in our center.

Make an appointment

Our services

Therapeutic massage of the thoracic spine

Therapeutic massage for cervical osteochondrosis

Therapeutic back massage

Back to list

Pain in the cervical spine

Pain in the neck or cervicothoracic junction has no age. Both children and adults are familiar with it. She announces her approach with stiffness and discomfort. And if the necessary measures are not taken, it strikes at the most inopportune time.

What to do about neck pain?

Specialists of the Family Osteopathy Clinic will help in the treatment of the disease.

Appointment by phone: 8-3452–562056

Causes of pain in the cervical spine:

• Injuries and their consequences, especially birth and whiplash.
• Osteochondrosis of the spine.
• Protrusions and herniated discs.
• Long-term static load, including those associated with a computer, tablet and smartphone.
• Violation of the ergonomics of the workplace.
• Physical inactivity.
• Consequences of dental interventions (tooth extraction, braces, implantation, etc.).
• Diseases of internal organs (lungs, heart, liver, etc.).

Main symptoms of pain in the cervical region

Nature of pain:

• stiffness
• discomfort
• backache
• tingling and pulling.

If the nerves and vessels of this area are involved, neck pain is often accompanied by:

• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Noise in the ears.
• Numbness of fingers and hands.
• Decreased performance.
• Chronic fatigue

Specialists of the “Clinic of Family Osteopathy” remind that timely seeking help increases the chances of maintaining health and reduces the risk of complications.

Possible complications

Lack of timely treatment of neck pain can lead to the development of:

• Vestibulopathy.
• Vegetovascular dystonia.
• Impaired vision and hearing.
• Cephalgia (headache).
• Dysfunction of the shoulder joints, including the development of humeroscapular periarthrosis.
• Impaired coordination of movements and postural balance.
• Pathological changes in cerebral circulation.

Diagnostics

Proper treatment is always justified by high-quality diagnostics.

To identify the real causes of pain in the cervical spine, an osteopathic doctor conducts a comprehensive diagnosis of the whole organism. In some cases, he prescribes additional methods of examination (ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck, MRI of the cervical spine), consultations of specialized specialists.

Treatment

Osteopathic care is aimed primarily at eliminating the cause of the disease. If this is not possible, the osteopathic doctor helps the body to adapt with minimal losses.

In the process of treatment, the mobility of organs and tissues of the body is restored, primary respiration and blood circulation are improved. The natural recovery mechanisms of the whole organism are launched.

An integrated approach to solving problems associated with pain in the cervical spine allows you to achieve effective, really tangible results.