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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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