Cervical Traction

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What is Cervical Traction?

Cervical traction is a treatment that lightly pulls and stretches the neck away from the body to decrease compression/pressure on the spine by pulling and separating vertebrae which in turn, helps alleviate pain.

Cervical traction is performed by either manually be a therapist or by a machine. It is used to treat:

• neck joints
• bones
• disks
• cervical radiculopathy
• muscle irritation

What are the Benefits of Cervical Traction?

The benefits of cervical traction include: 

• increase in range of motion
• improved mobility
• improved alignment

Not only can cervical traction assist with your mobility, but it can also decrease your neck pain especially short-term.  

Cervical traction works to help reduce pressure on neck tissue by creating space for the inflamed or compressed nerve root which promotes proper fluid dynamics. Cervical traction is also beneficial to stretch and lengthen the muscles and joints in your neck, allowing your muscles to relax.

How is Cervical Traction Done?

There are two types of cervical traction.

1. Manual cervical traction which is performed when you lay flat on your back and physical therapist gently pulls on your head/neck.  

Manual Cervical Traction at JOI Rehab

2. Mechanical traction is performed with a device that stabilizes your head with a strap and gently pulls your head back against your body weight. Both manual and mechanical traction can be completed with either sustained/static or intermittent forces.

Mechanical Cervical Traction at JOI Rehab

How Often Should you do Cervical Traction?

Cervical traction is typically performed with physical therapy sessions. This could be anywhere from 1 to 3 times per week. Traction treatments typically last 10 to 20 minutes.

If a home cervical traction unit is prescribed, It can be used daily for most people. 

How Long Does it Take for Cervical Traction to Work?

Some people experience immediate relief with cervical traction. Sometimes it takes several session to notice a change. Cervical traction also may NOT work for everyone. There are many forms of treatment and remedies for your individual condition.

Click to learn about Mckenzie exercises for the back and neck.

What are the Side Effects of Cervical Traction?

Side Effects for cervical traction may include:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Nausea
• Fainting

Most of the time, side effects are avoided by starting traction treatments with lower forces and gently increasing as tolerated. 

Traction should not be used with: 

• acute strains
• neck sprains
• joint instability
• pregnancy
• osteoporosis
• hiatal hernia 
• claustrophobia
• recent neck surgery

Consult with your physician or physical therapist before considering the usage of cervical traction to treat your specific condition.

By: Mariah True, PTA

Related Articles:

• Low Back Pain
• Is cracking your neck is bad?
• How To Tell if You Have a Broken Neck
• How To Sleep With Neck Pain

Book an Appointment for Cervical Traction with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.