Many people are now suffering from neck pain, and some people like to do cervical traction to relieve cervical pain. Cervical traction is considered one of the best ways to treat cervical soreness and neck pain. If you also want to do cervical traction at home, you can follow this article. Let’s get started.
Part 1. What is neck traction?
Neck traction (or neck stretch) is a centuries-old treatment method that has been used by chiropractors for conditions such as neck pain or back pain. Alternatively, traction therapy can be used to decompress any ailing joint.
Traction is based on the principle of action force and reaction force. The external force generated by manipulation, equipment or electric device acts on the human spine or the joints of the limbs, so that the tissues are separated to a certain extent, and the soft tissues around the joints are properly stretched, so as to achieve the purpose of treatment.
Part 2. Is traction good for your neck?
Traction can be thought of as applying continuous force to stretch the spine. It is also used frequently and is very effective in treating musculoskeletal disorders, such as injuries that are not visible externally but involve muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, nerves, bones or supporting structures. Traction is useful for muscle disorders, including muscle spasms, dislocations, or fractures, usually on the arms, legs, back, or neck.
In particular, traction is very effective for neck-related problems. While neck traction is often used to ensure pain relief, it heals the neck problem through a variety of mechanisms. The main groups suitable for neck traction are: mild cervical spondylosis, cervical disc herniation, and changes in the physiological curvature of the cervical spine.
Part 3. Is neck traction hurt?
People often wonder if neck traction hurt. But traction has been popular for centuries and is very effective in treating conditions like stiff neck or neck pain. In addition, people can now find some highly sophisticated neck traction devices that allow the patient to control the pressure on their own. These are inflatable devices that work with a manual air pump, allowing the patient to adjust the air pressure to suit his needs and comfort.
Part 4. What you need to pay attention to in neck traction
First of all, neck traction needs to be symptomatic and moderate. Basically, there are two types of cervical spondylosis suitable for neck traction. One is chronic neck pain. These patients can relieve pain by stretching and relaxing muscles. The other type is cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, if there are symptoms such as numbness in the fingers, you can do neck traction. But it should not be done too intensively and for too long.
It should be noted that traction is prohibited for cervical spondylotic myelopathy, cervical spondylosis with vertigo, and unstable cervical spondylosis. Neck traction may squeeze the unstable inner core of the intervertebral disc from the break to compressing the nerve, and causing adverse consequences such as paralysis. Therefore, it is necessary to go to a hospital for examination before doing neck traction, and carry out treatment under the guidance of a doctor.
The effect of neck traction will not be immediate. It takes 10 to 20 days as a course of treatment, and the effective time is relatively slow. Therefore, you should not give up because of ineffectiveness in a short period of time, but must persist patiently in order to obtain symptom and pain relief. If the neck traction is still not effective after more than 2 to 3 courses of treatment, you need to discuss with the doctor whether to stop the traction and choose other treatment options.
