A variety of spinal disorders cause neck pain, which may be degenerative or derive from an injury. Many can be treated with cervical traction. Sometimes, herniated discs can be successfully treated with cervical traction. Cervical spine traction provides a constant or intermittent and non-painful force to stretch muscles and ligaments while increasing the space between vertebrae. The goal is to relieve the pain caused by the pinched nerves and possibly increase the range of motion.
History of Cervical Traction
Cervical traction devices have been used for decades to help treat and prevent neck pain. Traction is thought to date back to ancient Egyptians, who used traction to treat dislocations and other painful neck problems. It was not until the 1930s that cervical traction started to be offered in clinical settings.
Duration and Frequency
There are different levels of stretching that are applied in cervical traction, such as a mild to maximal stretch. These help the therapist determine the amount of cervical traction that is right for the patient. Depending on the severity of symptoms, the duration and frequency of cervical traction may be adjusted in order to improve results. Normally, cervical traction is planned frequently during early treatment for cervical spine pain and may be reduce as pain subsides. Traction may eventually be discontinued if neck pain does not recur or worsen. Traction devices can be used at home or in a medical professional office. Cervical traction in an office setting is often done in 15-minute intervals in order to maximize results. Spinal traction creates an upward force as a device is attached to the skull while the body is held in place.
Patient Education
The patient lies down so that the body remains relaxed while cervical traction is started. A chiropractor or other specialist will go over specific steps to take when using a traction device, including positioning and the tolerance level to traction. The patient lies down on his back and is able to control the amount of stretching in the cervical spine, which often helps avoid pain. The patient lies down so that the body remains relaxed while cervical traction is started.
Types of Cervical Traction
There are several types of cervical traction, including manual traction, which is when a patient lies down and the therapist uses her hands to apply support and stretching. This is a gentle method that is stable and controlled by the practitioner. There is also mechanical traction which is used with a head halter that often goes over the door. The therapist will often teach the patient set it up and use the system safely. In other units, the patient lays his head in the mechanism and operates a pump to create the traction.
Evaluation before Traction
Prior to considering cervical traction, most doctors will see if physical therapy and medication will help. Cervical spine traction is a minimally invasive treatment option for neck pain. It is important to be evaluated prior to starting cervical traction in order to know whether it is a good treatment option. The correct and consistent use of a cervical traction device is important to its success in reducing pain.
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