Using A Neck Cervical Traction Device At Home

By Lana Bray


A person could suffer from neck or spinal column injuries that may have been caused by a number of reasons. There could have been an accident while playing sports, or a car crash. Alternative reasons include internal injuries, such as lesions. A previous injury could also not have healed properly. Pressure or misalignment of the spine due to damages can be treated by using a cervical traction device.

The purpose of this type of therapy is to realign the spine with a fairly forceful upward pulling motion. It is done to help eliminate any pain that is caused by the injured, or once-injured, person. The therapy involves pulling the skull gently in sessions that are performed over a period of time.

While there are products that can be purchased for this type of treatment, such as specially designed pillows, a person can also perform the treatment at home with a few household objects. The benefits of the treatment include pain relief from pinched nerve roots, injured spinal disks and moving joints. This type of therapy can also be used along with medication that has been prescribed by a doctor.

Nothing fancy is required at home, only a door, a string, or rope, and a towel. A hand towel that is slightly smaller than a bath towel is ideal. Choose a door that has a handle, and that can be shut properly. Perhaps a carpeted area is best as well, as you will be lying on the floor. The process won't take long, just a few minutes.

Start the procedure by looping the rope around the door knob. Now tie the hanging end of the rope to one side of the towel. Make sure that all knots are firmly in place. Once this is achieved, the towel's other end should just touch the floor when no one is holding the rope. You are now set to start the traction procedure.

Lie on your back on the floor and place your head on the towel. You must make sure that your neck is not bending forwards, and that your back is kept straight. Likewise, your neck should not bend backwards either. The position should be comfortable.

Eventually, you will hold this position for fifteen minutes each day, but your first session will be just seven minutes. Each day will be one minute longer until you reach the maximum time of a quarter hour. You should always use a stopwatch as these times are crucial to not lessen or exceed.

There is no recommended number of sessions that should be completed. It can be done as long as it is relieving pain, or up until pain relief is experienced. This home cervical traction device is not dangerous in any way, and will not cause further pain. Before trying or buying anything though, it is probably best to confirm your options with your medical adviser.




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