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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Cervical Traction Device Helps With Pain

By Debra Cooley


There are many conditions that may cause a person to suffer mild to crippling pain in their necks. Most turn to their doctors or chiropractors to find a solution for relief. In a good many cases, a cervical traction device is the best non-surgical alternative for decreasing the discomfort caused by numerous issues ranging from chronic headaches to bulging discs.

The concept by which these items work is a fairly simple one. It consists of a gentle, yet firm upward application of force to the head in order to stretch the vertebra, soft tissue and muscles in the neck which relieves pain and soothes spasms. There are several different ways to do this therapy either at home or in a practitioner's office.

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.

While it is believed this process was first practiced by the Ancient Egyptians, it has only been utilized in a clinical application since the 1930's. Although the practice is generally low impact and perfectly safe, it should not be undertaken without the consent of one's personal physician. There are certain situations such as cancer, specific infections, ruptured discs and pregnancy that are not conducive to type of treatment for various reasons.

The therapy works by gently stretching the spinal vertebra, as well as the soft tissue and muscles surrounding them. The purpose is to relieve the pressure on the discs and the nerves that may be pinched between them. When everything has been properly realigned, the necessary fluids are again able to circulate, easing pain, stiffness and other symptoms.

It is only recommended that the activity be performed just 15 minutes per session. While it is safe to repeat the therapy multiple times in one day, there should be a minimum of 2 hours between. Anyone choosing this option needs to recognize the limits of their own body and heed the advice of their medical adviser because doing it too often could actually prove to be more harmful than helpful.

A qualified practitioner can apply this therapy manually by having the patient lay on a table to have their neck stretched. A popular device used both under supervision and alone is a sling that goes over the door and has a harness to cradle the skull beneath the jaw, using a mechanical winch to gently raise it up. For home use, many choose to use a collar that is inflated via a hand pump the wearer controls, applying even pressure to all points of contact.

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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