What is it? Can it Help me?
What is cervical spine?
Cervical spine is your neck, it is made up of 7 vertebras which begin at the base of the skull and extend down to the thoracic spine. The cervical vertebra nearest the skull is called C1 and it is the smallest vertebrae in the body.
What is cervical traction
Cervical traction is when the spine is traction-ed or lengthened. This traction pulls your head away from your shoulders to reduce compression on the cervical spine .
Different types of cervical traction
There are two types of traction methods which is used to stretch out the cervical spine
1. Manual cervical traction
Manual traction to the cervical spine can be performed by a Chiropractor. It is when the patient is lying down on their back on a table and the practitioner gets hold of the base of the skull and pulls the head away from the neck. The practitioner will alter the direction of the traction, the length of the traction and their contact point depending on the patients presentation.
2. Mechanical cervical traction
Mechanical cervical traction is when there is a mechanical tension provided. There are machines that can provide tension, slings, harnesses, straps etc. in order to provide traction to the cervical spine.
What does cervical traction feel like ?
When you are receiving a cervical traction it should feel like a pulling sensation in your neck.
Here are some examples of the top used cervical traction devices
Hang on the wall cervical traction device
This is a cervical traction device you can use from home. This cervical traction device required a sturdy door to hang on in order to use it in the correct manner. Depending on the brand you buy, it will have special assembly instructions in order to use it. You start of by placing the halter around your chin and the back of your head, this will be where the pull will be occurring. You get someone else to fill the water up to a comfortable place where you are feeling a slight stretch.
Inflatable neck traction device
This is a cervical traction device you can use anywhere, you can take it to work or use it at home. You place the inflatable neck traction device around your neck and you use a hand pump to pump air in it. The air will increase the size of the pillows and fill with air until you feel a stretch between your head and your shoulders.
Spinal decompression tables
Cervical spinal decompression tables are mostly seen in practitioners clinics. These are devices that have a table and a traction device that can alter setting to suit the patients needs. The patient lies down and places their neck in a device, the practitioner places the settings in the machine and then the neck is traction-ed via a chord coming out of the machine.
Neck Hammock
The neck hammock is a cervical traction technique you can use at home. You place the piece of material under the base of your skull while lying down on your back. You anchor the two straps on to a door or anything that is sturdy. This way when you are lying down flat on your back, your neck is lifted off the ground and traction-ed.
For more information of cervical traction or any of the above information feel free to email us or call the practice and speak to one of our Chiropractors
Call 1300-123-365
