How Does Therapeutic Cervical Traction Work?

Most people experience neck pain or back pain at some point. If your symptoms are more than a mild and temporary issue, it may be time to consider therapeutic cervical traction.

This noninvasive procedure often relieves pain, as well as related symptoms, quickly. But like most treatments, it’s not the best choice for everyone.

Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill are pleased to provide therapeutic cervical traction for good candidates. 

Here’s a closer look at this procedure, including signs it’s a promising option for you.

Cervical traction basics

During therapeutic cervical traction, your provider lightly pulls on your head to create space between the vertebrae in your neck. They may do so manually, using their hands, or with a special traction device.

Depending on your overall health and symptoms, our team may recommend that you perform cervical traction at home as well, guiding with our instructions.

Cervical traction benefits

Many patients appreciate that cervical traction is quick and painless, as long as it’s performed well. On top of that, it involves no injections, incisions, hospital time, or medications.

Cervical traction can significantly reduce back and neck pain, as well as stiffness and mobility problems. And as these symptoms diminish, your moods, ability to sleep well, and life quality may improve, too. 

Conditions the procedure helps treat include:

• Auto accident injuries
• Athletic spine injuries
• Cervical spondylosis
• Disc herniation
• Degenerative disk disease
• Pinched nerves and chronic nerve pain
• Neck sprains
• Scoliosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Spine fractures

Successful cervical traction often reduces chronic issues, like neck pain, within a few treatments. You may also notice increased neck muscle flexibility and an improved range of motion. So if you previously couldn't turn your head easily or at all due to pain or stiffness, cervical traction may leave you turning your head with ease. 

Good candidates for cervical traction

Our team may recommend therapeutic cervical traction if you have chronic neck or spine pain or any of the above conditions. It may also serve you well if you’ve done poorly with other treatments, such as medication, or if wish to avoid surgery. 

We’ll suggest an alternate treatment if you’re pregnant or had cervical surgery within the last year. Having a condition that affects your spinal cord or weakens your bones may make you a poor candidate, too. Having claustrophobia may rule out device-assisted cervical traction for you. 

To learn more about therapeutic cervical traction or get started with personalized pain management, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.