Different Types of Neck Traction Devices: Flexing the Pain Away
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Cervical neck traction technique has been in practice for many years. This procedure is utilized primarily to alleviate and relieve pains associated with spasmodic episodes of the neck muscles and compression of the nerve root.
As a general medical procedure, traction seeks to employ two opposing forces applied on different parts of the body. The aim is to relieve tension and correct alignment of nerves, muscles, and bones.
Specifically, neck traction seeks to pull the head away from the body to stretch the neck muscles and to distract the spaces of spinal bones. This action will release tension, thus eliminating pain.
The most common types of neck traction devices use the so-called “over the door” technique. These devices normally require the patient to sit upright on a chair. A strap harness is positioned under the chin of the patient. This chin strap is attached to a weight that will be suspended over the door through the use of pulleys.
The weight will pull the neck upwards, thus stretching the surrounding muscles and allowing the bone structure to distract. These actions will release the pent-up tensions, diminishing the pain in the area.
Ideally, the weight suspended at the other end of the chin strap should be 20 pounds, but this can be increased to a maximum of 50 pounds depending on the condition of the patient and the effect of traction. “Over the door” neck traction devices are the first implements of this orthopedic procedure.
Other types of neck traction techniques use pneumatic devices. Most of these devices are more compact and portable.
Pneumatic neck traction devices attempt to pull the head while pushing on the shoulder of the patient. This action will achieve traction of the muscle and nerve endings and flex the neck bone structures to reduce tension in the area.
Most modern neck traction techniques use the pneumatic device for therapy. Normally, the patient controls the application of force. Pneumatic neck traction devices can deliver 20 pounds of pressure on muscles and bones.
Some types of neck traction techniques use devices that are variations of “over the door” and pneumatic devices. There are neck traction devices that have head frames attached to a free standing table or head board. These are “over the door” variations, but the aim and delivery of pressure are still the same.
Some varieties of pneumatic devices have rotating head frames and soft movable cushions. The object of rotation is to flex the muscles and bone structures of the neck so that traction can be achieved on several parts. Generally, patients also have control over the application of pressure and the direction of rotation.
Other types of neck traction devices use a C-shaped inflatable unit. There is a frame to hold the patient’s head and a harness to keep the feet immobile. When inflated, these devices can stretch the neck and the entire spinal column. The degree of flexion is dependent on the amount of air introduced into the inflatable device.
There are many types of neck traction devices available in the market. Patients must choose which device can provide them with adequate efficacy and convenience.
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