Traction devices are not necessarily the sand, rock salt, or shovels you may need to help you keep your car tires from spinning in the mud or snow. The traction devices that we are talking about are for orthopedic skeletal traction. Orthopedic Traction is the use of a system of weights and pulleys to gradually change the position of a bone. Cervical spine traction provides a constant or intermittent and non-painful force to stretch muscles and ligaments while increasing the space between vertebrae. The goal is to relieve the pain caused by the pinched nerves and possibly increase the range of motion.  Basically, as a general term, traction means pulling on part of the body. RehabMart can pull you in the direction of purchasing a home style cervical/lumbar traction device or even a medical facility traction table. 

I am sure that we all have had some pains in the neck. Maybe a neck muscle spasm, or a 'kink' in the neck, or a mother-in-law, a neck dislocation, the boss at work, a result of an accident, or even from having to clean the gutters every year. RehabMart is able to help you with some of the reasons for using a cervical traction device, except for your mother-in-law; unfortunately she is your problem to deal with.

Let's look at some of the Cervical Traction Devices offered by RehabMart.
 
First, you need a door. Having a door will make using the Overdoor Cervical Devices a lot easier. Some examples of these are the Overdoor Cervical Traction, this has a mount 'over' the door. A person will use this type of device by sitting up straight on the floor or a chair under the door mount while connected to a pulley/weight system. This overdoor cervical traction device includes a universal Velcro head halter, a 20 lb. Water bag for the weight part of the system and various hardware. 
 
 From library.rehabmart.com
 
Another example of an overdoor cervical device is the Norco Overdoor Traction Kit.  This also provides cervical traction in a seated, vertical position. Just place the bracket on top of the door, adjust the cord length and fill water weight bag for desired traction. Designed to pull the occiput (back of head), not the chin.
 
 From library.rehabmart.com
             
Another type of pulley/weight device is the Supine Ctrax Cervical Traction.   This can be used to administer static or intermittent cervical traction while a person is in a supine, a laying down, position.
 
From library.rehabmart.com 
Supine C-Trax Cervical Traction


RehabMart also carries more advanced versions of cervical traction devices, one of these being the Pronex I Pneumatic Traction System.   This device supports the natural curve of the cervical spine and provides an even distraction in the anterior and posterior cervical discs and does not aggravate the temporomandibular joint. One cushion supports the occiput and the other rests against the upper trapezius. An air-inflated bellows between the cushions provides up to 20 lbs. (9.1kg) of continuously adjustable traction. As the bellows expands, it lifts the head upward, supporting the cervical curve and maintaining an even distraction in the anterior and posterior cervical discs.
 
From library.rehabmart.com 
Pronec | Pneumatic Traction System
 

If you are more interested in stretching your whole body and vertebra then you just might be interested in one of the Traction Tables that RehabMart carries. A traction table is more suitable for a professionals office. These are heavy static tables that a professional will use to relieve the pain and discomfort from a patient. One example of these tables is the TTFT-200 Traction Tables. This is a two-section, 71 cm wide table with a fixed height 81 cm (32 in) from top to floor and a working load of up to 159 kg (350 lbs.)

From library.rehabmart.com
     TTFT-200 Traction Table
   

                                                                                                                                                              

Another choice is the ErgoWave Roller Massage Table.   This table offers an inter-segmental traction which covers all areas of the patient's spine every 13 seconds. With it's 'Unique Wave Action' - The ErgoWave roller pattern travels up the spine like a wave. All areas of the patient's spine are covered with three independent rollers repeating every 13 seconds. The Triple Rollers are rollers which are mounted on three axles to isolate lumbar, and thoracic regions. Yeah, it does sound good, doesn't it?
 
From library.rehabmart.com 
 
Remember, we are talking about the spine and a whole bunch of nerves connected to the spine, so even though cervical spine traction is a minimally invasive treatment option for neck pain, it is important to be evaluated prior to starting cervical traction in order to know whether it is a good treatment option for you. The correct and consistent use of a cervical traction device is important to its success in reducing pain.
 
Also, did you know that cervical traction devices have been used for decades to help treat and prevent neck pain? Traction is thought to date back to ancient Egyptians, who used traction to treat dislocations and other painful neck problems. It was not until the 1930s that cervical traction began to be offered in clinical settings. Once you consult your doctor or physical therapist, you can also take care of that pain in the neck in the comfort of your own home thanks to all of the wonderful traction devices available from RehabMart.
 
 
Bill Stock
Associate Library Editor for RehabMart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
RehabMart Team Leader & CEO