Explained
Cervical Traction
In short
Cervical traction applies a gentle sustained or intermittent pull to the neck, slightly separating the vertebrae to reduce pressure on nerve roots. It is used mainly for neck pain with arm symptoms, and gives relief that lasts while it is combined with exercise.
A controlled pull is applied to the head and neck, either mechanically or by hand, briefly increasing the space between the vertebrae and around the nerve openings.
Who it may help
It is most useful for neck pain accompanied by arm symptoms — pain, pins and needles or numbness travelling down the arm from an irritated nerve root. For neck pain without arm symptoms, its value is much less clear.
What it feels like
A gentle stretching sensation through the neck. It should never be painful. Applied either as a sustained hold or intermittently in cycles.
The honest position
Traction provides relief for a proportion of patients with nerve root symptoms, and the effect is temporary. Studies comparing it against exercise-based treatment show it adds modest benefit at best when used alone. Where it helps, it helps by making the exercise phase possible.
Recurrent traction sessions with no strengthening programme is not a treatment plan.
When it is avoided
Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the neck, significant osteoporosis, spinal infection or tumour, recent neck fracture or surgery, cervical spondylolisthesis or instability, vertebral artery problems, and signs of spinal cord compression. Screening before treatment is essential rather than routine.
Is this right for you?
Whether a technique helps depends on your diagnosis. An assessment tells you what will actually work for your problem.
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