How to End Neck Pain by doing cervical traction at home

When people think of "traction" a excruciating image of an over the door thingy-ma-jiggy is conjured up and more pain is felt just thinking about it. Today I want to show you how simple it is to do neck traction at home with the revolutionary Pronex Pneumatic Traction Unit- the cadillac of traction units!!!!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The Pronex Cervical Traction Unit (available at www.arc4life.com)
• A level Surface
• A yoga Mat (optional)
• A timer
• 15 minutes of your precious time

1. 
   The Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction is a great effective home unit for relieving neck pain

   Take out the pronex from its carrying bag. Remove the headstrap from the traction device. Take off your dangly earings, necklaces and other accessories that may interfere with traction. It is a good idea to tie your hair back if it is long.

2. Lie on a flat surface- for example on a carpeted area or a yoga matt. Bring your knees up with feet flat on the floor. This is the ideal position for neck traction because it keeps pressure off of your lower back with a feeling of overall comfort.

3. Put one hand behind your neck and roll back onto the pronex traction device. Pull the sides of the pronex out gently so that your neck and head are in a comfortable position and relaxed position.

4. 
   The pronex traction device uses a pneumatic bulb to inflate the bellows

   The pronex traction device uses a pneumatic bulb to inflate the bellows. To increase traction or close the airway, Turn the valve clockwise. Turn the valve counter-clockwise to decrease traction- this releases the airway. Before beginning your traction protocol- Make sure you close the chrome valve on the bulb before starting traction- so turn the valve clockwise.

5. Begin inflating the unit until you feel a gentle stretch in your neck. This cervical stretch will relax the cervical paraspinals muscles and suboccipitals. Close your eyes while doing traction so that you can be completely relaxed

6. After relaxing for a few minutes, continue increasing the pressure, inflating the pronex. Stay in this position until you feel relaxed. Continue doing this protocol for 10-15 minutes and set the timer.

7. After completed, turn the chrome valve counter-clockwise to release the airway. Remove the velcro headstrap slowly from your forehead

8. Using one hand to support the head and neck, roll out of the unit on one side, gently sit up slowly.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the gray wedge if necessary to put some flexion into your neck while doing traction. This is for angle therapy- place the gray wedge under the head peice only.
• Relaxation during traction is very important for a successful treatment.
• It is best to consult with your Dr about Traction therapy- everyone's cervical spine looks different and your Dr can determine the best protocol for you
• Traction is not for everybody; there are some contraindications for traction namely:
• There are some contraindications for using the Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction device: Severe rheumatoid arthritis, infections and inflammatory disease, fractures, extruded disc fragmentations, spreading and or aggravation of patient's symptoms, serious pathology or disease, malignancy, spinal cord compression.
• Set the timer when doing cervical traction at home. In a relaxed position it is easy to fall asleep, something you don't want to do
• When traction therapy is finished stand up slowly- you may even feel light headed/dizzy because of the change in position. That is why you have to do this slowly

Resources

• FAQs about the Pronex
• Neck Pain Support BLOG
• Cervical Traction at home
• Information to stop neck pain

[GreenMomma]

on 11/18/2008 great advice, especially the warning that it may not be appropriate for everyone!

[listenhere101]

on 11/5/2008 Great article. I didnt know that you could use Cercial traction to relieve pain in neck. thanks for the article. 5 stars!

[Arc4life]

on 9/16/2008 Cervical traction should not be painful- if it is you should not be doing it or you are doing it incorrectly. Always consult with your Dr to make sure cervical traction is the right treatment for your symptoms. Also, most people who do neck traction at home, feel a lot of neck pain relief while doing it and after traction. If soreness occurs after traction (which is normal in the beginning) ice for 10-15 minutes. MOre information is available on www.arc4life.com

[Thims]

on 9/16/2008 Interesting...It even hurts reading about it! :-)
Great article.