Does Empi Cervical Traction Work?

Daily activities can exacerbate neck pain.

If you suffer from episodes of persistent neck pain as a function of injury, strain, overuse or aging, home traction could help. Empi is a company offering the Saunders Cervical Traction device, an easy-to-use home traction machine that can provide relief for a range of neck symptoms. However, make sure you get your doctor's OK before applying any kind of traction to your neck or spine.

How It Works

The Saunders Cervical Traction device is a home traction unit that can deliver up to 50 lbs. of force to stretch the neck. You position your head in the cradle that supports your head and neck. Adjust the angle for customized fitting. The unit applies force at the back of the head, pulling away from the torso. There is a safety-release valve that allows you to stop treatment at any time.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of Empi Cervical Traction depends on your particular physical impairments. By first consulting your doctor, you can avoid improper use of the device that can lead to fractures, strains and other serious injuries to your neck and back.

For those who have been advised by their doctors or neurologists to use home traction, this unit will provide a gentle pull along the cervical spine. The Empi unit provides more force than typical over-the-door units and can therefore generate more pull, aligning the spine. The Empi will not cure serious cervical spine problems, such as stenosis or osteoarthritis. It can help those with moderate conditions to maintain muscle length in the neck and reduce the fatigue that exacerbates pain and discomfort.

According to a 2006 study by Vaughn, Having and Rogers published in "Spine," the unit's effectiveness is still not fully documented. The study concludes that there are beneficial implications for patients with cervical nerve root compression. That being said, the Saunders Cervical Traction unit is covered by Aetna Health Insurance as "necessary durable medical equipment" when prescribed by a doctor to reduce symptoms and pain due to "paravertebral muscle spasm."

Spinal Decompression

Using Saunders Cervical Traction with regular exercise will strengthen neck muscles and lessen pain over time. It accomplishes this by decompressing the spine and allowing the vertebrae and nerves the required room to function. Do not use any traction device if you are experiencing numbness, shooting pain or loss of motor function. Instead, see your doctor.

References

• Empi: Saunders Cervical Traction Device
• Cedar Sinai: Nonsurgical Treatments
• Chirobase: Be Weary of Spinal Decompression Therapy
• Aetna: Clinical Policy Bulletin
• Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Spine