Is Traction an Option for Neck Pain in Vacaville

People who have neck pain would often consider traction of the spine, also known as cervical traction in Vacaville, to be used for their therapy.

For the traction, tension is placed on the head to pull it away from the neck, which will stretch the ligaments and muscles around the vertebrae of the spine and expands the space between the vertebrae. It allows the muscles to relax and the pinched nerves to be released.

Available methods in Vacaville

There are two types of tractions that help stretch out the cervical spine:

• Manual traction: Chiropractors or physical therapists perform this type of traction. The patient will lie down on a table, and the therapist will use his or her hands to pull your head away from the neck. During this process, the therapist may even reposition you head by moving it to the side or turning it to achieve better results.
• Mechanical traction: This is a traction for the cervical spine where it uses tension provided by a mechanical process. A particular machine will provide the tension, or there will be a system of weights to be used that comes with a harness or sling. Straps will be placed on the head of the patient, and then a mechanical pressure will pull the head away from the neck and spine.

What to expect

Traction therapy varies depending on the source of pain in the neck or spine. Most cases of mechanical traction require 7 to 10 pounds of weight to be applied for half-hour, or sometimes two to three times daily.

During the traction, a continuous or intermittent pull will be applied to your spine, depending on your condition. Doctors who recommend traction notice that gentle pressure applied on and off is sometimes the best way to control the pain caused by an injury or irritation. A more forceful traction will be used on the joints and muscles that are difficult to relax or reposition.

Since traction is mostly used for several times each day, some patients have a mechanical weight-and-pulley traction system at home for them to use. A weight and pulley go over a door, and the person will put on an attached halter on the head. You can perform this traction while you are sitting, leaning back, or lying down.

Traction is best used for days or weeks, depending on the severity of your neck pain and how well your neck or spine responds to the treatment.

Who might benefit

Traction has proven itself to be an effective way of treating neck pain. The stretching motion helps relieve spasms and sprains of the neck muscle. Stretching the vertebrae apart from the spine is said to help relieve pain caused by worn spinal discs. Finally, traction can free the pinched nerves caused by compression between the vertebrae.

If you want to learn more about traction or need further help for your neck pain, just visit us here at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. Just dial (707) 474-5688 and schedule an appointment today!