Many people are afflicted with intense neck pain due to a myriad of probable causes. They often seek out their doctor or chiropractor's advice on the best way to obtain relief from these ailments. A huge number of them find that the application of a cervical traction device is the most effective method of getting respite from the hurt of a lot of issues ranging from headaches to herniated discs.

The premise by which these devices work is a relatively simple one. A slow and gentle force is applied to the underside of the skull to stretch the vertebra and soft tissue in the neck, easing pain and reducing spasms. There are several types of these tools that are designed for utilization either under the supervision of a trained professional or at home.

The practice has been used to treat a myriad of issues such as bulging discs, muscle spasms, neck pains stemming from both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, hand and arm numbness, back pain, aching jaws, headaches and many more. It is considered one of the best methods for correcting and restoring proper posture. In numerous cases, it has been credited with relieve intense migraines in as little as twenty minutes.

A process that is believed to date back to the time of the Ancient Egyptians, this stretching method has only been used in a clinical setting since the 1930's. Though generally understood to be a perfectly safe practice, one should never begin this therapy without first consulting their physician. It could cause more issues if the patient suffers from any of several maladies such as a ruptured spinal disc, cancer, has certain infections or is pregnant.

The process entails stretching the spinal vertebra and their surrounding muscles and soft tissue in a gentle upward motion. Separating them removes compression on the discs and the nerves they protect. Proper realignment allows the important fluids to once again flow freely through the area, easing stiffness, numbness and pain.

It is only recommended that the activity be performed just 15 minutes per session. While it is safe to repeat the therapy multiple times in one day, there should be a minimum of 2 hours between. Anyone choosing this option needs to recognize the limits of their own body and heed the advice of their medical adviser because doing it too often could actually prove to be more harmful than helpful.

In many cases, a therapist will manually manipulate the patient's neck by gently stretching and supporting their heads when in a lying position. They may also place their subject in an over the door sling that uses a mechanical mechanism to slowly pull up on the skull via the jaw. When treating at home, many people will use an accordion type of collar that is inflated via a hand pump held by the wearer to push up on the skull and extend the cervical section of the spine.

There are multiple reasons a person may suffer harsh pains in their backs, necks, hands and heads. A cervical traction device may be the perfect way to stretch the spine and relieve some of that pressure on vertebra that could be causing the aches. Though this treatment is gentle and considered safe, a physician should be consulted before applying because there are certain conditions that could worsen with such activity.