What a "pain in the neck!"

​The common phrase “it’s a pain in the neck” has good reason to be used in many irritating situations. Neck pain is so annoying, it can limit your ability to perform normal activities like sleeping or exercising, or even restrict you from turning your head in any particular direction, and be a nuisance. If you have neck pain, spinal correction to address the cause of the pain has statistically been proven as one of the most effective therapies for reducing symptoms, improving function, and correcting the problem for the long haul.
 
Neck issues can cause all sorts of irritating symptoms, such as pain in any part of your neck and head, or pain in one or both of your shoulder blades. While these types of pain are indicators of a

problem in the neck, other symptoms coming from your neck may be felt as numbness and/or tingling in your arms or hands, and may cause headaches, nausea, dys-orientation, difficulty focusing, fatigue, irritability, sinus issues, etc.
 
Since many different health issues arise from problems in the neck, it's important to see your chiropractor to determine the cause of your symptoms, and more importantly to determine the best approach to correct the cause.
 
In our office, we can show you what to do (or what to avoid) to reduce the pain, and reduce or prevent the likelihood of the problem returning in the future.
 
If you visit our office to address the cause of your condition, we will begin with an initial assessment and then provide a customized treatment plan to improve the ability for you to perform normal activities and get back to the life you love. Combined therapies may be needed to adequately address and correct the problem. Our practice members have had great success when they follow their recommended treatment plans, that include therapies such as cervical traction, chiropractic, posture correction, and/or stretching and strengthening exercises.
 
What Does Cervical Traction Do?
Cervical traction can be used for a variety of purposes. Primarily, it’s used to help decrease compressive forces in the neck: the vertebrae, discs as well as the nerves. By opening the spaces where nerves exist in the spinal canal, this helps relieve pain that results from pressure on a compressed nerve. Traction can also help stretch the joints within the neck and the surrounding muscles.
 
Common clinical diagnoses that may benefit from cervical traction may include (but not limited to):

• Herniated or bulging discs in the neck
• Neck arthritis
• Neck strains
• Cervical muscle spasms
• Stenosis

 
If you have any of the symptoms or conditions, call us or request an evaluation online to see how we can help you.
 
How is Cervical Traction Applied?
There are many different ways to apply cervical traction to the neck. Upon your visit we will determine what is best for you.

Manual Cervical Traction

This type of traction is performed by your chiropractor holding your neck and head gently providing a hands-on traction – a light pulling force to your neck. Rhythmic periods of pulling and resting are usually applied, with each position being held for up to 10 seconds.

Mechanical Cervical Traction

Mechanical traction for your neck involves using our state-of-the-art Cervical Traction device while you're lying down on your back. During the gentle traction, a very specific amount of force is used to stretch your neck and slowly relieve compressional forces. Mechanical neck traction is applied for between 10-20 minutes per session.

At Home Neck Traction ​

There are a variety of techniques and devices that you can use at home, and on a regular basis to assist with spinal health, what we call spinal hygiene. Traction can be applied several times throughout the day. 

When you visit our office, we will work closely with your to determine the best parameters of your specific condition, and exactly what you need for the best results.

​Along the way, we keep in close communication with you and provide ongoing recommendations on the right time to make changes in the traction techniques you use. Additionally, we may have other solutions to maximize your improvements over time.
 
So that literal “pain in the neck” doesn’t have to plague you any more. Cervical traction can be an effective treatment for neck pain and other neck conditions, like arthritis or disc bulges and herniations. Remember, every person is different, and we consider this when we determine your unique treatment plan. It will be tailored to your specific situation and needs.