Question
can you explain how cervical spine-neck-traction units work and if the less expensive one using water is as effective as the more expensive one. Do the over the door models work better or worse then others? I have pain in one side of my neck and the units look like they pull straight up so I don't know if they'd help. Thanks

Answer
Dear James,

Cervical traction units all work in the same manner, but choosing one depends upon the nature of the problem you are trying to address.  

Directional traction units are for the purpose of making a structural change in the neck and should only be utilized under the supervision of a chiropractic physician with specialized training in structural rehab of the neck.  More info at:  www.idealspine.com  The structure and the mechanics of the neck need to first be measured to determine the correct direction of force and pull to make a correction.  These measurements are made on x-ray views of the neck.

Conversely, over the door traction units are mainly utilized to limit compressive forces on the neck due to gravity.  The upward pulling action alleviates pressure on the disk and the spinal joints while placing tension on short, tight muscle and ligament structures.  

Utilizing the water bag devices will give you the same result as utilizing one of the more expensive units, and will help to alleviate chronic neck tension and disk and nerve root pressure with a temporary decompression of the neck while in use.  With this type of traction the angle of pull is not necessarily and issue to worry about...just make sure that your head is not tilted forward while in traction.  I would recommend a slightly backward angle of pull that will allow the neck to maintain a neutral position over the shoulders.

Good Luck James.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net