Cervical decompression creates additional space between the vertebrae in your neck to reduce pressure and tension. It’s used to relieve symptoms like pain from a variety of conditions and issues.
What are the advantages of cervical traction?
Cervical traction is easy to perform, and — if it works for you — can deliver quick symptom relief. People who benefit from cervical traction often have an instant improvement in their neck pain after a few treatments. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Reduced pain.
- Reduced stiffness and tension in your neck muscles.
- More flexibility in the muscles along your cervical spine.
Some studies have found that in addition to stretches and other physical therapy exercises, cervical traction can improve your range of motion (how far you can move your neck). However, this might not be true for everyone.
What are the risks of cervical traction?
Cervical traction has very few risks. No matter which kind of traction you use, you shouldn’t put enough pressure on your neck to hurt it.
Some people shouldn’t receive cervical traction, including people who are:
- Anxious about being restrained or have claustrophobia.
- Have had a cervical fusion surgery in the past.
