Treating Back Pain with Traction

If you are someone suffering from back pain, you most likely understand how debilitating it can be. Whether you feel the pain in your neck or your back, it can have a serious impact on your daily activities as well as your overall quality of life.

In this article, we will be discussing the causes of both cervical and lumbar pain as well as solutions to help reduce your neck and back pain with the use of decompression, otherwise known as traction.

Causes of Neck and Back Pain

There are many different causes for pain in the neck or back, from sleeping in a strange position which results in a stiff neck to a sports injury that results in a permeated disc. Here are some common causes of neck and back pain:

Poor Posture

Most of us are guilty of not having the most perfect posture. Many of us spend 8 or more hours a day sitting at a desk along with more time than we care to admit on our phones. Both of these can lead to hunching over which, overtime, can lead to neck and or back pain.

Herniated Disc

Likely due to injury, a disc within the spine may herniate, or slip out, of its place which can lead to sharp pain in the back and surrounding muscles and joints.

Muscle Strain

Even a slight muscle strain or injury can cause back pain. While these types of injuries typically heal themselves rather quickly, they can still cause significant and uncomfortable pain.

Arthritis

Arthritis can cause inflammation and degeneration of the joints all over the body, including the spine and back which can lead to bone spurs around the vertebrae. As you can imagine, this can result in significant pain.

How Does A Traction Device Work?

The goal of a traction device is to stretch the distance between the vertebrae in the spine to reduce pressure and provide pain relief. This can be done by focusing on either the neck, lower spine, or both depending on your specific needs. While many turn to traction for the above indications, it can also help to relieve tension to reduce headaches and jaw pain.

There are two main types of traction devices: cervical and lumbar. A cervical traction device focuses on the neck, whereas a lumbar traction device works on the lower back.

There are different types of traction devices and techniques that can accomplish traction therapy. These techniques range from a massage from a physical therapist, to gravity tables, manual traction devices, and more.

How To Use A Traction Device

To use a typical at home traction device, you will secure it to the area of treatment, either by placing yourself in the device, or securing it around your body. Once the device is secured, you will either use a pump or hand control to inflate or expand the device. The expansion will gently pull at your neck or back to expand the space between the vertebrae, releasing any existing pressure.

Below are the best devices that can be used for at home treatment for both cervical and lumbar traction.

The Best Cervical Traction Devices

Saunders Cervical Traction Device

Our top choice for all things traction, Saunders makes some of the best traction devices on the market. The Saunders Cervical Traction device has everything you’re looking for: it’s lightweight, effective, and comes fully assembled in a carry bag with a DVD video instruction manual.

It features 3 adjustable angles with an easy to read pressure gauge along with a hand-held pump making it simple and user friendly for anyone. If that doesn’t sell you, read through the our 600 five star reviews on our website!

Shop the Saunders Cervical Traction Device here.

Dynamic Cervical Traction Wedge

One of the most unique traction devices we have encountered, the Dynamic Cervical Traction Wedge features cervical traction therapy in combination with thermal and TENS therapy to decompress and relax the spine to reduce pain.

It features a convenient digital control system to adjust pressure and other therapy settings.

Shop the Dynamic Cervical Traction Wedge for sale here.

Inflatable Cervical Traction Pillow

If you are looking for a more simple method of cervical traction, an inflatable traction pillow might be the choice for you. Simply inflate the pillow to the designed fullness with the hand pump to relieve pain and tension in the neck.

Shop the Inflatable Cervical Traction Pillow for sale here.

The Best Lumbar Traction Devices

Saunders Lumbar Traction Device

Just as the Saunders Cervical Traction Device is our top choice for cervical traction, the Saunders LumbarTraction Device gets our top pick for lumbar traction as well. The Saunders Lumbar device delivers up to 200 lbs of force to reduce pression and tension in the spinal lumbar area.

It features a pneumaticpump for ease of use and comes complete with a convenient carrying case. Its split table design allows you to experience clinical level treatment, right at home.

Shop the Saunders Lumbar Traction Device for sale here.

Dynamic Lumbar Traction Wedge

Similar to the Dynamic Cervical Wedge, the Lumbar Traction Wedge offers lumbar traction therapy in conjunction with thermal and red light therapy to provide a well-rounded treatment approach.

It’s handheld remote conveniently allows you to customize you treatment between the three modes of therapy for a personalized experience.

Shop the Dynamic Lumbar Traction Wedge for sale here.

If you find yourself suffering from spinal pain or even chronic headaches and jaw pain, a traction device may provide you with some relief. Contact your medical provider to find out if traction therapy might be a good option for you.