Cervical Traction Devices or Methods

The cervical spine consists of the top seven vertebrae of the spine (C-1 to C-7). The neck and low back are the most flexible parts of the spine and the sites of the most common complaints of pain. This is often because of postural habits that may create pain in the neck.
A health professional can perform therapeutic traction on your neck, or you can use a slant board or do a simple yoga pose, Uttanasana, to create healthy traction.

Seeing a Health Professional

• See a chiropractor, physical therapist or massage therapist for medical traction. They each will employ different methods. The function of traction is to create space between the vertebrae. A chiropractor might adjust your neck to realign the bones. A physical therapist might give you therapeutic exercises to release tension in the muscles surrounding the neck.
  A professional massage therapist can use several massage techniques to remove knots in the neck to release tension.

Using a Slant Board

• Inversions are when the head is lowered below the chest so that gravity will tug the head down and create cervical traction in the neck. A gentle, passive way to do this is to lie on a slant board. This is a broad plank that is cushioned and placed on a simple fixed fulcrum. Typically, you slip your feet behind a foothold. Lying back until your spine is straight, your head will rest lower than your chest and feet. Remaining in that position for at least five minutes creates therapeutic cervical traction.
  This is not appropriate for anyone with low or high blood pressure, glaucoma or vertigo.

Uttanasana: A Standing Forward Bend

• Practicing many different types of yoga poses will also provide cervical traction. One basic pose is Uttanansana, or a standing forward bend. Stand with your feet apart hips-width distance. Bending at the waist, lower your head and, bending your arms, hold the elbows by placing your hands on the outer parts of the elbows. (See Resources for an illustration of Uttanansana.) Allow the skull to drop to traction the neck. Remain for a few breaths before standing back upright slowly. Rest.
  This pose can be done daily for a minute or two. Do not do this if you become dizzy or have high or low blood pressure or glaucoma.