Done carefully, cervical traction can be a very effective treatment for neck related injuries such as pain and tension.

If you’re suffering from neck pain, it might useful to learn some of these cervical traction exercises.

Here’s 7 very effective traction devices that I would recommend for home.

Favorite Cervical Traction Device

Jimugor Neck Traction Collar

The Jimugor collar is my choice for home neck traction devices.

It’s great for dealing with neck pain and tension, as well as back pain, shoulder knots, and headaches. Aside from stretching your neck, this device is also great for promoting blood circulation and promoting oxygenation.

The sling is also well-padded and comfortable, in addition to being lightweight and quite durable.

What customers are saying?

Some customers that have gotten used to using other similar devices can find the feel of this one a bit foreign at first. When this is their first device or when they give it time, however, the majority of people end up loving it.

Pros:

• Promotes oxygenation and blood circulation
• Both lightweight and durable
• Offers excellent cervical traction

Cons:

• The adjustments can turn back a bit too easily

Best Neck Decompression Pump Device

ComfortTrac Deluxe Home Cervical Traction Kit

Our pick for the best neck decompression pump on the market right now is the ComfortTract Deluxe kit.

It provides quite quick results through cervical decompression for conditions such as cervicalgia, degenerative disc disease, radiculopathies, herniated/bulging discs, and others.

It has a sturdy construction and a memory foam neck contour, although it should be mentioned that the latter could’ve been more comfortable.

What customers are saying?

Several customers point out that there’s quite a noticeable learning curve with this device but that’s true for all decompression neck pumps. Aside from that, almost everyone seems in agreement that the ComfortTrac is an excellent item.

Pros:

• Adjustable angle at 10, 15 or 20 degrees
• Maximum force of the pump at 50 lbs
• 3-year warranty that ComfortTrac stands behind

Cons:

• The contour memory foam wedge isn’t as comfortable as some other similar devices

Best Traction Device For Lying Down

The Neck Hammock Portable Cervical Traction Device

A great option for use when lying down, the Neck Hammock is also impressively versatile.

Its expertly made design and patented straps allow it to be used in lots of different locations and situations.

It also comes with a travel pouch, which, together with its lightweight design, make it a great travel companion.

What customers are saying?

There are those customers that prefer similar devices from other manufacturers such as the Jumigor collar we mentioned above. Even they recognize the quality design and effectiveness of the Neck Hammock, however.

Pros:

• Lightweight, easy to pack, and easy to carry
• Effective for relieving various types and sources of neck pain
• The Neck Hammock is quite comfortable to use

Cons:

• It could’ve been made of better materials

Best Over The Door Device

Genmine Over The Door Cervical Traction Device

This budget-friendly device for door use is a great way to relieve your neck pain.

Made by Genmine, it unfortunately has instructions only in Chinese, but that isn’t that much of a problem since it’s very easy to install and to operate.

It can easily be attached to all types of doors and it also fits well for most body sizes and heights. The device has a simple but effective design, and a stable construction that allows for frequent and prolonged use.

What customers are saying?

Some people are disappointed in the lack of English language instructions and also note the lack of finesse in the design. As far as the effectiveness of the device is concerned, however, few seem to have any substantial complaints.

Pros:

• Handheld design allows you to regulate the strength and effectiveness of the device
• Sturdy construction for long-term use
• Very easy installation

Cons:

• The instructions are in Chinese with no English translation

What Is Neck Decompression?

Most causes for neck and upper back pain are due to joint compression.

There are many different ways this can happen, whether through injury or through another condition, but nowadays even just our sitting lifestyles can easily cause neck joint compression.

The way neck decompression and cervical traction work is by pulling your head upwards and thus relieving the stress on your neck joints.

This is a great way for relieving neck pain and it also helps your joints heal.

Are They Effective For Neck Pain?

Depending on your age and severity of the condition neck traction devices will have varying effectiveness, especially as far as healing is concerned.

Even for older people and more severe conditions, however, neck traction devices are almost always effective pain relief tools.

They do this by decompressing the pressure on your joints, which is usually what causes the pain in the first place.

Of course, for more severe conditions or for people in more advanced ages, we’d recommend that you always consult with a medical professional before using these devices.

They are generally regarded as completely safe, especially when used according to their instructions, but if you use them inadequately or for the wrong condition, you may not get the pain relief you were hoping for.

How long should you wear the device?

The answer to this largely depends on the particular device you’ll be using, its strength, and the condition you’re suffering from. Some devices should be used for 8-10 minutes per day, others can be used for 15-20 minutes at a time, a couple of times per day.

Be mindful of devices that are meant to be used while lying down as falling asleep on some of them can be problematic.

Always follow the instructions on your neck traction device to the letter and consult with a professional if you’re experiencing any problems.

Other Great Traction Devices

P PURNEAT Cervical Neck Traction Device

This versatile traction collar from P PURNEAT combines comfort and effectiveness with its unique design.

The immobilizer neck brace adopts vertical traction to help support the cervical vertebrae as effectively as possible. It also utilizes adjustable air traction for even better effects.

EverRelief Cervical Neck Traction Device

If you’re looking for something you can easily take on the go, the EverRelief cervical traction device is made out of inflatable pillows.

This makes the device very compact and easy to carry around. In use, it’s also very effective as it offers great cervical support and helps improve posture.

Posture Pump® 1400-D

This device for lying down use is another great way to relieve pain and improve upper back and neck posture.

It helps to decompress the joints while also reshaping the natural curves of your neck and upper back.

The air cells are uniquely designed to deliver their decompressing effect to several areas at once which greatly increases the Posture Pump’s overall effectiveness.

Dangers Of Cervical Traction

Neck cervical traction devices are typically safe to use in most circumstances, as long as their instructions are followed precisely.

However, as you’d expect from an item that’s designed to pull your joints apart, they should be used with care.

Furthermore, there are conditions for which traction devices are not recommended even though the conditions themselves still cause neck pain.

Here are some ailments for which neck traction can be a bad – and even dangerous – choice:

• Arthritis
• Vertebrae issues
• Cervical instability
• Carotid arteries
• Neck bone infections
• A tumor near the neck
• Neck or spine injuries
• Metal pins, plates, or other hardware left from a surgery
• Spinal hypermobility
• Osteoporosis

These and some other more obscure conditions are not only not treatable with neck traction but can actually be made worse through it.

Neck traction should be used when the pain you’re experiencing is due to neck joint compression.

In any case, even though a lot of these devices are sold over the counter and don’t require medical supervision, we’d strongly advise that you consult with a medical professional before using one.

Conclusion

Whether for pain relief, for blood circulation, or for joint decompression, all these devices can have drastic effects on your health and wellbeing.

They are also quite different from one another, however, so, hopefully, we’ve helped you choose the right one for your needs.