While you could go see a chiropractor every day to release neck tightness and pain, wouldn’t it be easier if you knew a way to help improve neck traction at home? Neck issues and pain are so prevalent now as many of us spend most of our time at a desk with our heads titled forward. Today, MoveU goes over why neck traction is important and ways you can improve it at home.
What Is Cervical Traction?
Neck traction, or cervical traction, is a way to release tension in the neck and help resolve neck issues and injuries. Cervical traction helps create space between your vertebrae, which helps get rid of pain and compression.
What Are the Benefits of Neck Traction?
Neck, or cervical traction, can help remedy many issues including but not limited to the following:
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Neck pain
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Incorrect posture
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Pinched nerves
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Tension
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Tightness
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Bulging or herniated discs
Cervical traction helps relax your muscles by stretching your vertebrae to relieve pressure. The traction creates space between your vertebrae to relieve tension, allowing your muscles to relax. This can improve your range of motion, reduce pain, and improve your overall mobility.
Neck Traction Exercise
Neck traction is one of the simplest and least invasive treatments for neck pain. If you experience neck pain or do not have enough curve in your neck, here is an exercise to help you relax your muscles and encourage your cervical spine into proper alignment.
Step 1: Lie down on your back on a firm surface. Ensure that your head and neck hang off the surface.
Step 2: Let yourself hang with the top of your head facing the ground. You should feel a stretch and some traction.
Dr. Mike’s Tip: If you want an even deeper stretch, shimmy down until your shoulders hang off the surface (along with your head and neck).
Neck Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms
Neck pain can manifest in various areas of your body including your neck, shoulder blades, and arm, or hand. As the neck holds your head up it should come as no surprise that overuse, misuse, and injury can lead to neck pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Add that to the fact that most of us spend hours on a computer or cell phone, which can lead to poor posture and a tilted forward head, also known as text neck. This forward head posture stresses out your upper back and shoulders, making those areas vulnerable to injuries and muscle spasms.
The best way to understand your neck pain is to look at your posture and movement patterns. Head on over to the MoveU membership to learn more about how we can help you improve your body mechanics and alignment to ensure you can fix your neck issues.
Do you have neck pain that just will not go away? Check out the MoveU Membership today to learn how to best address and treat this issue.