Relieve Neck Pain & Headaches with this User-Friendly Neck Traction Device

Headaches and Neck Pain: The Terrible Two!

It is an interesting fact that about 90% of the time, neck pain, stiffness, and soreness are accompanied by headaches. A very close relationship between neck pain and migraine headaches was also confirmed by a 2018 Migraine America Survey. The study indicated, that 69% of migraine sufferers also have neck pain.

Tension headaches are distinguished from migraines as being more diffuse and feel like a tight band around the head. It is the most common type of headache. Migraines, tension headaches, and other types do come with the unwelcome implication of neck pain.

Neck pain can be experienced as tightness and stiffness in the neck, caused by muscle spasms or cramping. This makes it difficult to move the head. Furthermore, being plagued by neck pain and headaches make it difficult to focus and ultimately affects sleep. We all know what happens when we don't get enough sleep. Nothing else feels right!

Both headaches and neck pain can be a result of many different conditions. Most common is from bad posture, making muscles of the neck, shoulders and even upper back go into spasms. We all have experienced having to rub and massage our necks from that persistent tightness and tension we feel. Stress is also a contributing factor, among other conditions.

Other causes can be nerve root compression/pinched nerve in the neck spine, stenosis, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis, and many more. These conditions definitely require a consult with your doctor to determine your specific condition. This will also ensure that you get the right treatment, or if neck traction is indicated for you.

Disclaimer: "as with any exercise program or use of any medical device, always consult with your doctor or specialist before use or self-treatment."

Having patients and friends ask me about neck pain and headaches led me to find out about this neat little neck traction device: the inflatable neck traction device.

The Inflatable Neck Traction Device

It was years ago that I noticed this device on Amazon. Previously, it was just a simple device, quite flimsy in fact, with a vinyl material. The older versions were I guess, very basic. It came with no instructions even.

Nowadays, it has evolved into the nicer versions of softer material, better velcro straps, and better inflation valves. And yes, this nifty neck traction device now comes with more helpful information and instructions that definitely help a layperson.

This model I ordered from Amazon was named "Cosy". It just happened that it was on a limited-time deal with a good discount. It was about $16.99 I think with the discount. There are many brands now, however, that have proliferated the market. (Just take time to read the comments and feedback from users on Amazon. Then, compare prices and features.)

Prices, colors, features vary. Just chose one that suits you best. Indeed, this product came, and my experimental user, Jessica (she is a care coordinator at the orthopedic office) liked it. She suffers from frequent neck pains and headaches so I actually gifted this one to her, as she does a lot for me at the clinic.

She volunteered to have me take a video of her trying this device. This video was not scripted but just thought I would post it as it is. In fact, I also posted this video on Youtube. Here it is:

How does a Neck Traction Device Help Neck Pain and Headaches?

Benefits of Neck Traction.

- Stretching and elongation of the neck muscles cause relaxation, thereby decreasing spasms and cramping. It restores normal and pain-free muscle tone restoring neck mobility.

- It opens up intervertebral disc spaces, improving circulation to the head and decreases pressure and compression to nerve roots. Better circulation improves oxygen supply to the brain, as oxygen is carried by the red blood cells.

-It can help with decreasing pressure on herniated or bulging discs from the decompression that neck traction provides.

-It helps with restoring the natural and healthy curvature of the cervical spine (lordosis) which helps decrease loading on the neck spine by orienting the head more toward its center of gravity. This helps with improving posture.

The above are just a few of the benefits of neck traction. When muscle tension is eliminated and circulation to the head is better, relief from headaches is also very likely. Still, a consult with your specialist especially for chronic headaches is still necessary as it may indicate a more serious condition.

Tips on How to Use the Inflatable Neck Traction Device

1.Always start slow. Gradually increase tension in 1-minute increments. Inflate the device by pumping on the bulb (make sure valve is closed or locked to allow air to the device to be retained inside the device) to about 25% tension, just enough to feel a lift on your head and jaw. Stop, and leave on for 1 minute.

2. Deflate to halfway down. In deflating the neck traction device, deflate to about 50% tension. Do not deflate all the way. This gives your neck muscles time to adjust to the stretch.

3. Rest for about 1 minute. Inflate device again. This time, go way past the initial tension you reached. Hold and keep it there, then close the valve. Hold this at this increased tension for another minute. Thereafter, deflate it down to 50% less tension. You should still feel a comfortable stretch.

Repeat the same procedure by inflating the device again. This time, increase tension to the maximum level you can tolerate. The stretch should be comfortable and not blocking your carotid. (LOL). You don't want to pass out from a blocked circulation to the head. The device is very comfortable, however, and did not interfere with this at all.

You will notice that despite the stretch, you can still speak and breathe comfortably. You can then hold this at this level for 1 – 5 minutes. Deflate to about 25% less tension, let it rest there for about a minute or two. Then inflate it again to that same level. Repeat this process 4 – 5 times or as many as you are able to tolerate and need.

Some instructions that come with these products indicate wearing the device for about 20 - 30 minutes. The instructions I shared above, are my personal take and protocol for the safety and comfort of my patients.

Contraindications: When NOT to use a Neck Traction Device

- When you have TMJ (Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction)

- When you have had neck surgery and your neck is fused, has metal plates, screws, and implants. You can still consult with your physician or surgeon however who may be able to help you with alternatives.

- When you have a whiplash injury either from falls or a car accident which may involve more delicate structures in your neck.

- When you have severe arthritis and neck deformity. Check with your physician, as always.

- In cases where you have osteomyelitis (bone infection), aortic aneurysm, osteoporosis, tumors, and more.

Personally, I have used this device for my headaches. Once muscles are relaxed, it does decreases tension on your intervertebral discs. One feature I like is that inflatables are easy to pack and take with you on your travels. I even use it as a neck pillow during flights! Can't beat the price either.

There are more expensive models available on the market. From the old-fashioned hang-by-the-door types to the seemingly space-age models with higher price tags.

As with shopping for products, however, do your research and pick the ones that you feel suits you best, all thing considered.

Using this device, along with strategic neck exercises and techniques can be very beneficial for neck pain relief. And again, that will be another feature on future articles: Therapeutic Exercise Tips for Neck Pain and Headaches! I really do love that when I complete a story, it gives me more ideas to write about!

Now, maybe it's time to do something about that neck pain and headache you suffer from! Take care!

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