Over The Door
Cervical Traction Unit
Over The Door Cervical Traction Unit
This is one of the most common types of traction devices available today, most likely because of its cost, you can get one for about $25 from a local retail Back Store or medical supply stores will have them as well. It's really a simple device, there's not much to it. It's a cloth harness with chin strap that's attached to a metal support frame that fits to the top of most any door in your house. Some rope through the pulleys tied to an included water bag and voila, you have traction.
Ironically, for all the money I spent on the other traction devices I found this traction unit to be THE MOST helpful for treating my cervical radiculopathy. This unit quickly provided genuine traction which gave me relief almost immediately. One caution though, TMJ and other potential jaw problems can be aggravated by a unit like this, so until you get used to it start with short intervals, maybe, only 10-15 seconds at a time. And a mouth guard like you see football and hockey players use can also help. I'm pretty convinced that this method of traction was a big factor in helping me beat cervical radiculopathy. Remember your best bet is to talk to your favorite medical professionals and let them advise you on the best course of action to take.
CAUTIONS: I can't believe I actually have to state this, but remember to wrap your chin and jaw in the harness, and NEVER put the harness around your neck or throat. Yes, I've actually been asked that question.... If your jaw starts feeling uncomfortable try an athletic mouth guard while performing the traction.
TMJ SUFFERERS - This thing will cause you grief! You could try modifying the actual harness with different kinds of foam, maybe a towel.
AVAILABILITY & WHAT TO EXPECT
Cost: $20 - $40
Kits typically include cloth harness, steel brace, door mountable pulleys, rope and water bag for resistance. If your doctor gives you the green light, try the link on the right side of this page.
Comments
- Rich Leach
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Please keep your posts relevant to the topic: Over The Door Cervical Traction Unit. All non-relevant postings and/or spam will be removed.
- February 25, 2011, 2:41 PM
- Reply
- Julio Lang
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First of all, Congratulations and Good Job for posting your experiences on the web!
I have the neck traction woth the water bag weight but I'm just a little confused if I have to face the door or not... Some people are saying to face the door and not follow the picture of the product...
We are supposed to feel the stretch, pain during this process?!?
Thanks a lot
Julio
- March 10, 2011, 2:38 PM
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- Rich Leach
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Hi Julio-
... instead of thinking "which way should I face..." break it down into even easier terms: Ideally you're going to find a position that will pull as close to straight up as you can. So if facing one way or the other generates forces that work to pull more directly up (vs. at an angle - avoid forces at an angle!) then go with it. And no, you should definitely NOT feel any pain, only a gentle stretch. Remember that I'm not a doctor, but unless your doc said to specifically use a certain amount of resistance in a specific position try to find a comfortable position with just enough resistance to yield a gentle stretch. You can always add more resistance later. I hope this helps, keep us posted with your progress!
Rich
- March 10, 2011, 2:47 PM
- Reply
- Julio
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Thank you Rich!!!
- March 10, 2011, 3:26 PM
- Reply
