9 Best Cervical Traction Devices for Home Use (2024)

Neck pain is a prevalent issue affecting 20-50% of people yearly. Cervical traction can provide significant relief for many sufferers. The cervical traction devices we've selected for this article are designed for easy home use, offering various designs to suit your needs. We'll guide you through the features to consider, list our top 9 devices, and answer your frequently asked questions to simplify your decision-making process.

Features to Consider

High muscle tension, trouble sleeping, stress, depression, and expensive doctor’s visits aresome of the many difficulties of living with chronic neck pain. You may be unable to perform daily activities, be irritable, and have mood swings. Your condition and your therapy plan's goals dictate the traction you need. Each at-home traction treatment has its own list of features and benefits, so you have options that will ensure you find the treatment that will work best for you.

Pneumatic, Wearable, or Over the Door

Pneumatic devices, for instance, feature a soft foam cushion that cradles your head and neck, providing stability with a strap. With a hand-held control, you can direct the traction, gradually increasing the tension. This action pushes up on the head and down on the shoulders, providing a gentle yet effective stretch.

Wearable cervical traction devices serve as neck stretchers, relieving neck and shoulder pain and improving overall spine alignment. These devices can be worn during daily activities, helping to alleviate neck muscle soreness, stiffness, and tension on the go.

Over-the-door cervical traction is a popular and cost-effective option for home use. It involves wearing a harness, usually with a chinstrap, which is connected to a weighted bag suspended by a pulley system over a door. The weight pulls the chin harness upward, stretching the neck and relieving tension on the spine and neck. This method can be used while sitting or lying down.

Pounds of Pressure

Some people don’t need a lot of pressure to get a lot of relief. Cervical traction devices offering less than 10 pounds of pressure might be just enough to provide a comfortable and effective stretch. If you need more pull to stretch out chronically bound-up muscles, there are models with available pressure of up to 50 pounds.The usual range of treatment in physical therapy is 25-45 pounds.

Adjustment Positions

Some models must be used lying down, some can be used while lying down or sitting up, and some can be used while walking around. For stationary models, some of the fuller featured designs have incline positions for your head to add to comfort and a more customized therapy experience.

Additional Features

Some cervical traction devices for home use are built for travel, are lightweight, and include carrying cases. Others prioritize maximum comfort, featuring additional padding. Some are designed for stability, securely holding your head in place while your neck is stretched. Higher-end designs offer multiple additional features beyond the basics.

What is a home cervical traction device?

A cervical traction device for home use augments, and can sometimes replace visits to a practitioner’s office to treat neck pain by stretching the spinal vertebrae and muscles to relieve pressure and pain. Tension pulls the head away from the neck, creating space between the vertebrae to relieve disc compression and allow the muscles to relax.

What are the benefits of cervical traction?

Improved sleep, decreased stress and depression, better range of motion and function, and pain relief are all benefits of cervical traction. People with pinched nerves, muscle spasms, herniated or bulging discs, arthritis, stenosis, trauma, and whiplash can all find relief from cervical traction decompression therapy.

What are the side effects of cervical traction?

Cervical traction is generally quite safe and shouldn’t hurt. However, a small number of people do experience headaches, dizziness, and/or nausea as their bodies adjust to the changes brought about by traction therapy.

How do you use a cervical traction device?

A home cervical traction device mimics the traction machines used by medical practitioners, positioning the device to pull the head away from the neck and spine. The stretching decreases pressure between the vertebrae or on a nerve and provides pain relief while improving oxygen flow and hydration to injured structures.

Does cervical traction work for neck pain?

Cervical traction treats different types and causes of neck pain, tension, and tightness. It helps relax the muscles and properly align the neck's structures, contributing to the relief of pain and stiffness while supporting improved flexibility and function.

Are cervical traction devices safe?

Cervical traction is safe and should not cause any pain. Additional safety features that allow you to stop the device immediately provide an added layer of security to ensure the treatment doesn’t cause pain or exacerbate an injury.

Does Medicare cover cervical traction devices?

Medicare Part B covers traction equipment as durable medical equipment when it is prescribed by a doctor for use in your home.

The Top 9

#9 Pratos Five Position Cervical Traction Unit

Pratos Five Position Cervical Traction Unit

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The Pratos Five Position Cervical Traction Unit by ProMed Specialties is our number 9 pick for at-home cervical traction devices. This unit is designed to maintain a natural and comfortable posture, offering five different positions for effective pain relief. Its adjustable design can be easily customized to meet individual needs, enhancing cervical spine care and providing specific treatments for maximum pain relief. With a range of insertable legs, the Pratos can accentuate flexion, extension, or rotation as needed, making it a versatile and affordable home-use option.

Features and Benefits

  • Customizable to five positions, ensuring targeted and effective pain relief
  • Allows users to maintain a natural, comfortable posture during use
  • Developed to enhance cervical spine care with options to adjust for flexion, extension, or rotation
  • Easy to handle and cost-effective for at-home use

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Easily customizable to user needs
  • Maintains a natural posture, reducing discomfort
  • Effective for a variety of cervical spine issues
  • Lightweight and portable with a carrying case

Cons

  • Some users may find the setup process initially challenging
  • May not provide sufficient traction for severe cases
  • Limited to a maximum of 8 PSI

#8 Pronex Cervical Traction System

Pronex Cervical Traction System

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The Pronex Cervical Traction System by RS Medical, our number 8 pick, is a state-of-the-art device designed to treat whiplash and other neck-related injuries at home. It relieves intervertebral pressure through decompression, gently stretching the cervical region to reduce pain. Available in three sizes, it uniquely uses bellows technology to deliver cervical traction while supporting the natural C-curve of the neck.

The Pronex system provides inline and counter traction, ensuring even distraction in both the anterior and posterior cervical discs. A flexion wedge allows for lateral neck flexion of 15 and 22 degrees. Notably, this device doesn’t strain the temporomandibular joint; it applies pressure to the occiput and trapezius muscles instead.

Cradling the head and neck on soft foam cushions, the air-inflated bellows allow up to 35 pounds of adjustable traction. As the bellows expand, the user’s head is gently lifted, creating space between the vertebrae. A bulb pump controls the pace of decompression and air pressure release.

This portable, restraint-free cervical traction device requires no assembly and operates without weights, springs, levers, or cables, making it easy to use at home.

Features and Benefits

  • Can be used on soft services for comfortable treatment
  • You have complete control of the amount of traction
  • Supports patient compliance through comfortable, easy treatment
  • Delivers fast, effective, non-drug pain relief from neck injuries like whiplash

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Contributes to comfortable, restful, restorative sleep
  • Improves range of motion
  • Comfortable while in use and very easy to operate
  • Highly recommended by doctors
  • Long service life of a decade or more

Cons

  • Can be difficult to position for people with smaller necks

#7 Neck Traction Device with Heating and TENS Electrotherapy

Neck Traction Device with Heating and TENS Electrotherapy

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The number 7 pick on our list is theNeck Traction Device with Heating and TENS Electrotherapy by Pain Management Technologies, which is a versatile tool combining three therapies for effective neck pain relief. This all-in-one pneumatic cervical traction device features heat and TENS electrotherapy for optimal comfort. It offers fixed-point cervical traction to relieve muscle fatigue, multiple heat modes to relax tight neck muscles, and adjustable TENS therapy to alleviate nerve pain. The full-auto mode option combines these therapies for comprehensive treatment. Controlled by a convenient hand remote with a digital display, this device is intuitive and easy to use, making it ideal for healthcare professionals and home users.

Features and Benefits

  • Integrates pneumatic traction, heat therapy, and TENS electrotherapy
  • Offers multiple heat settings, adjustable TENS frequencies, and three incline traction modes for tailored therapy
  • Comes with a hand remote control and digital display for easy operation and adjustment
  • Lightweight and ergonomic, making it easy to use at home or on the go

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Effective combination of traction, heat, and electrotherapy
  • Easy to use with intuitive hand remote control
  • Customizable therapy modes for personalized treatment
  • Compact and portable design for convenience

Cons

  • Some users may find the setup process initially complex
  • Heat and TENS settings might not be strong enough for severe pain

#6 Over the Door Cervical Traction Set with Head Halter

Over the Door Cervical Traction Set with Head Halter

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The number 6 pick on our list is theOver the Door Cervical Traction Set with Head Halter byFabrication Enterprises, a safe and convenient alternative for neck pain treatment. This cervical traction set, featuring a universal head halter, mounts easily over any door, providing high-quality cervical traction at home or in a clinic. The system includes a water bag and all necessary hardware for easy setup. The universal head halter adjusts for a customized fit and is machine washable for easy hygiene maintenance. Designed to treat neck injuries, pinched nerves, and cervical spondylosis, this traction set helps alleviate pain by decompressing the spinal vertebra and stretching the muscles.

Features and Benefits

  • Easily attaches to any door, allowing for therapy wherever there is a door
  • Provides comfortable and adjustable support with a velcro fastening system
  • Includes a water bag and all necessary hardware for easy use
  • The head halter is machine washable, ensuring easy hygiene control

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Easy to set up and use at home or in a clinic
  • Provides effective relief for neck pain through spinal decompression
  • Adjustable and comfortable head halter
  • Affordable and portable

Cons

  • Some users find the head straps too short or stiff
  • Difficulties reported with filling the water bag

#5 ComforTrac Cervical Traction Device

ComforTrac Cervical Traction Unit by North Coast Medical

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The memory foam head cradle and independently adjustable neck wedges ensure the traction provided by ComforTrac Cervical Traction Device by North Coast Medical is delivered in comfort. Our number 5 choice offers three levels of adjustable traction inclines at 10, 15, and 20 degrees for customized and appropriate treatment.

The easy-to-use hand pump enables traction force adjustments of up to 50 pounds of force, which is more than many other cervical traction devices designed for home use. It provides precision control of the traction process and has a quick-release button for safety, eliminating the risk of overstretching.

For people suffering from the effects of compression of the cervical spine, this cervical traction device can help eliminate pain from the very first treatment.

Features and Benefits

  • Push button “quick release” pump to ensure safe operation
  • Contouring memory foam headrest to cradle the head in comfort and support
  • Same quality traction at home you would get in a physical therapy setting
  • Independently adjustable neck wedges contribute to a customized, effective fit
  • Long service life; tested for up to 15 years of use

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Design ensures there is no jaw pain or choking/pulling sensation
  • Results are quick, and maintenance therapy can supply long-term relief
  • One of the most powerful devices for home use, delivering up to 50 pounds of pressure
  • Made in the USA to quality manufacturing standards

Cons

  • Could require in-office adjustment for correct settings

#4 Cervico2000 Cervical Decompression Device

Cervico2000 Cervical Decompression Device by Meditrac

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Our number 4 choice, the portable decompression system of the Cervico2000 Cervical Decompression Device by Meditrac utilizes three-dimensional traction forces to decompress the spine, alleviate cervical pain, and promote efficient healing. After starting with a medical professional, this device can move therapy to home use.

It’s designed to treat herniated discs, torticollis, whiplash, and other neck injuries. Using ambulatory traction, you can move around freely during treatment, with a session lasting up to 15 minutes a day while resistance is built.

This cervical traction device features dual traction levers for both symmetrical and asymmetrical traction, adjustable to suit individual patient diagnoses. It also offers customizable fittings to ensure an ideal match for each user. Traction on the move encourages exercise during treatment. Combining motion with traction simultaneously decreases pressure, enables fluid exchange, improves Range of Motion, and promotes recovery.

Features and Benefits

  • Drug-free treatment, no hospitalization or surgery needed
  • Treatments take only 15 minutes per session
  • Encourages exercise during treatment, using motion to accelerate recovery
  • Professional-grade equipment with high-quality design
  • Great for home use for chronic patients
  • Goes beyond pain relief by addressing the root cause of neck issues

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Almost immediate results
  • Medical practitioners are confident in recommending this device to chronic patients
  • A high level of adjustability ensures treatment is designed just for you
  • High satisfaction rate among professionals and patients

Cons

  • None Found

#3 Theratrac Glide Traction Unit

Theratrac Glide Traction Unit by Pain Management Technologies

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Coming in at number 3, the Theratrac Glide Traction Unit cervical traction device for home use by Pain Management Technologies uses cables connected to a track to move your head up and down smoothly and comfortably. A user-operated dial controls the amount of traction, and the adjustable foam neck pads don’t constrict your head or neck.

Alleviating tension, muscle tightness, and pain, with this traction system, the neck remains at a 30-degree angle, and the traction is delivered with smooth transitions in elevation. It has a pad that is adjustable via knobs on the side. Pain associated with herniated discs, degeneration of the discs, and arthritis are all relieved with this cervical traction system.

With an attractive price point compared to other cervical/lumbar traction devices, this equipment allows plenty of room for the neck and is user-friendly with intuitive controls.

Features and Benefits

  • Easy-to-use handheld controller
  • Adjustable fit via knobs that adjust to the width of the user's neck
  • The intensity knob allows the user to choose the intensity of the stretch
  • Same therapy at home as you’d get in a professional medical setting
  • Easy to take along while traveling

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Allows for plenty of room for the neck
  • Transitions smoothly while increasing the amount of traction
  • Controls are intuitive and easy to figure out
  • Great value compared to the cost of other cervical/lumbar traction devices

Cons

  • Can only be used while the patient is lying down
  • Recommended that best results are achieved while legs are elevated

#2 NeckPro II Over Door Cervical Traction System

NeckPro II Over Door Cervical Traction System

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Our number 2 pick, The NeckPro II Over Door Cervical Traction System by Fabrication Enterprises, is convenient and portable. It has a comfortable head halter and provides relaxing, steady tension to provide quick pain relief for the user. This over-door traction system differs from most others in that it uses a compression spring and a ratcheting system rather than a complex system of bags or weights.

The cord-and-click system allows for easy adjustment of 1 to 20 pounds of tension, enabling precise tension with gentle, consistent pressure. You can hear the click that accompanies each tension increase, making it easy to find your preferred level of tension.

Steady, relaxing tension for near-immediate relief from many different kinds of neck pain. The second generation of the NeckPro is constructed with lighter materials than the first version.

This neck traction device treats fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, whiplash injuries, spondylosis, cervical radiculopathy, cervical disk herniation, and muscle tension and tightness in the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

Features and Benefits

  • Easiest tension adjustment of over-door devices
  • Unique spring and ratcheting click system allows for precise tension setting
  • Range of tension from 1 to 20 pounds
  • Head halter designed to be extra comfortable
  • Quick pain relief with consistent gentle pressure

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Relieves long-term chronic pain in a short time
  • Chin halter harness is very comfortable
  • Saves significant money and time previously spent on appointments with therapists
  • Well-made and durable

Cons

  • Prefer the more durable metal construction of the original NeckPro
  • The door mount bracket is too wide for some narrow/thin doors
  • Needed to order additional inflatable pillow to make chin harness more comfortable

#1 Saunders Cervical Traction Device

Saunders Cervical Traction Device for Home Use by DJO Global

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Ideal for treating whiplash or other neck-related injuries that can arise from extended periods of sitting, our top choice, the Saunders Cervical Traction Device for Home Use by Chattanooga can be used on most surfaces, including a bed at home.

It has a manually operated pump and gauge controller and comes fully assembled for safe and easy use. Designed to gently stretch and take pressure off the spine’s discs through decompression, it has a security belt and a frictionless surface for safe and smooth operation. It offers angle options of 15, 20, and 25 degrees.

It delivers professional-level treatment at home with up to 50 pounds of tractive force. While traveling, its handy carrying case makes it convenient to continue with regular treatments even when you’re away from home.

Features and Benefits

  • Can be used on most flat surfaces, including beds
  • Applies up to 50 pounds of pressure to optimize treatment
  • Comfort and ease of use enriches patient compliance
  • Personalized fit provided by self-adjusting neck wedges
  • Built-in angle adjustment with the options for 15, 20 degrees, and 25 degrees

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Can relieve even long-term chronic pain in a short time
  • Able to use it daily to maintain the positive effects of decompression
  • Doctor recommended
  • High-quality, durable construction expected to last for years

Cons

  • At 9 pounds, it’s heavier than many devices
  • A prescription is required for home use

Final Thoughts

Neck pain from compressed nerves and discs can be debilitating, severely impacting your quality of life and ability to accomplish daily living tasks. Treatment of cervical issues can be cumbersome when it involves multiple office visits for physical therapy, causing some patients to forego treatment even when it can bring them great relief.

Fortunately, there are many quality devices that are designed specifically for home use that provide access to decompression therapy and the accompanying pain relief it provides in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

There are several designs to choose from, with the correct choice for you being impacted by the degree of traction you need, the location of your pain and/or injury, and where the traction device will be used.

The top pick on our list, the Saunders Cervical Traction Device for Home Use, is user-friendly, and designed for comfort and security while delivering effective treatment. With angle options of 15, 20, and 25 degrees and a force of up to 50 degrees, its versatility and portability make it a great choice for treatment anywhere.

Thank you for taking the time to review our list of 9 Best Cervical Traction Devices for Home Use. We hope it answered your questions and provided you with information you can readily use. For more information on traction devices available at Rehabmart.com, visit Caregiver University and read up on articles to help you make informed purchasing decisions!

9 Best Cervical Traction Devices for Home Use (10)

Author:

Brittany Ferri, OTR/L

Brittany is an occupational therapist who has worked in a variety of rehab facilities. She has always expressed an interest in patients’ internal motivation for therapy and the use of assistive devices, which led her to pursue a PhD in Integrative Mental Health. This research-based training has also led her to develop her writing career to educate patients of all ages on how to improve their health. Brittany has published four books, written over 300 articles, and has been quoted in media outlets such as WebMD, Healthline, and NBC News.

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