Cervical Neck Traction Device – 12-17 Inch

I bought this device after speaking with my doctor and getting his recommendations for a self-managed traction option to help manage my cervical stenosis pain. I've got an over-the-door waterbag device, but it requires two people to use safely and to be honest, is uncomfortable. I wanted something that I could use more easily in conjunction with the over-the-door device, and after getting the green light for this type of product, ordered this particular option.It's delightfully comfortable, from putting it on through the traction period. The ability to control the inflation/traction is reassuring, and it's simple and easy to use by myself. The pillows are velvet-feeling and fit my neck nicely. I did have an issue figuring out how to inflate the device at first. The bulb that came with my set has an open hole at the end -- by design or perhaps there was supposed to be a stopper that I'm missing I'm not sure -- but once I got the hang of covering the hole while pumping, it wasn't an issue at all. The 'bead' was difficult to move at first as well, but after two or three uses is much more malleable. I can use the device without problem, and I can feel a difference after a few sessions. It doesn't eliminate the pain, but it does help the pain management.This device does NOT replace my over-the-door device, but works nicely as an option in conjunction with that system, and is definitely worth it for the price. I'd recommend asking your doctor if you're using the device to manage any condition, as it does manipulate the spine, and am careful not to overinflate the device to the point of pain or difficulty breathing, but wouldn't hesitate to buy another of these if something happened to the one I have! I'm so thankful for a self-managing traction option to include in my pain management regimen!Oh, and the small ball that comes with the device is a delightful little device as well! Light yet firm, the small spikes are perfect for muscle massage in a variety of places, including my neck. It's definitely a great bonus to the traction device purchase!

I thought this thing was amazing because it helped me but it only gets four stars because I ordered another one at the same price point and it fixes my major complaint. This blue one has inferior Velcro. Having straps that stick well is crucial as you inflate this thing. They cheaped out on the hook and loop fastener. Try a different one.

It took me a week or so to realize that I had a pinched nerve in my neck (based on which fingers are numb, I believe the root is at C8, but possibly other cervical areas, too). Up to that point, I assumed I'd just pulled a muscle in my shoulder or arm and tried rest, ice, and some thrice-daily ibuprofen in the hopes that it would knock down the discomfort and occasional pain and let my body heal itself.When that "treatment" didn't change anything (except make me anxious at the growing list of physical tasks I was ignoring), I went to a massage therapist. Three visits there didn't provide any meaningful relief, so I figured I would give it one more solid week of rest and anti-inflammatory medication and then see if a chiropractor could help fix this.I noticed some home-traction devices out there and tried a couple of them, but didn't get any relief (and they were kind of annoying because of the ratio of setup time to use time). This item was recommended in my searching about neck traction (which seems like what a chiropractor might do for me), so I figured I'd give it a whirl.It's still early (I just started using it yesterday afternoon), but after using it a few times yesterday and a few times today, I'm noticing a small decrease in my pain/discomfort.I find that I feel a little better when using the device and feel worse when I take it off, so that seems to point to its actually doing something for me. Of course, I'd like those positive effects to linger, but maybe that will happen in the next few days.Other than ibuprofen, this has been the only treatment that's yielded any relief. I may still go to a chiropractor next week to see what they say (maybe I have a Yugo-sized tumor on my neck or something), but I also plan to keep using this thing unless/until doing so causes discomfort/pain (which I doubt).