Does anybody know anything about those inflatable Cervical Neck Traction devices?

Years ago a few members on the TOS forum were talking about trying that sort of thing.. you could try a site search to find the old posts..

Hockey,

Do you mean the home cervical traction units with a hand pump similar to a bicycle tire pump? I have used this before, and it is extremely important to get your head/neck alignment correct and to make sure the pressure you pump is accurate.

If not, it will cause the cervical paraspinal muscles to spasm and really cause a great deal more pain. I have set these up on patients before, and I found it very difficult to get an accurate placement on myself at times. Good if you check yourself often to see if this is causing increased pain at any time during the application, and to stop it immediately if this is so, as it should only feel like a gentle stretch.

Also, the pounds of the pull should be determined by a medical professional, and not a variable amount determined by how it feels to you. Hope this helps. M-i-m

Yes, the bike pump type one. I just stumbled across them online.

Thanks so much for your reply. This is really helpful.

Clearly, my neck isn't stable enough for this. No wonder my PT never mentioned them. You know how it is though, one's always hoping for something to ease the pain.

I'd be really careful doing that type of traction by myself Hockey.

I used to have traction done by a physio for my lumbar spine issues, and gosh did that help. I also used to have to hang by my hands from a tall wooden frame as well. (similar effect)

Because this is your neck and because of the injuries you sustained I'd be really careful.

Hi Hockey, what kind of cervical neck injury do you have ?

Speaking from my own experience, I would not recommend the inflatable cervical traction. I have post concussion syndrome, and an upper cervical injury.

My neck injury was finally diagnosed in April of this year (over 3 yrs later), after an upright MRI. I strained the cervical Cruciate ligament, which caused the dens bone (part of C2) to bend slightly back, causing some compression of brain tissue (Chiari malformation- type 0).
My brother-in-law, who is a chiro, suggested I tried the collar. He put the collar on me and inflated it to a fairly low psi. After I took it off, I ended up with so much pressure in my head, discomfort, pain.

I had to go see the Chiro who normally treats me. She's an Atlas Orthogonal Specialist.. The cervical collar knocked my Atlas out.. It also took a few days for my head to calm down after that.

She also tried over the door cervical traction on me.. It also didn't work and caused intense symtoms, and a setback for a couple of weeks.

I understand your frustration.. I am also always looking for ways to get better.. And to help my neck and haead heal.

The neurosurgeon I met with at the Chiari Institute in Long Island diagnosed me with CranioVertebral Instability, in addition to PCS. But he recommended a 6 hr surgery, to do an occipitocervical fusion (occiput to C3) with rods and screws. But I do not want the surgery, with the risks involved, dealing with an existing brain injury, and all that anesthesia.. Plus there's no guarantees.

This injury has placed a lot of limitations on my life.. Can't exercise like I used to (mainly now just walk, ride stationary bike), can't lift weights, have to be careful in daily activities..
But the surgery sounds too risky to me.

Cranial sacral therapy and the atlas orthogonal chiropractic help me the most..

Did you try acupuncture ???

Best to you....

Have you tried a foam neck support? just support no traction?
Similar to this?
http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/ima...3&op_sharpen=1