Written by Brittany Ferri, OTR/L
Neck pain is a very common condition - approximately 20-50% of people will deal with neck pain every year (including me!). Honestly, it's SO common that it feels funny to state such an obvious fact.
But what remedies are we trying? Sure, some neck stretches might temporarily help, but how can we do more than simply 'put a bandaid' on our pain? If you are like me, then you are searching for a solution that is non-invasive (like surgery), does not require medication, and can provide REAL relief. The answer: cervical traction devices. Cervical traction devices use force (and counterforce) to stretch your spinal vertebrae and muscles. This decompression action creates space between the vertebrae, which reduces pressure off your nerves and allows your muscles to relax. Sounds satisfying, right?
The cervical traction devices featured in this article are designed for home-use and are easy to operate. There are several designs to choose from and various features to consider before purchasing. Below, we explain what features to look for in a device, list our 9 favorite devices, answer frequently asked questions, and more!
1. Best All-Around: Saunders Cervical Traction Device for Home Use by DJO Global
2. Best Memory Foam Cradle: ComforTrac Cervical Traction Device by North Coast Medical
3. Best Wearable Neck Brace: Cervico2000 Cervical Decompression Device by Meditrac
4. Best Air-Less Design: Theratrac Glide Traction Unit by Pain Management Technologies
5. Best Portable: Pronex Cervical Traction System by RS Medical
6. Best with Double Chamber: Theratrac Cervical Traction Device by Pain Management Technologies
7. Best Inflatable Neck Collar: Inflatable Trac Neck Collar by Advanced Orthopaedics
8. Best Afforable Neck Brace: Universal Neck Brace by ProGlide
9. Best Over the Door: NeckPro II Over Door Cervical Traction System
High muscle tension, trouble sleeping, stress, depression, and expensive doctor’s visits are some of the many difficulties of living with chronic neck pain. You may not be able to perform daily activities and you could be irritable and have mood swings. The kind of traction you need is dictated by your condition and the goals of your therapy plan. 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 cervical traction devices are usually made of a soft foam cushion that cradles your head and neck with a strap for stability. A hand-held control lets you direct the traction, progressively deepening the tension. This pushes up on the head and pushes down on the shoulders with up.
Wearable cervical traction devices act as neck stretchers, neck and shoulder pain relief systems, and collars to improve overall spine alignment. They can be worn while participating in daily activities, alleviating neck muscle soreness, stiffness, and tension while on the go.
Over-the-door cervical traction is generally the most affordable option for home use, and is the most common. Typically the user will wear a harness (usually with a chin strap) that is attached to a weighted bag suspended with a pulley system over a door. The weight pulls the chin harness upward, stretching the neck and relieving tension on the spine and neck. It can be used while the user is sitting or lying down.
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 that have available pressure of up to 50 pounds. The usual range of treatment in physical therapy is 25-45 pounds.
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.
Some cervical traction devices for home use are built to travel, being lightweight with carrying cases. Some are designed for maximum comfort, with additional padding. Some are created for stability, holding your head in place while your neck is stretched. Higher end designs have multiple additional features beyond the basics.
| Pneumatic, Wearable, or Over the Door | Pounds of Pressure | Adjustment Positions | Additional Features | |
| #1 Saunders Cervical Traction Device |
Pneumatic | 50 lbs | 3 Positions | Hand pump has a readable gauge, Carry case, Blow-off valve limits, Patented pump design, Foam cushion, Head strap |
| #2 ComforTrac Cervical Traction Device | Pneumatic | 50 lbs | 3 Positions | Memory foam cushion, Quick-release button, Hand pump has a gauge, Head strap |
| #3 Cervico2000 Cervical Decompression Device | Wearable | 22 lbs | n/a | FDA Registered, Carry bag |
| #4 Theratrac Glide Traction Unit | Pneumatic | 45 lbs | 3 Positions | Pump has knob gauge, Head strap |
| #5 Pronex Cervical Traction System | Pneumatic | 35 lbs | 2 Positions | Foam cushion, Head strap |
| #6 Theratrac Cervical Traction Device | Pneumatic | 30 lbs | 2 Positions | 2 pumps that inflate the upper and lower chambers separately |
| #7 Inflatable Trac Collar | Pneumatic | 45 lbs | 1 Position | Carry case, 2 pumps that inflate the upper and lower chambers separately |
| #8 Universal Neck Brace by ProGlide | Wearable | n/a | 12 Positions | One size fits all |
| #9 NeckPro II Over Door Cervical Traction System | Over the Door | 20 lbs | n/a | Easy tension adjustments |
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 tensions 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, and it’s possible to achieve very precise tension with gentle consistent pressure. You can hear the click that accompanies each tension increase, so it’s easy to find your preferred level of tension.
steady, relaxing tension for near immediate relief from many different kinds of neck pain. It is the second generation of the NeckPro, and is constructed with lighter materials than the first version.
This neck traction device is great for treating fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, whiplash injuries, spondylosis, cervical radiculopathy, cervical disk herniation, and muscle tension and tightness in the upper back, shoulders, and neck.
#8 on our list is Optec’s ProGlide Neck Brace, a universally sized cervical collar designed for comfort and effective pain relief. Among other uses, this brace is compatible with standard medical scans such as MRI, CT, and X-Ray scans.
Perhaps the most prominent feature of this cervical collar is the care with which its padded liners were designed. The padding is soft and robust, offering a great deal of comfort at many of the natural tension points in the neck and shoulders. These liners are easily removable for convenient cleaning, and extras are available to purchase if you need them.
The one-size-fits-all nature of the ProGlide means that it is a viable tool for just about anyone, and is useful for treating a number of different conditions, from spinal injuries to degenerative cervical disorders. The frame of the brace is adjusted to the proper chin height by simply turning the front knob, while the posterior panel can conform to the contours of the user’s back.
Thanks to its particularly comfortable padding and adjustable frame, form-fitting frame, this cervical collar is great for wearing for long periods of time during extended rehabilitation. It also comes in one universal, comprehensive package, making it extremely convenient to use.
The Inflatable Trac Neck Collar by Advanced Orthopaedics addresses pain caused by degenerative neck problems. This combination air powered traction device and cervical collar provides therapy and support, and can be used while sitting, standing, or lying down, so watching tv or working on your laptop are all possible while using this neck traction device.
It’s ultra comfortable, with a soft inflatable dual-bulb bladder that gently stretches and relaxes neck muscles. Two hand held inflation pumps inflate the collar’s left and right side individually. It’s also highly portable and ultra convenient to take anywhere in its handy carrying case. This home cervical traction device is perfectly suited for daily treatment of chronic neck conditions.
In addition to relaxing neck muscles, it also contributes to improved posture, mobility, and circulation by relieving pressure in your arms, neck, and shoulders. Easy to use, it fastens with simple buckles and it’s completely washable.
Realigning the cervical C-curve, the Theratrac Cervical Traction Device from Pain Management Technologies relieves pain by releasing tightness in neck muscles and allowing the vertebrae to align themselves correctly.
Using pneumatic pressure, this adjustable cervical traction device for home use can inflate to 30 pounds to unlock vertebrae and take the pressure off nerves. It comes in three sizes and ergonomically cradles the head while squeezable air pumps inflate. Its design is unique because it can be adjusted at the neck and the head. The headrest can be adjusted up or down by the second pump, allowing you to adjust the angle of your head before treatment starts to unlock the muscles of the neck.
Built to ease the pain of herniated discs, pinched nerves, arthritis in the neck, and cervical muscle spasms, this neck traction device is compact and easy to use anywhere.
If you want to treat whiplash and other neck-related injuries at home, the Pronex Cervical Traction System by RS Medical is a state-of-the-art cervical traction device. Relieving intervertebral pressure through decompression, it delivers treatment by gently stretching the cervical region to decrease pain.
It comes in three sizes and is unique in how it uses bellows technology to deliver cervical traction. Supporting the natural C-curve of the neck, it provides inline and counter traction, combining even distraction in the anterior and posterior cervical discs. A flexion wedge can be used to achieve lateral neck flexion of 15 and 22 degrees. Using this device doesn’t strain the temporomandibular joint, because it applies pressure to the occiput and trapezius muscles.
Cradling the head and neck on soft foam cushions, the air-inflated bellows allow for up to 35 pounds of adjustable traction. The user’s head is moved up, creating space between the vertebrae, as the bellows expand. A bulb pump controls the pace of decompression and air pressure release.
This portable restraint-free cervical traction device for home doesn’t require any assembly and has no weights, springs, levers, or cables.
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.
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 getting started with a medical professional, therapy can be moved to home use with this device.
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 has dual traction levers for symmetrical and asymmetrical traction, according to each patient's diagnosis. The fit is customizable, so a perfect fit can be created. 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.
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. It 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 with up to 50 pounds of force, which tops many other cervical traction devices designed for home use. It provides precision control of the traction process and also has a quick release button for safety, eliminating the risk of over-stretching.
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.
Ideal for treating whiplash or other neck-related injuries that can arise from extended periods of sitting, 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, you can take advantage of its handy carrying case, which makes it convenient to continue with regular treatments even when you’re away from home.
Watch the video demonstration!
A cervical traction device for home use augments, and can sometimes replace, visits to a practitioner’s office for treatment of neck pain by stretching the spinal vertebrae and muscles to relieve pressure and pain. Tension is used to pull the head away from the neck, which creates space between the vertebrae to relieve disc compression and allow the muscles to relax.
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.
Cervical traction is generally quite safe and shouldn’t hurt. A small number of people do experience headache, dizziness and/or nausea as the body adjusts to the changes brought about by traction therapy.
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.
Treating different types and causes of neck pain, tension, and tightness, cervical traction helps relax the muscles and properly align the structures of the neck. This contributes to relief of pain and stiffness while supporting improved flexibility and function.
Generally, it's safe to perform cervical traction, and the treatment shouldn’t cause any pain. Additional safety features that allow you to immediately stop the device provide an added layer of security to ensure the treatment doesn’t cause pain or exacerbate an injury.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers traction equipment as durable medical equipment (DME) when it is prescribed by a doctor for use in your home.
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 extremely user friendly, designed for comfort and security while delivering effective treatment. With angle options of 15, 20, and 25 degrees and 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 our product page. More articles to help you make an informed purchasing decision can be found at Caregiver University.
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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