Directions for Using the Saunders Cervical Traction

Cervical traction is a method used by physical therapists to help alleviate neck pain, headaches, joint stiffness, muscle tightness, osteoarthritis and herniated disks. Basically, traction uses the force of pulling to stretch the spine. It has traditionally been administered in physical therapy clinics. However, since many people cannot attend physical therapy sessions indefinitely due to time or cost constraints, many traction unit manufacturers have developed units for home use. Saunders Cervical HomeTrac is one brand of home-based traction device.

Things You'll Need

• Saunders Cervical HomeTrac Unit

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Locate a firm surface and lie on your back. Saunders recommends a carpeted floor, but you can use your bed if the mattress is firm.

• 2

  Situate your body so that your neck and head lie on the headrest comfortably.

• 3

  Rotate the adjustment knobs until the side cushions are firmly against both sides of the neck. The side cushions should rest against the neck halfway between the earlobes and the tops of the shoulders.

• 4

  Pull the head strap snugly over and across your forehead and secure on the other side.

• 5

  Apply traction using the hand-held pump. The amount of stretch you administer is prescribed by your physician or physical therapist. Make sure you can read the gauge as you pump.

• 6

  Rotate the gauge to hold once you have reached the prescribed force. Turn gauge to release once treatment is complete.