How and When to use Mechanical Cervical Traction

[@robertoswalt319]

Almost 20 years ago my entire left arm became numb over a period of weeks. The doctor I saw for it wanted me to have surgery on my neck to relieve the bone spurs and bulged disc. I asked about physical therapy and through the use of one of those traction devices and stretching exercises, I have been able to avoid having to have the surgery the doctor first recommended. Thank you for this demonstration and I hope it keeps many people from having to have surgery.

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Thank you for the comment Robert!

[@JJbro-rt5zu]

Are you free all of your symptoms even now after 20 years?

[@susiehaynie1767]

I found one PT that had this machine and it was amazing. He moved and I have no idea where he went. None of the other specialists or PTs in my area have this machine. One said it is too expensive. I found them for about $400. Seems a small price to pay to help patients have some relief. It worked so well on my bulging discs and even opened up some of my lower spine issues. I tried to tell my PT that said it was expensive that he would make his money back very quickly. No avail. I may buy my own and carry it with me to PT. It helps a great deal and no pain with this. Manual traction hurt like the dickens.

[@michaelhaney3175]

Very good presentation. One trick I have found is to uses a white marker to mark the outer gauge ring at the zero point. The ring can then be rotated to the prescribed pressure and seen easily if used on a low light level at home. Now, I just have to find a way to keep the cat from cleaning my mustache when I am in traction.

[@khx73]

Nice to see this unit in action and hear of your success with it. I just ordered one 2 days ago.. looking forward to receiving it and getting some relief. I've written down your recommendations on pressures, timing, and angle as guidance for my own use. Thanks for the video.

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Glad it helped. Best of luck!

[@schan263]

Did it work well for you?

[@khx73]

@@schan263 It did! Fortunately I was able to get a cancelation surgery date soon after receiving the device, so I only used it for a few days. But I got instant relief while tractioned in the machine. I was in a bad flare up at the time and was desperate for some relief. No issues since surgery March 13th 2020.

[@schan263]

@@khx73 Thanks. When I was at chiropractor office, I had a device that is very similar except it is higher quality. The treatments were expensive and I only got to do it twice a week. Eventually I stopped going because of the cost. I am happy that there is a home version. I ordered the Comfortrac brand just minutes ago from Amazon because the Saunders one will take longer to ship.

[@vladislavroytapel2830]

@@schan263 how was it good? can you regulate tightness of these bummers around the neck ? I bet the are soft>

[@imranmerchant940]

I have a mild disc bulge in C5-C6 with a small broad-based central disk protrusion, causing mild stenosis of the spinal canal, impinging upon thecal sac. Will this traction help?

[@kevinmiller178]

Thank you so much for the video! I am sure you’ve helped many people! My question is around doing intermittent traction. Instead of 15 minutes on doing 5 min sessions and a minute off then 5 on agin, etc. Have you used this approach?

[@TheCostaRio]

Is this good for correcting forward head posture?

[@greenlanternriog1005]

THANK YOU for EDUCATING ME Today !!!!..........Cheers !!

[@OrthoEvalPal]

My pleasure!

[@voloshko88]

What time of the day is it the most beneficial? Would you do it before going to bed or after waking up?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

I ask patients to do it 3 times a day for 15 minutes each time

[@kcskoolz8312]

I had this for the first time, today.

[@b.b.2638]

How is it working out for you so far?

[@ahmedelsokary7076]

There are 3 adjustments on the height. Which setting gives the 15-20 degree of neck flexion i have multiple disc level c3 c4 c5 c6

[@christinebangia3174]

Does it help with scoliosis? Also, what are the recommendations to adjust the angles?

[@ismailabdullahi778]

Good Day, please how do I Purchase the Traction Device. Am from Nigeria

[@meghnagidwani9406]

Hi Can one have this done when one has osteoporosis? My mom who is 60 years of age has a t-score of -2.6 in her DEXA scan of the spine. Kindly suggest

[@markkavajecz5589]

Is 15 degree setting more for C7 or 25 degree? Does the flat setting hit more thoracic area or cervical? Great videos

[@piranhalegify]

Will this help with forward head posture?

[@timwilliams4739]

You said you want to make sure somebody doesn't have severe cervical instability. I was diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy and retrolothesis of c3,c4,and c5. Would you say mechanical traction would be something I should consider talking to my Dr about? Or would you say it's probably not a good idea?

[@soulman67ok]

Hi you say to stop using the device if it makes the pain worse do you mean during the traction or increased pain hours afterwards ?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

During. Some people get pressure sourness from the neck bumper but not often.

[@soulman67ok]

Thank you for the reply. Have had pain in shoulder and arm for several weeks Used the traction device for 1st time and didnt feel any discomfort during traction but now 5 hours later pain in arm is worse.

[@garydownes1594]

I'm in a semi truck sleeper. Can't I put a hard hours under the device as you say don't use on a bed?? Thanks

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Yes if you can stiffen up the mattress then you should be fine. You just don't want the part under the neck to sink down too far.

[@Kiddro22]

I also am a semi driver. I never rode with air in my seat. Now I’m learning the hard way

[@tomslick2058]

How often a day. How many minutes. What pitch degree. Have high grade stenosis at c4and c5. Now this info I got from a angiogram. Getting a little tingling down in parts of my arm . Did have surgery 30 years ago in the same area no hard ware. Don't want this progressing to weakness. Will see a ortho nurse practitioner soon. Will see his words of wisdom. I know PT won't work. But I would give Saunders a try. Probably need a MRI for confirmation. Surgery was not bad . 45 minutes through the back. You wait to long weakness and muscle artrophy start fast.

[@tonithelen6034]

Can I use the mechanical traction if I have fused dis in my neck from c4 to C6

[@talantwiz01]

Should a patient have an MRI and an x-ray before using that machine

[@JosephMontana-hu7hd]

Lol release a stagnant anurism or blood clots, or become paralyzed instantaneously. YAY!!!!

[@Chiroman527]

Your video and others on KZbin have proposed using this device at home. I am tempted. I had gone for spinal decompression at a local chiropractor last fall. He was treating both lumbar and cervical spine , separately of course, but in the same session. It was helping the cervical stiffness that i suffer from. But after the 15th session one day, while driving home , i felt a strong pressure and increased ringing in my left ear. I do suffer from Military neck as tgey call it and have facet joint arthritis throughout many areas of the spine. We stopped the sessions. Months have gone by and i continue to suffer. Now with COVID, i am heistant to resume sessions which the chiropractor may be starting to do. I have radiculopathy into both arms, the left is worse. Do you think this machine would help me? Thx for your advice.

[@schan263]

How are you doing now? I hope you got better. I bought a very similar machine. I don't use it consistently but I think it did help a bit. I gave notice to my manager to quit my job so I could focus on dealing with some of my health issues.

[@joshwilson696]

If you have a bilateral upper-limb radiculopathy you should be assessed +/- imaged to exclude cervical myelopathy as a potential differential diagnosis.

[@BTSArmyboy520]

Sir I have reverse cervical car attire and c3 to c60mild disc bulge and narrow the space and c3 c4 nerve root exit is it curable

[@joansioson5213]

Hi, should I feel pain or ache on my shoulder after the traction? Or what does it mean when i felt pain.

[@healthyme1920]

i'm 5' - the support under the legs - how high should that be? thank you

[@OrthoEvalPal]

The height doesn’t matter much. 6-8inches is usually a good height

[@stevenciesiel777]

What are the adverse effects of doing this I recently did this and been having a pins and needles sensation ever since. I already have disk protrusions and extrusions that are hitting nerves with moderate mild stenosis I’m wondering if it worsened my condition 😬

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Hi Steven, I have never had anyone have adverse effects from traction but if you feel more tingling, there could be more going on besides nerve root compression.

[@rshattuck01]

What do you call the pillow under his knees?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

A bolster.

[@Galispapi]

I have a C6-C7 herniation with radiculopathy. I just purchased a Saunders Mechanical Traction. How many times a day can I use it. In addition, for how many minutes each session. Thank you in advance for your guidance.

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Hi Dave, I recommend 3-4 times a day starting with 15 pounds for 3 minutes then 18-20 pounds for 15 minutes each times. You can also tilt it to the opposite side a few degrees.

[@Trajikbpm]

Is this good for Severe foraminal stenosis?

[@cbzombiequeen58]

i have pinched nerve, causing carpal tunnel. I also have a reverse neck curve. will this work for me?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

This will not necessarily help carpal tunnel. It will not improve the neck curve either. Now, if you have a pinched nerve in your neck, this could very well help

[@nellee123]

I just started this treatment because of a herniation but I sort of hate it, is that normal? My neck feels very tense during and after it and it hurts my lower neck when it stretches a lot. I wonder if this is normal for my situation or if I should ask my Chiro to go easier on me. ☹️

[@chrisburch909]

Great video. Question.... do you need another person to help you get situated in the device? Or can the user do it okay by him/her self?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

HI Chris, you can totally do this alone. Best, Paul

[@landshark616]

can you use this if you have cervical instability ?? would it damage the nerves by stretching them?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

I would not with instability.

[@ThatKayakingGuy]

can this be used as a general health/wellness device even in people without acute neck conditions? like, to encourage the correct postural curvature of the neck or something?

[@eemerald2323]

Hey why didn't you mention about the different angles of it? You forgot.. I need it added to the video please.

[@fabiopacific]

Can it be used if someone have the following : "At C5/6, there is severe facet and uncovertebral arthropathy and a large posterior disc/osteophyte complex causing severe central canal narrowing with flattening of the cord. There is severe bilateral foraminal stenosis." Or is it not recomended ?

[@sherrykosborn]

My MRI is almost IDENTICAL to yours!

[@BeautifulAshes1965]

There are 3 adjustments on the height. Which setting gives the 15-20 degree of neck flexion

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Hi Tash, the Saunders unit is set at 15 degrees to start and can go higher if needed.

[@ahmedelsokary7076]

@@OrthoEvalPal i have multiple disc c3 c4 c c6 ... which degree should i choose

[@talantwiz01]

After two treatments of extending my neck on 15 I felt pain and discomfort can 15 really hurt people

[@VV-ov3pl]

Hi, it's normal to feel tachycardia, anxiety, a lot of heat and itching in the body after a cervical decompression session?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Not usually.

[@mannymew1651]

Will this work for somebody in their 60s or older without cervical stability?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

I have use it with people in their 60"s

[@junechris]

@@OrthoEvalPal I saw, what i'm sure was the same device for $199.00 I have a good chiropractor but I wanted to find something to help the nerve root impingement issue I have in my neck when I can't see him. My neck causes dizziness and anxiety issues. Can feel the lump in my neck and the spasm goes into my trap area.

[@omg28374]

I have mild straightening of the cervical spine. Can this device help me regain that curve?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

It does help to put your neck into that position.

[@omg28374]

@@OrthoEvalPal Thank you for taking the time to answer.

[@vladislavroytapel2830]

Is it still the best Model ? brand ?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

This is what I used for my research and is the only unit I use in the clinic.

[@sshum00]

I have a posture pump (the blue one that pumps the bag upwards) to treat my reversed curve, does this also help with that?

[@angelmoon87]

I have the same problem. I got a posture pump too. And will start using it soon. Someone has mentioned that it fixed the problem with curve.

[@kk_c]

Dear Sir, thank you for this video. I have been diagnosed with neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome with a cervical rib in C7 on the left side. This traction unit is being used for my PT. Is it advisable and good to use this for my condition? If you could please let me know I would appreciate it very much. Thank you!

[@OrthoEvalPal]

If your issue is from a C7 nerve root compression then yes. You should feel immediate relief when in it.

[@mjclaudianava5397]

Does different angulation of the cervical spine focus on different levels of the C-spine ? Like lower/mid/upper.

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Not enough to make a difference while in traction

[@dannyphantom4514]

Does this work to fix posture?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

It helps in a small way. Posture strengthening is way more helpful.

[@1lapmagic]

If I feel impingement on my neck blood vessels when using a device like this, how does that indicate my position on the device or the arm width is wrong? In which way should I move or reposition?

[@marwannaji7861]

Hi :) great vid thx .. wanted to ask you ... towards the end you mentioned you like patients propped up 10-15 degrees flexion..meaning you raise the angle on the device? or you put a pillow under the upper back .. thx

[@OrthoEvalPal]

The device is already propped at 15 degrees.

[@ismailabdullahi778]

Mechanical Traction Device needed Pls.

[@zornsunshine1608]

If we do this for 3 to 4 times a day how long until we see sustained relief? Asking this I know it varies from person to person. I just had an onset of nerve impingement pain in the left side C-5 C-6 And this feels amazing when I’ve done it but as soon as I come out of it pain is right there again. I’ve only been doing it for two days

[@lupetorres9487]

So how is the machine doing for you?

[@crazyfoodlovers8797]

Why do we keep cervical spine in a bit flexion for traction?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Takes pressure off of the facets, opens the vertebral foramen. And, just more comfortable.

[@lindarauch85]

Is this devise okay to use when a person has TMJ problems?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Hi Linda, Yes it is. The pull is all behind the skull. I actually use this one all the time because most others come around the jaw and irritate the TMJ. I have one of these at home.

[@fk3958]

I got a two day headache with mine and my therapist had me in it for 15 min the first time.

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Hi Kirsten, always start lighter then recommended. If you have tenderness at the base of the skull then yes it could give you a headache.

[@fk3958]

Ortho EVAL Pal With Paul Marquis thank you. I’ll try that.

[@sarajacob5239]

Is over the door traction as effective as mechanical traction?

[@lew708]

I have both this device and over the door unit. Not a doctor but from using both, I would say that you could get the same effect from over the door. I have the Pettibon Over-the-Door system and really like it.

[@tomslick2058]

The door is stupid. Your neck goes a bit backwards .

[@1x1HealthyEnergybyAndrew]

I've used this device before. Not much better than over the door cheaper version.

[@jackleung3458]

Hello, I have a question ask you, --- I did 6 times DT system ( computerized) traction, and I got big problem, 1) my pinched never on right side C-6-C7 gone . this clinic used Horizontal traction rather than your angle traction , this traction was applied to 25P, 27p 30p, 33P 37P , 39 P, after that, one night and after following few night , I fell my lung both side are diffcuty to breathing and pain during sleeping , and heart.pain too , this traction looks to destroy my neck autonomic disorders for open away C6-C7, C5-C6 spine? How can I fix back ?

[@Artwithnam]

@Jack Leung are you better now

[@shahabahmad9454]

I want itttttt

[@DaveFogel]

I have the Posture Pump and it makes me feel sick for hours after using it for only a few minutes. Does this device cause the same feelings? I need to try something else.

[@OrthoEvalPal]

I have never had a patient say that with the Saunders but if it would make you feel bad, I would consult a physician. Should not traction more then 18-20 pounds.

[@vladislavroytapel2830]

dear Dr! So your normal protocol is 3 min 15 pounds and after 20 pounds for 15 min.....Not training disilicate automatic decompression unit that is up and down puling strength. Thank you!

[@kwalitynana]

my machine won't go UP any more but an inch? How do I fix it?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

Put a book under the back side to give it a little more pitch.

[@stoweman34]

Why do my thighs feel weak after cervical traction?

[@OrthoEvalPal]

They should not feel week at all. If so, there could be something more serious going on. Are you knees propped up on a roll or something to keep your back in a neutral position?

[@stoweman34]

Ortho EVAL Pal With Paul Marquis -I was laying on my back on the traction machine...My MRI shows some stuff going on but the two neurologists don’t know what’s really going on and just keep sending me to PT. See MRI results below. INDICATIONS: 47 years-old Male. "intermittent left body numbness and weakness. r/o cervical stenosis " COMPARISON: None. PROCEDURE: MRI of the cervical spine, including: T1 sagittal, T2 sagittal, STIR sagittal, T2 axial and T1 axial sequences. 8 mL gadobutrol IV gadolinium contrast was administered and axial T1 as well as sagittal postcontrast sequences were obtained. FINDINGS: VERTEBRAL BODY AND DISCS: There is diffuse straightening the cervical spine likely positioning or spasm. Stature is unremarkable. Marrow signal is unremarkable and homogeneous. Minimal diffuse disc desiccation present on expected for age. No significant disc space narrowing identified apart from minimal disc space loss at C5-6 C6-7. SPINAL CORD/ INTRASPINAL COMPARTMENT AND POSTERIOR FOSSA: Cord signal is normal and homogeneous. Cerebellar tonsils are well seated in the posterior fossa. No intraspinal fluid collections identified. No abnormal enhancement identified throughout the cervical spine. PREVERTEBRAL SOFT TISSUES: Unremarkable. LEVEL BY LEVEL ANALYSIS: C2-C3: No significant disc bulge or herniation no canal or foraminal stenosis. Mild left-sided facet DJD. C3-C4: Mild disc osteophyte complex asymmetrically prominent right paracentral region with slight cord flattening present without canal stenosis. No foraminal narrowing bilaterally. Facets unremarkable. C4-C5: No significant disc osteophyte complex. No canal or foraminal stenosis. Facets unremarkable. C5-C6: Moderate disc osteophyte complex asymmetrically prominent right-sided with right sided cord flattening present. Borderline canal stenosis AP canal diameter narrowed down to 9 mm. No foraminal stenosis bilaterally. Mild facet DJD bilaterally C6-C7: Mild disc osteophyte complex present with left paracentral-subarticular zone extrusion extending inferolaterally down to at and just below the left C7 pedicle level. This extrusion measures 6 x 3 mm in transverse and AP dimensions and extends craniocaudal up to 12 mm. Mild left lateral cord flattening present at the level the disc level extending inferiorly with borderline canal stenosis. Mild to moderate left-sided foraminal stenosis secondary to this protrusion . Right neuroforamen patent. Minimal facet degenerative change bilaterally. C7-T1: No significant disc osteophyte complex. No canal or foraminal stenosis. Mild bilateral facet arthritic changes. SURROUNDING SOFT TISSUES: Unremarkable. IMPRESSION: Normal homogeneous cervical cord. No abnormal enhancement throughout the cervical spine. Mild/moderate cervical spondylotic changes most prominent at C6-7. Mild canal stenoses C5-6 and C6-7 slightly more prominent at C5-6. No other canal stenosis identified. Focal left paracentral-subarticular zone disc extrusion at left C6-7 with mild to moderate left-sided foraminal stenosis relating to such and extending down to the pedicle level with left lateral cord flattening also relating to this protrusion without cord edema or myelomalacia. Please correlate for left C7 radicular symptoms Early multilevel multi positional facet degenerative changes.

[@stoweman34]

Numbness/Tingling also is on my right side too. There’s good days and bad days but I’ve never been 100% since July.

[@khx73]

@@stoweman34 Keep on them for answers.. see a different Dr if those ones aren't working out for you. Your symptoms are different than I had in that you have general numbness and tingling in one whole side, whereas I had finger numbness, tingling, and occasional severe pain in both arms. Pinched nerves at c5 c6 c7. Spinal stenosis at same location was bad enough that it alone warranted surgery, although the stenosis hadn't produced symptoms yet. Same age as you. Best wishes to you.

[@sherrykosborn]

@@stoweman34 How are you these days? Any surgery?

[@shahabahmad9454]

Will you deliver it to meee Please

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Haha Ive used mine all the way up to 30 with no relief so my neck is jacked up.

[@brightsparkey1965]

Guy has a nice beard

[@yukiannie666]

my neck craves such kind of stretch too