Why Cervical Traction Helps Post-Concussion Neck Tension Cervicogenic symptoms affect up to 90% of patients with persistent PCS. The same forces that injured the brain typically injured the cervical spine. The resulting muscle guarding, joint dysfunction, and tissue restrictions produce headache, dizziness, and brain fog that compound concussion symptoms. Traction provides one mechanism to address the cervical component directly (Patricios et al., 2023). Traction produces three measurable effects. First, gentle separation of the cervical vertebrae reduces joint compression and inflammation. Second, sustained traction reduces muscle guarding by interrupting the sustained contraction cycle. Third, the position relieves pressure on cervical nerve roots that can produce referred symptoms. Each mechanism addresses a different component of cervicogenic dysfunction. Home traction supplements professional treatment. Physical therapy provides assessment, hands-on treatment, and exercise prescription. Home traction extends the treatment effect between sessions. The combination produces better outcomes than either alone. Home traction alone, without professional guidance, can target the wrong issue or use inappropriate force. Start with provider approval. Cervical traction is generally safe but not universally appropriate. Patients with cervical instability, certain disc pathology, or specific vascular concerns should not use traction without medical clearance. A physical therapist or physiatrist can evaluate whether traction is appropriate for your specific situation. Best Overall: Saunders Cervical Home Traction Device Website: enovis.com (Saunders is now an Enovis brand) Price: ~$300-450 The Saunders is the gold standard home cervical traction device used in physical therapy clinics worldwide. The pneumatic system delivers precise, controlled force through a hand-pump mechanism with a built-in pressure gauge. Force is adjustable from 0-50 pounds in 5-pound increments. The supine position eliminates the body weight that complicates seated traction. Built-in safety mechanisms prevent excessive force. What makes it stand out: Gold-standard pneumatic traction system used in PT clinics Precise force control (0-50 lbs with gauge) Supine position (eliminates body weight variable) Built-in blow-off valve prevents over-pressurization No assembly required (ready to use from case) Hard case for storage and travel FDA-listed medical device Clinical research support Limitations: Highest price in this category. Substantial size and weight (not portable beyond the included case). Requires floor space for use. The supine position requires getting up and down which may produce its own challenges in some patients. Some patients find the precise control overwhelming initially. Best for: Patients with significant ongoing cervicogenic symptoms who plan to use traction regularly during recovery. The premium investment pays off through consistent use over months of recovery. Particularly justified when home traction will supplement weekly PT. Best Clinical Grade Alternative: ComforTrac Cervical Traction Available at: Amazon, PT supply companies Price: ~$280-340 The ComforTrac is a clinical-grade alternative to the Saunders, using mechanical traction (a lever and ratchet system) rather than pneumatic. The mechanical system provides up to 50 pounds of force with a sturdy frame design. Many physical therapists recommend the ComforTrac when patients want clinical-grade traction without the Saunders price. What makes it stand out: Mechanical traction up to 50 pounds Solid frame construction Adjustable head position (multiple angle options) Used in PT clinics Lower price than Saunders No air pump needed Long-term durability Limitations: The mechanical system is less precisely controlled than pneumatic (5-10 pound increments rather than smooth adjustment). Heavier than Saunders. The lever mechanism requires hand strength to operate. Larger storage footprint. Setup takes 1-2 minutes vs Saunders' immediate use. Best for: Patients who want clinical-grade traction at a slightly lower price point than Saunders, particularly those who do not need the precise pneumatic force control. Best Pneumatic Inflatable: ChiSoft 3-Layer Neck Traction Device Available at: Amazon Price: ~$40-65 The ChiSoft is an inflatable collar-style traction device worn around the neck and inflated to provide gentle distraction. The 3-layer design provides more lift than single-chamber alternatives. While not equivalent to clinical-grade devices, the budget pricing and simplicity make traction accessible for patients who want to test whether traction helps before investing in premium devices. What makes it stand out: Inflatable design (no large equipment to store) Budget pricing (under $65) Portable for travel Quick setup (inflate and wear) Can be used in any position (seated, standing) 3-layer design provides more lift than basic models Hand pump included Limitations: Force application is less precise than clinical devices (pressure rather than measured pounds). The neck-collar design creates jaw pressure that some patients find uncomfortable. Provides distraction force but not the controlled angle of supine devices. Some patients experience jaw or facial discomfort during use. Quality control varies between batches. Best for: Patients testing whether traction helps before investing in premium devices, or those who need portable traction for travel. Also useful for brief midday traction breaks at work. Best Over-the-Door: NeckPro Cervical Traction Device Available at: Amazon, medical supply Price: ~$55-85 The NeckPro is an over-the-door traction device with a water bag counterweight and head halter. The patient sits and the water bag provides downward force that creates upward traction through the pulley system. The simplicity and affordability make traditional traction accessible at home. While supplanted by newer designs in clinical use, the over-the-door system remains effective for basic traction. What makes it stand out: Traditional over-the-door traction format Water bag allows continuous force adjustment Budget pricing Compact storage (folds up when not in use) Seated position (easier setup for some patients) Mid-range pricing Limitations: Requires a door or sturdy mount point. The seated position adds body weight as variable that complicates force calculation. Head halter design produces jaw pressure that bothers some patients. Less precise force application than gauged devices. Older design that has been superseded in clinical practice. Best for: Patients who prefer seated traction or those without space for the larger supine devices. Also useful in shared living situations where the over-the-door system stores discreetly. Best Pillow Traction: Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction Available at: Medical supply companies Price: ~$80-120 The Pronex is a pillow-form pneumatic traction device. You lie supine on the pillow and inflate it to create gentle traction force. The pillow form is more comfortable than collar or halter designs. The pneumatic system provides controllable force, though less precise than the Saunders. The mid-range pricing falls between budget inflatable and premium clinical devices. What makes it stand out: Pillow form provides comfortable head and neck support Pneumatic system for controlled force Supine position eliminates jaw pressure issues Mid-range pricing Less intimidating than larger clinical devices Easier to use solo than over-the-door systems Hand pump included Limitations: Less precise force control than Saunders. The pillow form provides less leverage than rigid clinical devices. Build quality varies between vendors. Less widely available than the Saunders or ChiSoft. Smaller patient base means less peer feedback for choosing. Best for: Patients who want supine traction without the cost or size of clinical-grade devices. Particularly useful for patients with jaw or facial sensitivity that the collar-style devices aggravate. How to Choose the Right Cervical Traction Device Your choice depends on three factors: usage frequency, force needs, and budget. Regular daily use planned (3+ months of recovery): Saunders Cervical Home Traction ($300-450) for premium daily use ComforTrac ($280-340) as alternative clinical-grade option Testing whether traction helps: ChiSoft 3-Layer Inflatable ($40-65) for budget trial NeckPro Over-Door ($55-85) for budget seated traction Need supine position (jaw sensitivity, severe symptoms): Saunders Cervical Home Traction ($300-450) Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction ($80-120) as budget alternative Need portable travel option: ChiSoft 3-Layer Inflatable ($40-65) for travel-friendly format Limited storage space: ChiSoft 3-Layer Inflatable ($40-65) NeckPro Over-Door ($55-85) folds for storage Budget priority through full recovery: ChiSoft 3-Layer Inflatable ($40-65) How to Use Cervical Traction Safely Get professional clearance first. Have a physical therapist or physiatrist evaluate whether traction is appropriate for your situation. They identify contraindications (cervical instability, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, certain disc pathology) that home traction would worsen. Start with low force and short duration. Begin at 10-15 pounds for 5 minutes. Increase gradually as tolerated. Most patients eventually use 20-30 pounds for 15-20 minutes. Higher forces or longer durations are not better and increase risk. Use 1-2 times daily, not continuously. Brief daily traction sessions produce better results than extended single sessions. Two 15-minute sessions per day provides more benefit than one 30-minute session. Stop immediately if symptoms worsen. Mild discomfort during traction is acceptable. Severe pain, dizziness, nausea, numbness, or tingling indicates inappropriate force or position. Stop, recover, and discuss with provider before continuing. Combine with active treatment. Traction alone produces limited results. Combined with cervical exercises, postural work, and physical therapy, traction provides supplementary benefit. The traction is one component, not the complete treatment. Supporting Mobility Routine Traction provides passive decompression. These exercises provide active cervical function that traction cannot replace. JME 14 Chin tucks activate the deep cervical flexors that provide active stability. 10 repetitions with 5-second holds. Do these multiple times daily. JME 1 Cervical rotation maintains the joint mobility that complements traction work. 10 repetitions each direction, slow and controlled. JME 3 Lateral cervical flexion releases the upper trapezius tension. 8 repetitions per side with 15-second holds. JME 15 Cervical extension counteracts the sustained flexion of daily activities. 8 repetitions. Start your 3-day free trial for cervical mobility programs that complement traction treatment. Common Mistakes With Cervical Traction Starting at too high force. Aggressive force does not produce better results and increases risk. Start at 10-15 pounds and progress gradually. Using too long per session. 15-20 minutes is the typical effective duration. Longer sessions produce diminishing returns and may produce muscle fatigue that worsens symptoms. Skipping professional evaluation. Home traction without professional clearance can worsen specific conditions. The 15-minute consultation that identifies contraindications prevents problematic use. Substituting traction for active treatment. Traction alone does not produce cervical recovery. Combined with PT, exercises, and posture work, it supplements the active treatment that drives recovery. Continuing despite worsening symptoms. If symptoms increase after starting traction, stop and reassess. Traction is not always appropriate; sometimes the cervical contribution requires different treatment. Will cervical traction help my concussion symptoms? It helps the cervicogenic component of PCS symptoms (headache, neck tension, some dizziness). It does not directly treat brain injury. For patients with significant cervical contribution to PCS, traction can produce meaningful symptom reduction. For patients without cervical involvement, traction does not help. How often should I use cervical traction? 1-2 times daily for 15-20 minutes per session is typical. Daily use produces better results than less frequent use. Beyond twice daily, the benefit plateaus. How long until traction shows results? Some patients feel immediate brief relief from each session. Sustained improvement typically develops over 4-6 weeks of consistent use combined with active treatment. If no improvement after 4-6 weeks of consistent use, the cervical contribution may need different treatment approach. Are cervical traction devices covered by insurance? Sometimes, with prescription. The Saunders and similar clinical-grade devices may qualify as durable medical equipment under specific conditions. Check with your insurance and provider. Insurance coverage varies substantially by plan and condition. References Patricios, J. S., et al. (2023). Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Amsterdam, October 2022. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(11), 695-711. PubMed Treleaven, J. (2008). Sensorimotor disturbances in neck disorders affecting postural stability, head and eye movement control. Manual Therapy, 13(1), 2-11. PubMed