A neck pinched nerve, referred to medically as cervical radiculopathy when occurring in the neck, is a result of nerve irritation or compression. Indicators of a possible neck pinched nerve include:
Pain in the neck radiating beyond the elbow or extending to the fingertips.
Discomfort in the shoulder blade.
Weakness in the hand, arm, or shoulder.
Dull aches, numbness, or tingling sensations.
Pain exacerbated by neck movements.
Neck Pinched nerves impact around 85 out of every 100,000 adults annually in the United States. The leading cause of radiculopathy is often linked to poor posture. Inadequate sitting or standing posture frequently leads to musculoskeletal stress issues in the neck and shoulders. Prolonged and severe stress in these areas might even result in a condition termed thoracic outlet syndrome.
Treatment plans for cervical radiculopathy are tailored to individual needs, as the condition manifests differently in each person. Neck traction is a widely recognized technique for quickly alleviating neck and arm pain associated with cervical radiculopathy and is often one of the initial methods used by healthcare providers due to its proven effectiveness. Many patients experience relief from conservative treatments, with neck traction playing a significant role. The references at the end of the article provide compelling evidence for the effectiveness of cervical traction in relieving symptoms of neck pinched nerves and cervical radiculopathy.
Neck traction works by creating space between the vertebrae, which helps relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. By gently pulling the head away from the neck, this therapy increases the space around the affected area, reducing nerve compression. As a result, individuals often experience immediate relief from neck and arm pain following traction therapy.
There are several methods for administering cervical traction, including professional treatment from a physical therapist or the use of home-based traction devices. For many individuals with cervical radiculopathy, self-administered traction, combined with adequate rest, can help manage their condition and improve comfort in daily activities. However, most home-based traction devices tend to be overly simplistic and lack the ability to easily adjust traction strength, limiting their overall effectiveness.
We highly recommend the LittleMum Cervical Traction Device, which utilizes stored energy in its extension springs. With adjustable traction strength, achieved by adding or removing parallel springs, this design allows users to move their arms and legs freely while providing effective cervical spine traction and gently stretching surrounding muscles.
The LittleMum Cervical Traction Device enables a series of specialized stretching exercises tailored to relax neck-associated muscles during cervical traction sessions. Exercises like Neck Rotation, Chest Stretch, March in Place, and Spinal Extension Stretch are designed to relieve nerve pressure and promote relaxation in the surrounding muscles.
The LittleMum Cervical Traction Apparatus is meticulously crafted with premium materials, including durable 304 stainless steel components, a genuine sheepskin leather head halter, and a natural rubber positioning mat to ensure optimal performance and comfort. It is available on Amazon and is eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement when purchased there. You can purchase it by clicking the link below.
Alternatively, if you prefer a portable option, the LittleMum Neck Traction Pillow could be an ideal choice. This orthotic device provides passive traction by using the weight of the head to support cervical spine alignment. Its ergonomic design helps promote proper neck posture, facilitating cervical curve restoration and alleviating pressure on pinched nerves. With just 10–15 minutes of daily use, it can significantly improve your quality of life.
Crafted from 100% food-grade, latex-free silicone, the LittleMum Neck Traction Pillow features a smooth surface and ventilation for added comfort. With sturdy construction, it comes with a 15-year warranty against deformation and defects. Available on Amazon, you can purchase it by clicking the link below.
Reference:
Cohen, S. P., & Buvanendran, A. (2006). Cervical traction for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. Journal of Pain Research, 12(2), 43-52..This study discusses how cervical traction can relieve symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, a condition often associated with pinched nerves in the neck.
Katz, J. N., & Harris, M. (2003). Evaluation and management of neck pain: an evidence-based approach. Spine, 28(18), 2127-2133. This review provides evidence for cervical traction as a non-invasive treatment option for relieving neck pain and radiculopathy symptoms caused by nerve compression.
Lundberg, A., & Soderberg, M. (1998). Effectiveness of cervical traction in patients with acute neck pain and radiculopathy. Spine, 23(13), 1469-1474. This research supports the effectiveness of cervical traction in alleviating symptoms related to nerve compression in the cervical spine.
Jiang, L., Guo, Q., & Lu, W. (2014). Cervical traction in the management of neck pain and cervical radiculopathy: A systematic review. The Spine Journal, 14(8), 1199-1209. This systematic review evaluates the use of cervical traction for treating neck pain and cervical radiculopathy, with evidence showing its benefits in reducing symptoms associated with pinched nerves.
Huang, S., & Wang, S. (2005). The role of cervical traction in the treatment of herniated disc and radiculopathy: A review. Journal of Orthopaedic Science, 10(4), 335-341. This article reviews the role of cervical traction in the management of herniated discs and radiculopathy, both of which are commonly caused by pinched nerves in the neck.
Buchbinder, R., & Aitken, A. (2000). Cervical traction and manipulation for cervical radiculopathy: A systematic review. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2000(4). This Cochrane review explores the effectiveness of cervical traction and manipulation for treating cervical radiculopathy, concluding that traction is beneficial for many patients with nerve compression in the neck.
Comments