https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BibKL5FtPzc
Those who have been patients at our office for a while know that I'm not big into gizmos unless they have been found to have meaningful patient value in the long term. But there are a few staple items that have a high return on investment for home use, and the passive cervical lordotic traction devices (I know it's a mouthful, I used the abbreviation PCLTD) fall in that category.
The device is a rather simple molded plastic shape, that comes in a couple different sizes to accommodate different bodies, that is meant to apply a passive lordotic force in the cervical spine when applied in the supine position, to shape the ligaments of the cervical spine into a correct forward curve. The device are usually very easy and comfortable to use, and require about 3 to 5 minutes application time per day.
Patients were good candidate for the device are individuals with a reverse cervical curve without severe degenerative changes. Those patients will benefit the most from slow reshaping of the ligaments over time. Some patients are not good candidates for cervical traction device, including patients with severe osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, especially with stenosis that is aggravated by any extension position, or bony spurs encroaching in the posterior lateral spinal canal. Other contraindications include certain types of active vertigo, aggravated by posterior positioning of the head and neck.
We have a couple loners in different sizes that will send home with the patient for trial of 2 weeks of home use, to determine if the traction is beneficial and tolerable. PCL to the devices are readily available over the counter for under $20.
