Cervical traction is a type of therapy in which pressure is applied to the cervical vertebrae of the neck in a slow, pulling motion. This treatment helps alleviate stress between the vertebrae of the neck, thus reducing pain and promoting flexibility. It also can help open the spaces through which nerves exit the spinal canal. Diagnoses that can be treated with spinal traction include herniated or bulging discs, neck arthritis, neck strains, and cervical muscle spasms. There are several types of cervical traction, including manual traction (performed using the hands), mechanical traction (performed using a harness while a patient is lying flat), and over-the-door traction (performed using a harness while a patient is sitting in a chair). While it’s easy to find cervical traction kits and devices available for purchase, patients should seek evaluation from a licensed medical professional before beginning any type of traction therapy. Furthermore, many devices on the market are designed for clinical use, meaning a professional should administer treatment in order to reduce the chances of injury and ensure proper technique. Overdoor traction devices employ a pulley system to gently pull the spinal column upward from the head. Traction collars are essentially padded neck braces that relieve pressure in the neck vertebrae by gently expanding. Patients can control the expansion with a manual pump.