One of the most painful conditions stemming from problems in the neck, or cervical spine, are nerve compressions -or radiculopathies. These usually stem from arthritis in the neck or from disk protrusions, commonly referred to as bulging, ruptured or herniated discs. When the nerves are compressed in the neck, patients can experience not only neck pain, but also shoulder, arm, wrist and hand problems.  Numbness, tingling and pain as well as weakness and loss of muscle strength can result from nerve compression. Sometimes these problems can become permanent – especially if left untreated. In severe cases, surgery to remove herniated disks or arthritic bone growths is necessary.

In most situations, conservative, or non-surgical treatment can lead to a cure. Even herniated disks can be healed through non-surgical means. A cornerstone of conservative treatment for cervical nerve compression-or cervical radiculopathy- is intermittent traction.

With intermittent cervical traction, an axial or upward force is applied to the base of the head and neck. This stretches the vertebrae, or neck bones, and relieves pressure on the disks and nerve roots in the neck. Traction is most effective if performed frequently, such as once every evening before to going to sleep. Additionally it’s best if traction forces are applied intermittently as opposed to continuously. Intermittent traction is much less likely to cause muscle spasms. 

In my medical practice, I utilize CycleTrac for a variety of reasons. The CycleTrac intermittent home traction unit is different from any others that I have seen in my medical practice. In addition to being easy to use, it has three special features. Traction can be applied intermittently, the traction pull is through the base of the skull and there is no forehead strap. Intermittent traction is much less likely to cause muscle spasms. Traction pull through the base of the skull eliminates the possibility of developing jaw problems, such as TMJ, and the absence of a forehead strap is more comfortable for the patient. This results in better patient follow-through. This all leads to treatment success. It is also worth noting that the patient is in complete control while administering traction in the CycleTrac home unit.

Since January 2000, CycleTrac has become an integral part of my medical practice. My patients handle it with ease.  It’s simple to set up, fully adjustable, comfortable, compact and inexpensive. Because of these positive features, patients use it on a regular basis and they do get better. In my professional opinion, to treat neck injuries, there is no better home cervical traction unit available today that’s as effective as CycleTrac.

Gary Chodoroff, M.D. 

Medical consultant to CycleTrac