Chiropractic and the Saunders Cervical Traction Device in Knoxville

The Saunders cervical traction device can be implemented for a number of neck pain related conditions with great results. For those suffering from acute neck pain particularly with pain, numbness, and tingling into the arm, hands, and/or fingers, the Saunders Cervical traction unit in Knoxville may be the appropriate choice.

Neck pain that occurs abruptly either from an accident/injury or with no known mechanism of injury can be not only painful but can significantly alter daily life. A common injury that can occur in the spine is a herniated disc. This is where the inner material of the spinal disc known as the nucleus pulposus bursts out of the outer fibers that hold it in. When this happens, there can be significant inflammation and pain around the affected disc. That pain can be worsened if the inner material of the disc presses into the nerve root as it is branching off of the spinal cord at the neural foramen. This leads to what is known as radicular symptoms that can be described as pain, burning, numbness, and tingling that travels into the extremities. This pain is significant when this injury occurs in the neck, fortunately there are effective treatment options.

The first step would be to determine the site and extent of the injury with a thorough exam and imaging. In my clinics, my chiropractic protocol for dealing with this injury consists of manual cervical traction using a y-strap technique; realigning affected areas of the spine around the injury; and reducing inflammation and further injury. This protocol is effective in treating this pain and injury in a moderate amount of time. The Saunders Cervical Traction Device can speed up this recovery time and help reduce pain in between treatments.

The Saunders cervical traction device works by stabilizing the neck at the top of the shoulders. The head is then strapped to the device that is capable of movement along a track. The patient can then pump the handheld device to allow the headpiece to move upward allowing for spinal decompression of the neck. This temporarily helps relieve acute localized pain around the neck, removes pressure off of the affected nerve root, and can stretch tight, tender muscles. I have implemented these devices over the years for the acute neck pain patient and have seen healing time drastically reduced and pain levels managed quicker allowing for better sleep, working without pain, and getting back to normal daily routines.