How to Choose the Best Neck Traction Wedge
We recently posted a video on the best way to use our favourite neck traction wedge to fix your posture and eliminate ongoing pain and tension. You can find the original post here.
This neck traction wedge is an incredible tool for anyone who wants to avoid the negative consequences that computers and phones can have on their health. It’s comfortable, easy to use and perfect even if you have very little time to spare.
Why would you need a neck traction wedge?
The world has dictated that we’ll be spending an incredible amount of time in a position that’s harmful to our spine and overall health. We know we need more than basic stretches and exercises because we often don’t even have time for them. We need something that we can do daily, takes little time and undoes the damage of forward head posture.
Good news! Many of our patients are benefitting from this simple, amazing product! But…some of you already had purchased something similar from Amazon and are wondering if it’s safe and will work as well.
There are so many traction products on the market and we’ve tried most of them. Posture has become a buzz word and stimulated an entire industry of products and gadgets to help. Some are very useful but others can do more harm than good.
What’s the best neck traction wedge?
Many companies are selling all kinds of devices to stretch the neck but please be cautious before trying any. The joints of your neck are sensitive and will react and become inflamed if too much pressure is put on them.
You can’t force your neck back to the ideal position. You have to allow it to slowly let go over time.
While traction is generally a good thing…it can also be harmful when it isn’t used correctly or is too intense.
Why do I have to be so gentle?
Much of the tension created in our necks is caused by guarding, and it’s important to address the underlying cause of the guarding first. Here are some of the ways our spines are affected:
Joints:
Long term forward head posture overloads the joints in our necks and upper backs. This causes the joints to become “locked”. When the joints can’t move properly we lose mobility, arthritis starts to set in, we feel old and we’re more likely to become injured.
Nerves:
The nerves in the area will become compromised. You may feel tingling in your shoulders, arms or fingers. You may feel weaker on one side. The nerves control many functions so you may also notice that your head and neck don’t drain as well causing sinus issues or ear infections.
Muscles:
The muscles will become very tense in an effort to protect the area. Your range of motion will be reduced and you will likely feel very sore and tense.
Inflammation:
You will feel a tender spot in your neck that feels like a bruise. That is not likely just a muscle knot. The locked up area in your neck will be inflamed and may even feel like it’s “sticking out”. That tenderness is what is referred to as a “subluxation”…a joint in your spine that is isn’t functioning normally and compromising the nerves and soft tissues related to it.
How does this information help me choose the best wedge?
The best wedges will allow the joints of your spine to gently open without putting too much pressure on any specific joint and without trying to force the neck into a position it’s not ready for.
If you use a firm traction wedge that puts too much pressure on the joint of your neck that’s locked up you’ll irritate it. That will cause it to become more inflamed and likely make things worse.
Be very cautious of any traction wedge that puts too much pressure on a single area. In other words…avoid the wedges with a “bump” you’re supposed to position on the sore spot in your neck.
If you overstretch the muscles of your neck by getting into a deeper position than your neck is ready for you’ll end up very sore. Keep in mind, your muscles are guarding/protecting your spine…you can’t override that.
Too much pulling or stretching will cause your muscles to “double down” on their efforts to guard the area and you’ll end up tighter and more sore in the long run. Be cautious of any wedge that seems too intense at first. Ensure the wedge has different options to allow you to start slowly and supported.
That’s why we recommend this wedge.
- It’s extremely comfortable.
- It’s supportive enough to get great results and you don’t hurt yourself.
- It can be used in many ways so you can use it from a beginner to an advanced level but progress slowly and safely..
- It’s also made in Canada and we love that.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of why we love it:
Watch this video to ensure you use it correctly:
If you’re looking for a great product to fix your rounded shoulders we’re also big fans of the Ten Minute Cushion.
But…as always, if you want your spine to stay healthy for a lifetime and you want the best results form these products please get your spine checked and adjusted.
These products won’t replace an alignment but they’ll definitely help it stay that way.
