Name of the Procedure:

Traction Equipment, Overdoor, Cervical (E0860)

• Common Name: Overdoor Cervical Traction
• Technical Term: Cervical Traction Device

Summary

Overdoor cervical traction is a non-invasive treatment to relieve neck pain. It uses a harness attached to a door and a counterweight system to gently stretch the neck.

Purpose

The main goal of overdoor cervical traction is to alleviate neck pain and discomfort. It aims to:

• Reduce muscle spasms
• Relieve pressure on the spinal nerves
• Improve neck mobility
• Assist in the alignment of cervical discs

Indications

This procedure is typically recommended for:

• Chronic neck pain
• Cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain)
• Herniated cervical discs
• Tension headaches due to neck strain
• Muscle spasms in the neck

Preparation

• No special pre-procedure instructions or preparations are typically required.
• It may be helpful to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• Initial assessment by a healthcare professional to determine suitability.

Procedure Description

1. The device includes a harness, door clamp, and weights.
2. The patient sits in a chair, positioning their head in the harness.
3. The harness is connected to a counterweight system hanging over the door.
4. The counterweight gently pulls on the neck, providing traction.
5. Traction is maintained for a prescribed period, usually 10-20 minutes.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes per session.

Setting

The procedure can be performed at home, with initial instruction and supervision by a healthcare professional such as a physical therapist.

Personnel

• Physical Therapist (initial assessment and instruction)

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Mild discomfort or muscle soreness

Rare risks:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Increased neck pain
• Tingling or numbness in the arms (should be reported immediately)

Benefits

• Pain relief can be noticed within a few sessions.
• Improvement in neck mobility.
• Non-invasive and cost-effective compared to surgical alternatives.

Recovery

• There is no recovery time needed.
• Patients can return to normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress.

Alternatives

• Physical therapy exercises
• Medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Manual spinal manipulation
• In severe cases, surgical intervention

Pros and cons:

• Alternatives like medications may provide quicker pain relief but come with side effects.
• Surgery may offer permanent solutions but involves higher risks and longer recovery.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Patients might feel a gentle pulling or stretching sensation in their neck.
• Most patients do not experience significant discomfort.

After the procedure:

• Minor soreness is possible but usually resolves quickly.
• Pain management techniques like applying ice or heat can help.

Comfort Measures:

• Proper instruction on using the device can enhance comfort and effectiveness.
• Practicing good posture and neck ergonomics can further aid in recovery and comfort.