Head extension often helps restore the neck curvature which in turn takes pressure off of the nerves and reduces pain.
When your spine is irritated and discs are irritated, they do not stay in good alignment. The discs will typically bulge or migrate posteriorly (towards the back) which is where the nerve roots extend from the spinal cord.
Extending your head back will push the discs forward, pulling them into place. The discs lay in between the spinal bones and should not extend beyond the margins of the vertebrae.
One great and simple way to do this is to lay on your bed with your head hanging off the edge slightly into extension. Start with your head just hanging off the edge slightly, if you feel comfortable, push yourself slightly further. This is a basic level of neck traction, so start with allowing the head to hang in extension only a minute or two. I say this because your muscles can be sore after. It’ll be a good soreness, but nonetheless it’s soreness, and you don’t want to be in more pain.
Gradually work yourself up time-wise with the tractioning for the most benefit. The reason I call this a simple technique is that anytime you have some neck discomfort or pain you can do this technique for a minute or two and often get immediate relief. For more serious tractioning, I would recommend the posture pump 1000. Also, for individuals with dizziness or difficulty extending their head, I recommend the posture pump because for extension you pump up a cushion under your neck creating the curvature- the same effect, just a different method.
Additional Reading Resources:
When your spine is irritated and discs are irritated, they do not stay in good alignment. The discs will typically bulge or migrate posteriorly (towards the back) which is where the nerve roots extend from the spinal cord.
Extending your head back will push the discs forward, pulling them into place. The discs lay in between the spinal bones and should not extend beyond the margins of the vertebrae.
One great and simple way to do this is to lay on your bed with your head hanging off the edge slightly into extension. Start with your head just hanging off the edge slightly, if you feel comfortable, push yourself slightly further. This is a basic level of neck traction, so start with allowing the head to hang in extension only a minute or two. I say this because your muscles can be sore after. It’ll be a good soreness, but nonetheless it’s soreness, and you don’t want to be in more pain.
Gradually work yourself up time-wise with the tractioning for the most benefit. The reason I call this a simple technique is that anytime you have some neck discomfort or pain you can do this technique for a minute or two and often get immediate relief. For more serious tractioning, I would recommend the posture pump 1000. Also, for individuals with dizziness or difficulty extending their head, I recommend the posture pump because for extension you pump up a cushion under your neck creating the curvature- the same effect, just a different method.
Additional Reading Resources:
- How to End Neck Pain by Doing a Cervical Traction Program at Home
- Look up, down, turn your head and bend your ear to your shoulder
- The Different Types of Disc Problems That May Cause Neck Pain
- The Things that Make You Say “Oh my Neck !”…
- Remedy for A Stiff Neck
- Proven Neck Pain Cure that Works Wonders- without surgery or drugs
