What a pain in the neck, literally—any otc devices that work?
May 28, 2021 6:16 AM Subscribe
I’m looking for recommendations for an over-the-counter/amazon neck traction device. I’ve seen inflatable collars, over-the-door pulley devices, hard rubber neck rests—what’s best?
(YANMD or PT, and I have a doctor and went to a PT session. I am 50, male, and have mild degenerative changes in spine.)
Ok, I have some bulging at c3-c4 and c6-c7 and it seems the c6-c7 is the pain culprit. Sharp pain on right side between spine and top of shoulder blade when rotating head to the right. It is likely injury-related from when I whiplashed myself as part of a recoil reflex when a springy branch that I was hunched over with a chain saw sprang back toward my face. I reacted by yanking my head/neck/upper torso backward like I had touched a hot stove.
On the left side, I have armpit pain and numbness in my middle three fingers and inside of the webbing of my thumb. The left side may be some sort of entrapment/stenosis unrelated to the cervical pain on my right side.
At the PT session, I did neck traction that felt like it was providing relief. I’d like to get a home device/contraption to provide some neck traction at home but cannot decide what type of device is most effective and also cost-effective; I cannot afford something that is $350. I was hoping for $50 or less. So, what have you tried that you like? Thanks!
(YANMD or PT, and I have a doctor and went to a PT session. I am 50, male, and have mild degenerative changes in spine.)
Ok, I have some bulging at c3-c4 and c6-c7 and it seems the c6-c7 is the pain culprit. Sharp pain on right side between spine and top of shoulder blade when rotating head to the right. It is likely injury-related from when I whiplashed myself as part of a recoil reflex when a springy branch that I was hunched over with a chain saw sprang back toward my face. I reacted by yanking my head/neck/upper torso backward like I had touched a hot stove.
On the left side, I have armpit pain and numbness in my middle three fingers and inside of the webbing of my thumb. The left side may be some sort of entrapment/stenosis unrelated to the cervical pain on my right side.
At the PT session, I did neck traction that felt like it was providing relief. I’d like to get a home device/contraption to provide some neck traction at home but cannot decide what type of device is most effective and also cost-effective; I cannot afford something that is $350. I was hoping for $50 or less. So, what have you tried that you like? Thanks!
My (excellent) PT showed me how to do a DIY traction setup. You take a scarf and tie it to a table leg so that it forms a loop and sort of cradle your head in it and gently scoot yourself away from it. It works for me.
posted by HotToddy at 7:11 AM on May 28, 2021
posted by HotToddy at 7:11 AM on May 28, 2021
Hello;
Perhaps this may help you-it helped my wife who suffers from military neck.
Going to be over $50 though.
https://arc4life.com/
posted by LOOKING at 8:39 AM on May 28, 2021
Perhaps this may help you-it helped my wife who suffers from military neck.
Going to be over $50 though.
https://arc4life.com/
posted by LOOKING at 8:39 AM on May 28, 2021
You should really get a recommendation from your PT on what will be safe and effective.
posted by radioamy at 9:01 AM on May 28, 2021 [5 favorites]
posted by radioamy at 9:01 AM on May 28, 2021 [5 favorites]
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posted by tman99 at 6:37 AM on May 28, 2021