Cervical Traction – Simply Move Chiropractic

Cervical Disc Herniation Treatment

Dr. Natalie Otoya — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:43:02 +0000

At Simply Move Chiropractic here in Charlotte, I see many patients who come in with stubborn neck pain, shoulder tension, or tingling in the arm. These symptoms often point to a cervical disc herniation—a condition that can make even simple tasks like looking over your shoulder or sleeping comfortably a challenge.

Understanding Cervical Herniated Discs

Your cervical spine (neck) consists of seven vertebrae stacked on top of one another, separated by discs that act as cushions and spacers. Each disc is made up of a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). A herniation happens when the center pushes through a weak spot or tear in the outer layer. This protrusion can press on spinal nerves or even the spinal cord, causing localized pain or radiating symptoms.

Not all herniations are the same. Some are small and cause mild discomfort, while others are large enough to produce significant nerve compression and neurological symptoms. The location of the herniated disc—often at C5-C6 or C6-C7—will determine the specific pattern of pain or weakness.

How Is It Diagnosed?

When I evaluate someone for a suspected cervical disc herniation, I start with a detailed history and physical exam. Certain orthopedic and neurological tests can help me determine which nerve roots may be involved. If your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or show signs of nerve damage, I’ll refer you for imaging—usually an MRI—to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the herniation.

Symptoms to Watch For

Gradual onset of shoulder pain
Significant loss of shoulder mobility
Pain that worsens at night
Difficulty reaching behind the back or overhead
Muscle tightness and guarding around the shoulder

RED FLAGS:

When to Seek Immediate Help

In rare cases, a cervical disc herniation can compress the spinal cord, leading to more serious symptoms. If you experience:

Sudden onset of bladder or bowel changes

Problems with balance or walking

Difficulty with fine motor skills

Loss of coordination in hands or feet

..it’s time to seek emergency medical attention.

How I Treat Cervical Disc Herniation

My goal is always to help you avoid surgery when possible by using effective, non-invasive treatments tailored to your condition. Here’s how I approach it:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Gentle manual adjustments can restore proper motion to the cervical spine and relieve pressure from irritated joints and nerves.

Active Release Technique (ART)

I use ART to release tension and adhesions in muscles like the scalenes, levator scapulae, and trapezius, which often become tight and irritated in response to disc pain.

Supine Cervical Traction

This gentle traction method helps decompress the discs by creating negative pressure, encouraging the herniated material to retract.

Infrared Laser Therapy

Our Class IV dual-wavelength laser (810nm and 980nm) penetrates deep into tissue to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and speed up healing.

Dry Needling

I use dry needle therapy to reduce muscle spasm and pain referral from trigger points, especially in the upper traps and neck muscles.

Corrective Exercise and Posture Work

Once pain starts to ease, we focus on restoring posture and neck mobility to reduce the chance of recurrence. I may incorporate DNS-inspired rehab or McKenzie-based exercises to strengthen your deep neck flexors.

Every Patient is Different

No two cases of cervical disc herniation are exactly alike. Some patients may respond quickly to traction and manual therapy, while others may need more emphasis on laser therapy or dry needling to relieve muscle tension and nerve irritation. That’s why I tailor each treatment plan to your specific symptoms, medical history, and goals. Whether you’re an active professional, a stay-at-home parent, or someone managing chronic stress and posture strain, your care plan will be customized to fit your needs—not just a one-size-fits-all approach.

Long-Term Relief Is Possible

If you’ve been told you have a cervical disc herniation—or suspect you might—I want you to know that there are effective, non-surgical solutions available. My one-on-one approach ensures you get the time and attention needed to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.

If you’re in the Charlotte area, contact Simply Move Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation. Let’s work together to get your neck—and your life—moving again.

Cervical Disc Herniation Treatment

Dr. Natalie Otoya — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:13:45 +0000

Understanding Cervical Herniated Discs

How Is It Diagnosed?

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms can vary depending on which disc is herniated and which nerves are involved. You may notice:

Neck pain or stiffness
Tingling or numbness in the arms or fingers
Muscle weakness in the shoulders or arms
Headaches that originate at the base of the skull
Decreased range of motion or pain when turning your head

RED FLAGS:

When to Seek Immediate Help

In rare cases, a cervical disc herniation can compress the spinal cord, leading to more serious symptoms. If you experience:

Sudden onset of bladder or bowel changes

Problems with balance or walking

Difficulty with fine motor skills

Loss of coordination in hands or feet

..it’s time to seek emergency medical attention.

How I Treat Cervical Disc Herniation

My goal is always to help you avoid surgery when possible by using effective, non-invasive treatments tailored to your condition. Here’s how I approach it:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Gentle manual adjustments can restore proper motion to the cervical spine and relieve pressure from irritated joints and nerves.

Active Release Technique (ART)

I use ART to release tension and adhesions in muscles like the scalenes, levator scapulae, and trapezius, which often become tight and irritated in response to disc pain.

Supine Cervical Traction

This gentle traction method helps decompress the discs by creating negative pressure, encouraging the herniated material to retract.

Infrared Laser Therapy

Our Class IV dual-wavelength laser (810nm and 980nm) penetrates deep into tissue to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and speed up healing.

Dry Needling

I use dry needle therapy to reduce muscle spasm and pain referral from trigger points, especially in the upper traps and neck muscles.

Corrective Exercise and Posture Work

Every Patient is Different

Long-Term Relief Is Possible

If you’re in the Charlotte area, contact Simply Move Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation. Let’s work together to get your neck—and your life—moving again.

The Benefits of Cervical Decompression in Charlotte, NC: Insights from a Clinical Case Study

Dr. Natalie Otoya — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:34:19 +0000

As someone deeply invested in helping patients manage and overcome pain, I’ve seen the transformative effects of cervical decompression firsthand. Using mechanical intermittent cervical traction, I’ve successfully treated many individuals suffering from cervical radiculopathy—a condition that causes radiating pain from the neck down to the arms, often due to nerve compression. This approach has proven to be a highly effective solution, especially for those looking for non-invasive ways to relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when nerves in the cervical spine become compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness that can travel from the neck to the shoulders, arms, and hands. This condition is commonly caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Treatments for cervical radiculopathy vary, but they often include medication, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgery.

The Effectiveness of Cervical Decompression

A case series study involving 15 patients aged 32 to 81 years, all experiencing cervical radiculopathy, highlighted the effectiveness of mechanical intermittent cervical traction. This method involves a gentle, cyclical pulling force applied to the cervical spine, aiming to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. The traction helps by stretching the neck, which can enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and encourage healing.

The study used the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to assess changes in pain and functional limitations. The results were impressive: over half of the patients experienced complete pain resolution. Notably, those who had symptoms for 12 weeks or less showed the best outcomes. This underscores the importance of early intervention, which can lead to quicker and more effective relief.

Why I Recommend Cervical Decompression

Non-Invasive and Safe: One of the main reasons I advocate for cervical decompression is its non-invasive nature. Unlike surgery, it doesn’t carry the same risks or require lengthy recovery times, making it a safer and more attractive option for many patients.
Effective for Early Intervention: Patients who begin traction therapy soon after symptoms appear tend to see the best results. By reducing pain and preventing further degeneration early on, cervical traction can help patients return to their daily activities more quickly and with less discomfort.
Significant Pain and Disability Reduction: My patients regularly report noticeable improvements in their pain levels and overall function. Tools like the NDI and NPRS provide clear evidence of how effective this treatment can be, helping patients regain their ability to perform daily tasks without pain.
Complementary to Other Treatments: Cervical traction can be combined with other therapies, such as mobilization or manipulation, to enhance its effectiveness. This holistic approach often yields the best results, allowing for comprehensive care that addresses multiple facets of cervical radiculopathy.

Cervical Decompression at Simply Move Chiropractic

At Simply Move Chiropractic, I offer cervical traction as part of a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs. My goal is to provide you with the most effective and least invasive options available. Using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, I ensure that every session of cervical traction is comfortable, safe, and precisely targeted to address the root cause of your pain.

If you’re in Charlotte, NC, and struggling with neck pain or symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can explore how cervical decompression can bring you relief and help you return to a pain-free, active lifestyle. At Simply Move Chiropractic, I am committed to helping you find the best path to health and wellness. Let’s take the first step toward your recovery today.

Neck Traction in Charlotte, NC

Dr. Natalie Otoya — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 20:22:46 +0000

Discovering the Benefits of Cervical Traction Therapy

If you’re struggling with persistent neck pain, you might have come across the term “neck traction” as a potential solution. As a chiropractor at Simply Move Chiropractic here in Charlotte, NC, I often recommend neck traction for patients dealing with various neck issues. Let me explain what neck traction is, why it might be beneficial for you, and what you can expect during a visit.

What is Neck Traction?

Neck traction, also known as cervical traction or decompression, is a therapeutic method used to relieve neck pain by gently stretching the neck. This form of spinal decompression helps to create more space between the vertebrae, which can relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. By doing so, neck traction can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall neck mobility.

Disorders of the Neck That Might Require Traction

Several neck conditions can be managed with the help of traction. Some of the common disorders include:

Herniated or Bulging Discs:

These occur when the discs between the vertebrae are displaced, pressing on nearby nerves. Traction helps by creating space for the disc material to move back into place.

Cervical Spondylosis:

Often referred to as neck arthritis, this is a condition where the discs and joints in the neck degenerate over time. Traction can provide pain relief by reducing the pressure on the spinal discs and nerves.

Muscle Spasms:

Chronic neck pain can lead to muscle spasms, which further exacerbate the pain. By gently stretching the neck, traction helps to relax the muscles, reducing spasms and discomfort.

Cervical Radiculopathy:

This condition, caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, results in pain, numbness, or weakness that can radiate into the shoulders and arms. Neck traction can relieve the pressure on the nerve roots, easing these symptoms.

How a Traction Table Works

At my clinic, I use a specialized traction table to perform cervical traction. This table allows me to apply a controlled amount of force to stretch and decompress the neck. The table can be adjusted to accommodate different angles and force levels, ensuring that the traction is tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

During a neck traction session, you will lie on your back, and a padded harness will be placed around your head. The harness is then attached to the traction machine, which slowly pulls your head away from your body, creating a gentle stretch in your neck. The force and duration of the traction can be adjusted based on your comfort level and the severity of your condition.

What to Expect During a Visit

When you come in for neck traction at Simply Move Chiropractic, I’ll start with a thorough assessment to understand your specific neck issue and determine if traction is the right treatment for you. We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments you’ve tried.

If neck traction is deemed appropriate, I’ll explain the procedure and make sure you’re comfortable with the process. During the session, you’ll lie on the traction table, and I’ll carefully adjust the settings to ensure the right amount of stretch. A typical traction session lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your condition and how you respond to the treatment.

After the session, you may feel immediate relief, although it can take a few sessions to notice significant improvements. I’ll also provide you with advice on posture, stretching exercises, and lifestyle modifications to enhance the benefits of the traction therapy.

Conclusion

Neck traction is a safe, non-invasive method that can provide significant relief for various neck disorders. If you’re in Charlotte, NC, and are struggling with neck pain, I invite you to visit Simply Move Chiropractic. Together, we can work towards alleviating your pain and improving your neck health. Don’t let neck pain hold you back—schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a pain-free life!

PERFECT FOR YOU

Pricing Plans

Pricing is subject change. You have 3 days after purchase of package for a full or partial refund.

Single Treatment

$75

Single

This price is for a single traction session.

Package Price

$300

4 Session Package

This package includes 4 treatments for the price of 3 treatments.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Cervical Traction.

How does Cervical Traction feel?

During a cervical traction session, you’ll be comfortably positioned, and a gentle pulling force will be applied to your neck. The process is non-invasive and controlled to ensure comfort and safety. Sessions can last anywhere from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on your treatment plan.

Is Cervical Traction safe?

Yes, Cervical Traction/Decompression is generally safe when performed by a trained healthcare provider. I take into account each patient’s unique needs and make adjustments as necessary to ensure comfort and safety during the procedure.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of your condition, how well you respond to the therapy, and your overall health goals. A full treatment plan may involve several weeks to maximize long-term benefits.

How quickly will I feel results?

Some patients experience relief after the first session, while others may need a few treatments before noticing a difference. The speed of results depends on the severity of your condition and your body’s response to the therapy.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Side effects are rare but may include mild muscle soreness or temporary discomfort. Cervical traction may not be recommended for patients with certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, severe arthritis, or spinal fractures, so it’s important to discuss your medical history before starting treatment.

How is Cervical Traction different from lumbar traction?

Both cervical and lumbar traction aim to relieve pressure on spinal discs, but cervical traction focuses on the neck (cervical spine), while lumbar traction targets the lower back. Each method uses customized force and positioning to best support the needs of these different areas of the spine.

Can Cervical Traction be combined with other treatments?

Yes, cervical traction is often used alongside complementary therapies like Active Release Technique (ART), infrared laser therapy, and specific chiropractic adjustments to enhance recovery. Combining therapies can be particularly effective for treating complex pain patterns and promoting healing.

Does insurance cover Cervical Traction?

I am a cash practice at but I offer treatment packages at a discount for Cervical Traction. Patients can submit a super bill to their insurance for possible re-imbursement or use their FSA plan.