A cervical traction method and apparatus for treating irregularities in
the lateral curvature of the cervical region of the spine involves the
application of traction load to induce an axially elongated or extension
posture in the cervical region of the patient's spine. The patient is
placed in a supine or seated position, and a traction halter is fitted
about the head of the patient, with a traction sling also being
optionally positioned about the cervical region of the patient. A
traction load, which may have an intermittently varying magnitude, is
exerted on one or more of the sling or halter to induce an axially
elongated and/or extension posture in the cervical region. The axially
elongated posture at least partially diminishes the lateral curvature of
the cervical region of the spine in the patient, and the extension
posture at least partially restores the lateral curvature to the cervical
region of the spine in the patient, thereby reducing symptoms such as
neck pain, upper back pain, headaches, and other symptoms of mechanical
origin that result from irregular lateral curvature of the spine.