Can Cervical Traction in Glen Waverley Help a Pinched Nerve?

A woman enjoys a peaceful walk on the beach, embodying the potential relief and freedom from pain that cervical traction might offer for a pinched nerve in the neck.

An Evidence-Based Guide by Posture Blueprint Osteopathy – Glen Waverley

If you’re experiencing neck pain, arm tingling, or a pinched nerve, you may be dealing with cervical radiculopathy — a condition where a nerve in your neck becomes compressed. At Posture Blueprint Osteopathy in Glen Waverley, many patients ask whether home cervical traction can help, and when to consider a cortisone injection.

This article offers an easy-to-understand, research-informed guide so you can explore your options with confidence.

An osteopath at Posture Blueprint in Glen Waverley discusses cervical traction and cortisone injections with a patient, providing research-informed advice for informed decision-making.

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve in your neck becomes irritated, often from a disc bulge or degenerative changes. This can lead to neck pain that travels into your shoulder, arm, or hand.

Assessment of hand for symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, aiming to relieve pain that can extend from the neck to the arm and hand.

How Cervical Traction in Glen Waverley Works

At Posture Blueprint Osteopathy, we often recommend cervical traction in Glen Waverley as part of a personalised treatment plan for nerve-related neck pain. Whether you're using a home traction device or seeking hands-on support, we can guide you through what’s safe and effective.

A healthcare professional demonstrates cervical traction techniques on a patient, showing how gentle neck stretching can relieve nerve pressure and alleviate symptoms like pain and tingling.

Does It Actually Help?

Research shows that traction may improve symptoms when used with professional guidance and exercise:

• A 2014 study (Fritz et al.) found that traction with exercise improved outcomes more than exercise alone.

• Some patients find short-term relief using home traction, especially when used correctly under practitioner advice.

However, traction isn’t a cure-all. It works best as part of a broader care plan — not as a stand-alone treatment.

A person in a lab coat reviews research findings on a tablet, exploring the potential benefits of traction therapy when administered by healthcare professionals.

Pros of Home Cervical Traction

• Non-invasive and drug-free

• Can be done at home

• May reduce arm pain and improve comfort

Considerations

• Not suitable for everyone (e.g., spinal instability)

• Should be introduced by a trained osteopath

• Discontinue use if you feel dizzy, worsened pain, or discomfort

Enjoying the benefits of home cervical traction, a family engages in a gentle stretching routine, promoting comfort and well-being in a cozy setting.

When Are Cortisone Injections Considered?

If you’ve had MRI-confirmed cervical radiculopathy and conservative treatments haven’t helped, a corticosteroid injection might be an option. These injections reduce inflammation around the affected nerve and may offer short-term relief.

Performed under imaging guidance, injections can reduce pain and allow patients to resume rehab or daily activity. However, they don’t "fix" the root cause and are usually reserved for more severe or persistent cases.

Medical professionals discuss treatment options in a busy hospital corridor, highlighting the potential benefits of corticosteroid injections for cervical radiculopathy patients.

How Posture Blueprint Osteopathy Can Help

Located in The Glen Shopping Centre, Posture Blueprint Osteopathy offers:

• Individualised assessments

• Hands-on osteopathic treatment

• Home traction guidance (if appropriate)

• Rehab exercises and postural correction

• Referrals for imaging or cortisone injections as needed

Explore holistic wellness solutions at Posture Blueprint Osteopathy, conveniently located in The Glen Shopping Centre, offering expert care to enhance your health and posture.

Book Your Free Posture Assessment in Glen Waverley

If you're experiencing neck pain, arm tingling, or a pinched nerve, Posture Blueprint Osteopathy in Glen Waverley is here to support you. Book a free posture assessment with Dr Nicholas Usui-Crook, a trusted osteopath based inside The Glen Shopping Centre. During your assessment, we’ll examine your posture, mobility, and nerve function — and create a personalised plan that reflects the latest evidence-based care.

👉 Book your free posture assessment now 👉 Visit: https://www.postureblueprint.com/book-online

Learn about your spine with a free posture assessment. Book your session now at postureblueprint.com.

References:

• Fritz JM, Thackeray A, Brennan GP, Childs JD. (2014). Exercise Only, Exercise With Mechanical Traction, or Exercise With Over-Door Traction for Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 44(2), 45–57.

• Swezey RL, Swezey AM, Warner K. (1999). Efficacy of Home Cervical Traction Therapy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 78(1), 30–32.

• Graham N, Gross AR, Goldsmith CH, et al. (2008). Mechanical Traction for Neck Pain With or Without Radiculopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, (3):CD006408.

• Vallée JN, et al. (2001). Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy: Lateral-Approach Periradicular Corticosteroid Injection. Radiology, 218(3), 886–892.

• Kolstad F, Leivseth G, Nygaard OP. (2005). Transforaminal Steroid Injections in the Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy: A Prospective Outcome Study. Acta Neurochir (Wien), 147(10), 1065–1070.

This blog is for general education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis and treatment.*