A: Spinal traction is stretching the spine length wise to counter the effects of gravity.

A: The average head weights about 10 to 12 lbs, and the neck and shoulder muscles work very hard to hold the head up. This repetitive use of the muscles along with daily work, physical stress, improper sleeping habits, poor posture, previous neck injuries and emotional stress can all cause neck muscles to tighten with time. The tight muscles can result in pain and restriction in movement.

With aging, the spinal discs can become weak and bulge with pressure from both the weight of the head and tight neck muscles squeezing the vertebrae and disc together. Tight neck muscles and bulging disc(s) can exert pressure on nerves and blood vessels to constrict circulation between the head, neck and arms. This can cause headaches, weakness, pain, numbness and cold sensation anywhere in the arm.

Neck traction can stretch and relax the neck and shoulder muscles while helping to improve spinal posture. The stretching can decompress the spinal discs which may minimize bulging and ease the constriction on nerve and blood circulation. Neck traction can also help reduce pressure on painful and stiff joints to help relieve pain and improve mobility.

A: DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM is an inflatable neck traction device that inflates with air using a high efficiency hand pump. When it is partially inflated, DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM functions like a neck support. When DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM is fully inflated, it helps support the weight of the head to help reduce stress on the neck and shoulders. Further inflation elongates DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM helps to gently stretch the neck and shoulder muscles while supporting good posture. This further helps reduce stress on the neck and shoulder muscles. Many health professionals have observed that cervical neck traction allows tight neck muscles to relax, and helps decompress spinal discs and joints. The pressure in DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM is adjustable so you can set the stretching to your personal comfort level. There are no batteries, chemicals or harmful side effects. It’s portable, safe and easy to use.

A: For best results, we recommend that you use the Neck Comforter about 2-3 times a day for at least 20 minutes each time. However, if you would prefer to use it for a longer period of time, you should feel free to do so as there are no harmful side effects. (The majority of people will obtain results within 1-3 treatments. Those with slightly more pain and tension might have to leave it on for longer than the recommended 20 minutes.)

A: The hand pump and air hose should be on the left side of your body.

A: DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM has an adjustable Velcro strap which you can adjust to fit your neck size.

A: You should feel a gentle stretching of your neck and also the feeling of your shoulders being pushed downwards. Your head will also be totally supported by the Neck Comforter^TM and should feel as if it is "floating" above your neck and shoulders.

A: Most people feel the stretching effects right away on their neck and upper shoulder muscles. In fact, after using DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM for 20 minutes, most people experienced an increased range of motion and almost immediate relief of soreness, numbness and cold sensation in the arm and hand areas.

A: No, absolutely not. The unique triple layer system feature included in the Neck Comforter^TM expands lengthwise; it thus provides a vertical stretching action for your neck.

A: Yes, you may definitely do so. However, it is more effective if you are sitting in an upright relaxed position. We recommend that you do not sleep with the Neck Comforter on fully inflated.

A: Yes, you may do light easy tasks such as working on the computer, washing dishes or even cooking. However, be sure not to do any heavy lifting while wearing the Neck Comforter^TM as the weight of what you are lifting will render the treatment ineffective.

A: The Neck Comforter^TM will help support the weight off the head to relieve pressure on stiff and painful joints. Relieving stress on the neck and shoulders can help reduce inflammation, provide comfort and improve neck mobility

A: Repetitive strain injuries can affect your muscles, tendons, and nerves. It is quite common to experience this in the upper back and arms and usually occurs due to overuse of these areas that keep the muscles tense. This type of injury is also often a result of poor ergonomics and posture, stress and repetitive motions.

One of the most common types of repetitive strain injuries is caused by frequent use of the computer, and results in strain, pain and discomfort in the wrists and forearms. Many people, however, don’t realize that this strain starts from your neck and radiates down the arm towards the wrist. It is also often a result of poor posture. DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM helps relieve this pain by stretching and straightening your neck while improving your posture. This helps decrease the pressure on the nerves in the neck and helps increase blood circulation to the upper limbs. Improved blood circulation helps relieve the pain radiating down the arm to the wrists and allows your body to recover at a quicker pace.

A: DR-HO’S^® Neck Comforter^TM will lift the head up and remind you to straighten up. It will help you become more aware of your posture especially when you are sitting down. With greater awareness of your posture, you can also help train yourself to become straighter.

A: Depending on the stage of disc degeneration, some cases can be helped while the more severe herniated disc may require surgical intervention. Please consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Neck traction helps by decompressing the spinal disc, negating the pressure from the weight of the head and also from the pulling effects of tight muscles. The decompression may help to reduce the bulge and ease irritation and constriction on nerve and blood vessels sitting close to the spinal disc.

A: Headaches can result from tension and pain in the neck and shoulders. By stretching the neck and shoulders to relax the muscles can help to ease radiating pain from the neck to your head. Also tight neck muscles can irritate nerves at the upper back side of the neck which cause headaches. Neck traction can relax the muscles at the back of the neck to reduce the irritation on the nerves that are causing the headaches.

A: You have our manufacturer’s 90 day warranty against material defects. You also have our 30-day money back guarantee, if for any reason you are not satisfied with the Neck Comforter^TM you may return it for a full refund, within the 30 days, less the cost of shipping and handling.