Over Door Traction Unit with Water Bag

Used this when recovering from whiplash on the days I was not at physical therapy. Took time but 3 months of my family making fun of me hanging off the door, I finally felt great! After 11 years symptoms have returned and now using it and definitely feel an improvement. If you purchase this make sure your therapist or doctor tells you how much water to put in bag. Start slowly. Great device if used correctly.

I received this traction device and was excited to try it out. First…it’s a little complicated to put together. Then when the bag has water in it, it’s pretty tricky to get the head piece on and lower the bag simultaneously. I found the harness to be very scratchy on my face as well as hard to get the straps in the correct place. I unfortunately ended up returning it.

This works but it is a long process. My chiropractor advised me to start with 10 pounds of water for 5 minutes twice a day then maybe a week later gradually increase. The tingling and numbness in fingers absolutely decreased dramatically.

I have a bulging disc diagnosed about 6 years ago and it started bothering me again a couple of months ago (I am assuming it is the same issue because it feels similar). After the pain continued to get worse I decided to purchase 3 neck traction devices (Alex Orthopedic Over the Door Traction Unit with Water Bag, EverRelief Inflatable Cervical Neck Traction Device and Instapark Cervical Neck Traction Device) and see which one would work the best. Combined they were about 1/3 the price of a borrowed one that eliminated my problem when I used it 6 years ago (Saunders SAU201 Saunders Cervical Hometrac Traction Device, I used in addition to Traction in the physical therapy clinic). Only the over the door unit provided sustained relief. Both the EverRelief and Instapark inflatable devices ended up squeezing my neck reducing blood flow to and from by head even after working on adjusting the velcro fasteners. This made them uncomfortable to use and didn't provide enough upward pressure on my head. The Instapark provided the least upward pressure and the velcro fastener and medal D ring pushed on chin and neck uncomfortably. Of the two Inflatable EverRelief was the better of the 2 inflatables but also inadequate for any sustained relief from neck pain. It was better only because it was more comfortable on the chin and provided slightly more upward pressure. I was also unable to return these two units after trying them out.The over the door traction unit works very well for me. I don't have problems with massively increased blood pressure in my head because my neck is being squeezed like the other 2 inflatable options. I fill the bag full and I will actually pull down on the rope intermittently with my hands to add even more stretch to my neck. My neck pain has been reduced at least 90-95% in the past several weeks. My suggestions for improving the over the door unit is to add more weight (if you want more) by buying metal weights from an exercise equipment store. I don't know how much weight the pulley system can handle but I think it must be able to handle at least 45 pounds (my estimate based on the water bag and the amount of extra pull I provide). I will attach a 45 pound weight at some point but I have been fine with this method for now. Also, as I recall when I went to the physical therapist 6 years ago they did traction on me in the office and it would periodically loosen tension to give the discs a chance to move during traction before going back to max traction tension. This is why I think the extra pulling and then not pulling with my hands somewhat mimicshysical therapist 6 years ago they did traction on me in the office and it would periodically loosen tension to give the discs a chance to move during traction before going back to max traction tension. This is why I think the extra pulling and then not pulling with my hands somewhat mimics this.The big disadvantage of the unit is it is cumbersome to setup and take down so I have it setup with a chair in a guest room or on a door in the basement. I listen to podcasts while using it and remove my glasses. This way I can keep it setup for easy quick use. I typically use it for at least 5 minutes at a time but usually 10-15 minutes 1x/day. On the average week there are about 2 days I fail to use it but things have still been getting better. At some point if I can't feel any discomfort I will still plan on using it a couple times a week as a preventative measure.The price for this unit is relatively cheap and it does the job and is comfortable to use and the only disadvantage is some inconvenience in use.

Didn't get any relief. First it was a pain to put together so I highly recommend having a door in the house where you can leave it set up. I felt the traction pull on the font part of my neck and jaw, instead of the back. I have a buldged disc on my c5 and 6c this did nothing to help that. I tried to return but it cost more money to resend than to buy so now I'm stuck with it.

I have osteoarthritis in my neck & started slowly using the traction device & stretching my neck. I can't believe the difference it makes! After a week or two practically pain free, no more "crunchy" sounds when turning my head. If I get busy & forget to use it at least once or twice a week, I really notice a difference. Makes my shoulders feel more loose & relaxed too.

I got this because I was having a lot of neck problems and my neurosurgeon suggested I try traction before we opted for surgery. It wasn't too hard to set up following the instructions, but the harness that holds my head was difficult to adjust comfortably. I think I may have filled up the bag too full for a first time. My suggestion is to start with half a bag and work up to full if you need it. I ended up having surgery so I can never use it again. It was worth a try, and it wasn't too expensive so I can't complain.

Works very well