Poor posture, sitting for hours and the lack of an ergonomic work set-up can all lead to neck and back pain. One treatment that can help relieve pain stemming from conditions like “tech neck” is a cervical traction device, otherwise known as a neck stretcher. These devices increase spine flexibility and ease neck inflammation, according to Dr. Ken Hansraj, chief of spine surgery at Northern Medical Group.
“Cervical traction devices work by gently pulling the head away from the neck, which increases the space between the vertebrae,” he says. The decompression can help reduce pressure on the intervertebral discs and nerves, which means, when used correctly, these devices can help prevent neck and back pain.
I spoke to Hansraj and other experts to find the best cervical traction devices for alleviating chronic neck pain and rounded up their recommendations. I also addressed who should use a neck stretcher (and which type) and when to speak to a doctor for further assistance.
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The best cervical traction products in 2026
I spoke with experts to get their input on the best products for neck traction and addressing neck pain. I included their picks and other highly-rated products based on their guidance in this list below.
This small, foam-filled cushion, is ideal for stretching and relaxing the muscles in the neck. It can also help relieve neck pain by using it for just 10 minutes each day, according to the brand. The ergonomic c-shaped cushion design helps ease the cervical spine and though your neck may take a few days to adjust to the device, it doesn’t cause pain.
This memory foam pillow from Brooklyn Bedding is recommended by Hansraj. Although pillows aren’t technically cervical traction devices, they still go a long way in helping people with neck pain, he says. “These pillows support proper neck alignment during sleep, which can help prevent and alleviate neck pain,” he says. “They’re a good choice for those looking to maintain cervical health passively and are particularly beneficial for people with posture-related neck issues.”
This particular pillow is made from memory foam, which evenly supports weight distribution and conforms to your body’s movements, according to the brand. Plus, you can choose from either a low or high profile for the pillow, depending on the height that works best for you.
This pillow helps emphasize the curvature of the back of the neck and supports cervical traction. Its form allows you to adjust the height by turning it around, depending on what it is most comfortable. It has an area for placing your arms and even an area that makes positioning more comfortable for side sleepers. It also has a breathable and removable mesh pillowcase that’s also machine washable.
Hansraj also recommends this cervical pillow to provide relief to the cervical spine. Its ergonomic design makes it a good fit for side, back, and stomach sleepers, according to the brand. The rectangular memory foam pillow has a groove in the middle that gently holds the back or side of the neck as you sleep. The pillow is also made from breathable memory foam, promoting air circulation, which is great for those who tend to get very hot when they sleep.
This posture pump is a good option for people who need help getting rid of neck pain and increasing their flexibility, according to the brand. It emphasizes and supports the natural curvature of the neck and cervical spine by preventing discs from bulging, according to AllSett Health. It also improves posture by correcting the placement of your head, which can help people who have a “hump” behind their neck, according to the brand.
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How I picked the best cervical traction devices
I rounded up product recommendations for the best cervical traction devices from our experts. Here is what I kept in mind when curating this list:
- Modifiability: Hansraj recommends using a cervical traction device with some degree of adjustability. In other words, it’s better to use a device that you can tune to your needs. You don’t want a cervical traction cushion that’s too high or too short for your body. Many of the devices below are available in different lofts and levels of firmness, or are adjustable based on their level of intensity of exercise.
- Comfort and material: Hansraj recommends prioritizing comfort and material when shopping. I looked for cushions made from ultra-soft, breathable and durable materials, such as memory foam, polyurethane foam, polyfoam and blended latex. These materials are ideal because they can conform to the structures of your neck, providing a comfortable basis of device engagement to the neck and head. All of the pillows on this list are made of memory foam.
- Shape and size: The structure and size of your chosen cervical traction cushion is also crucial — you want products that form your neck into the proper shape, according to Hansraj. “A design that matches the C-shaped lordosis curvature of the neck while supporting the head can enhance personal comfort,” he says. Lordosis refers to the natural curvature of the spine and is what you want to emphasize during the traction process. All of the pillows below either have this curvature or are made of a material that conforms to the back of the neck.
How to shop for cervical traction devices
The type of device you choose should depend on chiropractic or medical advice, according to Allen Conrad, a chiropractor at Montgomery County Chiropractic Center. With that said, here is more information on types of popular cervical traction devices you may see available online or in stores and how to know which one may best suit you:
- Cervical pillows and cushions: As Hansraj mentioned above, cervical neck pillows aren’t technically traction devices, but they help provide support to cervical spine alignment in a more subtle way while you sleep. These are best for people who have mild neck pain or stiffness, rather than pain related to an injury since using one can make an injury worse, according to Conrad. Look for pillows made from memory foam since they more easily conform to the shape of your head and neck, and provide more support than non-memory foam cushions.
- Inflatable devices: These use cushioning and air to provide support and traction to the neck; they come with a tube and inflation valve that you pump with your hand to inflate the cushion to different levels of firmness. Hansraj recommends these since they’re easy to adjust based on personal preference. They are often best for people with neck pain or stiffness that is related to some sort of injury, such as whiplash, since they can help stretch and decompress the spine at one level, according to Conrad. These are also a good option for those who don’t have dexterity issues.
- Posture pumps: These types of cervical traction devices help promote proper posture and alleviate pain from degenerative disc diseases. These require lying down on the floor and using a hand pump carefully to provide traction, so they’re more involved compared to a pillow or an inflatable option. With that said, these, similar to inflatables, are often best for people with neck pain or stiffness related to an injury, like bulging or herniated discs, since they help decompress the whole spine rather than one section, according to Conrad.
Frequently asked questions
A cervical traction device, sometimes called a cervical neck stretcher or simply a neck stretcher, is a device that helps gently stretch the cervical spine, which is the group of bones that make up the neck. A cervical traction device can make the spine more flexible and decrease pressure and inflammation on the vertebrae, according to Hansraj. Some context: The bones of the vertebrae are separated by cushions called discs. When vertebrae are compressed from cervical traction, this provides relief to the spine, according to Hansraj.
Yes, but it depends on different factors. Some people may notice improvement using a cervical traction pillow or device, while others may require additional help. It’s important to remember that a cervical traction device isn’t an alternative to professional medical treatment from a doctor or physical therapist.
These devices are meant to provide some neck pain relief, particularly pain that stems from poor posture, a stiff neck and certain spinal conditions, according to Hansraj. You should always consult your doctor for additional guidance if you’re experiencing severe neck pain.
Yes, but you should get a doctor’s perspective or input from a healthcare professional on your situation before trying a cervical traction device at home, according to Hansraj, and approach use with caution. “Be very careful with these devices and consult a physician, a doctor of osteopathy, a doctor of physical therapy, or a chiropractic physician to make recommendations about which device to get and to get help with fit and use of your device,” he says.
Additionally, you should always look over instructions carefully and start slowly to prevent injury, according to Hansraj. “Apply the lowest level of traction or the shortest duration recommended and gradually increase as tolerated,” he says.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Ken Hansraj, is a board-certified surgeon, the author of “Watch Your Back” and chief of spine surgery at Northern Medical Group Spine Center.
- Allen Conrad is a chiropractor at Montgomery County Chiropractic Center in North Wales, PA.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I cover home, kitchen, cleaning and lifestyle content in addition to daily sales and deals. I also write about wellness, including explainers on how hot showers affect your skin, the benefits of lumbar support pillows and how to clean your humidifier. For this story, I spoke to a board-certified spine surgeon and a physical therapist for their guidance and product recommendations.
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