Restoring Natural Neck Curvature: How Cervical Extension Traction Improves Pain, Function, and Long‑Term Health

Chiropatrick Chiropractic Center
Dec 18, 2025
2 min read

Why Cervical Lordosis Matters

A healthy neck maintains a gentle forward curve called cervical lordosis. When this curve flattens (hypolordosis), the vertebrae lose their natural alignment, leading to:

Persistent neck pain and stiffness
Reduced range of motion
Headaches, shoulder tension, and sometimes radiating arm symptoms

Recent research shows that cervical extension traction—a targeted stretching technique—can restore that curvature and bring lasting relief.

What the Evidence Says

Study Design	Participants (n)	Treatment Duration	Sessions per Week	Lordosis Gain (°)	Pain/Disability Outcome
Controlled trial (9 studies)	150–300 total	5–15 weeks	3–5	12–18° increase	Significant reduction in pain scores; improvements sustained up to 1.5 years

Key take‑aways from the systematic review (Oakley et al., 2021, PMID 34658525):

Consistent curvature gains of 12–18 degrees were observed after 15–60 traction sessions.
Control groups that did not receive extension traction showed no change in lordosis.
Both traction and non‑traction groups reported short‑term pain relief, but only the traction group maintained benefits long after therapy ended.
At 1‑year follow‑up, the non‑traction groups tended to revert toward baseline pain and disability levels.

How Cervical Extension Traction Works

Patient positioning – The neck is gently placed in a slight extension while a calibrated pulling force is applied.
Controlled force – The traction device delivers a steady stretch that encourages the vertebral bodies to settle back into their natural curve.
Progressive dosing – Sessions start with lower forces and increase as tolerance builds, typically over 5–15 weeks.

(Insert a simple schematic diagram here showing the patient in the traction device, with arrows indicating the direction of force.)

Real‑World Results from Chiropatric Chiropractic Clinic

“After 12 weeks of cervical extension traction, my neck curvature improved by 14°, and my chronic headaches disappeared. I’m back to playing tennis without pain!” – Jane D., 48

Our protocol follows the evidence‑based parameters identified in the review:

Assessment – Baseline X‑ray measurement of cervical lordosis
Treatment plan – 3 sessions per week, 15–20 minutes each, for 8–12 weeks
Follow‑up – Re‑assessment at 6 weeks and post‑treatment to track curvature change

(Add a line graph titled “Average Cervical Lordosis Change Over Time” showing baseline, mid‑treatment, and post‑treatment points.)

Benefits Beyond Pain Relief

Improved posture – Restored curvature supports better head‑positioning, reducing strain on upper‑back muscles.
Enhanced function – Patients report smoother neck rotation and less reliance on analgesics.
Long‑term stability – The review notes sustained improvements up to 18 months, suggesting structural adaptation rather than temporary symptom masking.

Who Can Benefit?

Individuals with chronic neck pain linked to flattened cervical curves
Post‑whiplash patients seeking structural correction
Office workers experiencing forward‑head posture and associated discomfort

Getting Started at Chiropatric Chiropractic Clinic

Schedule a consultation – Call (207) 781‑2003 or visit us at Chiropatric Chiropractic Clinic, Falmouth, ME. We’ll evaluate your neck alignment with a low‑dose X‑ray.
Personalized traction plan – Tailored force levels and session frequency.
Integrated rehab – Complementary exercises, ergonomic advice, and manual therapy to maximize outcomes.

Conclusion

The systematic review provides robust evidence that cervical extension traction reliably restores the natural neck curve, delivering lasting pain relief and functional gains. At Chiropatric Chiropractic Clinic, we apply these proven methods to help patients in Falmouth and surrounding areas reclaim a pain‑free, well‑aligned neck.

Call Chiropatrick Chiropractic today as we align with CBP practices and accept all ages in the Falmouth Maine area. We want to help! Phone: (207) 781-2003