Saunders® Cervical Home Traction Device | Neck Traction Unit

Saunders® Cervical Home Traction Device

The Saunders® Cervical Home Traction Device is a prescription neck-traction system designed for controlled cervical traction while the user lies comfortably on their back.

Unlike many over-door systems that pull through a chin-and-head harness, the Saunders device directs traction primarily through the back of the head, or occipital region. This design is intended to reduce unnecessary pressure through the jaw and temporomandibular joint while providing a measurable, repeatable line of pull.

The patented pneumatic system uses a hand pump and an intuitive

-to-read pressure gauge, allowing the user to gradually apply, hold, and release the clinician-prescribed traction force. Self-adjusting neck wedges help cradle the neck, while the angle adjuster provides three positions—15°, 20°, and 25°—for clinician-selected positioning. No assembly is required, and the unit arrives ready for use from its protective case. 

For detailed setup and safety guidance, read our Saunders Cervical Traction Guide: Indications, Angles, Setup, and Safety.

Saunders Cervical Traction at a Glance

The approximately 50-pound figure reflects the device’s published operating capacity and safety-system testing—not a recommended treatment level. The user guide directs patients to remain within the exact force prescribed by their healthcare provider and states that traction should never cause pain. 

Why Choose the Saunders Cervical Home Traction Device?

Controlled, measurable traction

The hand pump allows force to be increased gradually while the gauge provides visual feedback. Once the prescribed force is reached, the pump housing is turned to HOLD. At the end of treatment, turning it to RELEASE reduces the force and returns the carriage toward its starting position.

Occipital traction instead of chin-halter pull

Saunders directs traction toward the back of the head rather than relying primarily on a chin strap. The manufacturer specifically identifies this design as a feature intended to prevent or reduce compression through the TMJ region. 

“TMJ-friendly” should describe the direction of force, not imply that the device treats temporomandibular disorders.

Self-adjusting neck wedges

The neck wedges are moved inward or outward with the adjustment knobs and can rotate slightly to conform to the head and neck. The user guide instructs the patient to position the wedges near the middle or narrowest part of the neck, approximately between the lower ear region and the tops of the shoulders.

Three clinician-selected traction angles

The angle adjuster locks into three positions.

The clinician should choose the angle based on the diagnosis, symptom behavior, and treatment objective. The three settings are not severity levels, and a greater angle is not automatically more effective. The current user guide says that when no angle has been specified, the adjuster remains in the top position; users should nevertheless confirm the intended setup with their provider before treatment.

What Is Cervical Traction?

Cervical traction applies a controlled pulling force to the neck. In a rehabilitation program, the clinician may use traction to temporarily modify mechanical loading, assess symptom response, or help a patient tolerate movement and exercise.

The Saunders device does not realign the spine permanently, repair a herniated disc, regenerate tissue, or guarantee that nerve symptoms will resolve. It should be positioned as one possible component of a broader treatment plan rather than a stand-alone cure.

Clinical guidelines emphasize screening for serious pathology before treating neck pain and commonly combine traction, when appropriate, with exercise, mobility work, strengthening, and other interventions.

Conditions Listed in the Manufacturer’s User Guide

The current Saunders user guide says clinician-directed cervical traction may be used for the following conditions:

The presence of a condition in the instructions does not mean every patient with that diagnosis is an appropriate candidate. The clinician must screen for contraindications and determine whether symptoms improve or worsen during trial traction.

When the Saunders Device May Be a Good Fit

What Comes With the Saunders Cervical Home Traction Device?

Replacement parts include a headstrap and pads, part 700723; a replacement hand-pump kit, part 700472; an angle adjuster, part 700724; and a shoulder bag, part 96458. Availability should be confirmed before ordering.

Basic Setup Overview

This overview does not replace the included user guide or the individual clinician’s prescription.

The user guide states that the device does not include a treatment timer. It also advises removing jewelry, bulky collars, scarves, and other items that could interfere with neck positioning.

How Much Traction Force Should Be Used?

There is no universal starting force for every user.

The healthcare professional should document:

The current guide repeatedly instructs the patient not to exceed the provider’s recommendations. A stretching sensation or slight discomfort may occur, but traction should not produce pain.

Saunders Cervical vs. Over-Door Traction

Choose Saunders when the prescribed program requires gauge-monitored pneumatic force, a supine position, and occipital traction. An over-door system may cost less, but its harness, positioning, and force-delivery method are substantially different. 

Saunders Cervical vs. Saunders Lumbar Home Traction

The two products use related pneumatic concepts but are built for different regions and should not be substituted for one another. 

Saunders Home Traction vs. Chattanooga Triton Clinical Traction

Clinics building a full cervical and lumbar traction system can also compare the Chattanooga Triton DTS Traction Accessory Packages. The advanced package includes the Saunders clinical cervical traction accessory, part 7040, which is different from the self-contained home device, part 199594. 

Saunders Cervical Traction vs. Pivotal Therapy

The Pivotal Therapy Device should not be described as an equivalent lower-cost traction unit. It does not generate or measure cervical traction force. 

Contraindications Listed in the User Guide

The current Saunders guide states that traction should not be used in the presence of the following:

• Acute or traumatic injury

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Spinal instability

• Spinal-cord compression

• Fracture

• Malignancy

• Infections or inflammatory diseases

• Conditions made worse by movement

• Structural disease secondary to tumor or infection

• Vascular compromise

• Joint instability of the spine

• Pregnancy

• Claustrophobia

• Cardiac or pulmonary problems

• Osteoporosis

• Hiatus hernia

Some of these contraindications require clinical interpretation. The list should be reproduced accurately without suggesting that a website can determine individual eligibility.

Stop Treatment and Contact a Healthcare Professional If:

• Neck, back, arm or leg pain increases

• New or worsening numbness develops

• Arm or hand weakness appears or progresses

• Balance, coordination or hand dexterity worsens

• Dizziness or nausea occurs

• A severe headache develops

• Swelling or another unusual reaction occurs

• Traction produces sharp pain rather than a comfortable stretch

• Symptoms remain worse after treatment

The manufacturer instructs users to discontinue treatment immediately and consult their provider if pain increases or if dizziness, nausea, or another unusual discomfort occurs during or after traction.

Cleaning and Storage

The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, subject to its warranty terms and exclusions. Unauthorized repairs or modifications can void warranty coverage.

Troubleshooting

The manual notes that a small gauge change can occur as the user relaxes. A persistent inability to maintain force may indicate an air-system leak requiring service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Saunders cervical traction device used for?

Its intended use is to provide traction, or stretching, to the cervical region. The current user guide lists muscle tightness, headaches, joint stiffness, herniated discs, and nerve-root compression as potential clinician-directed applications.

How much force can it provide?

Published material describes capacity up to approximately 50 pounds. That is not a recommended setting. Use only the force prescribed by the treating healthcare professional. (Balego)

What angles are available?

The angle adjuster provides 15°, 20°, and 25° positions.

Which angle should I use?

Use the angle prescribed by the healthcare professional. Do not choose an angle based solely on pain severity or a diagnosis found online.

Does it pull on the chin?

The device is designed to direct traction primarily through the back of the head, reducing reliance on a chin-halter pull and helping limit TMJ compression.

Can it be used while sitting?

The Home Saunders cervical device is designed for supine use while lying on the back.

Does the unit require electricity?

No. Force is generated by the pneumatic hand pump.

Does it include a timer?

No. The manufacturer instructs the user to set a separate timer for the prescribed treatment duration.

Does it require assembly?

No. It arrives assembled and ready to use in the case. 

What do PUMP, HOLD, and RELEASE mean?

PUMP increases the traction force, HOLD maintains it, and RELEASE reduces or ends the traction.

Can I use it without a clinician?

No. The device should be used only after a licensed professional has determined that cervical traction is appropriate and has provided the required settings.

Is it suitable for cervical radiculopathy?

Nerve root compression is listed in the manufacturer’s indications, but cervical radiculopathy requires evaluation to distinguish it from spinal cord involvement, instability, vascular conditions, and other contraindications.

Can the device treat headaches?

Headaches are included in the manufacturer’s potential indications, but not every headache originates from the neck. A new, severe, or unexplained headache requires medical evaluation.

Is it suitable for TMJ disorders?

The design helps reduce traction pressure through the jaw, but the device is not labeled as a treatment for TMJ disorders.

Can I use the device after neck surgery?

This is only permitted with explicit authorization and settings from the surgeon or rehabilitation provider.

Can it be used during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is listed among the contraindications in the current user guide.

Can people with osteoporosis use it?

Osteoporosis is listed as a contraindication in the manufacturer’s user guide.

What is the difference between part 199594 and part 7040?

Part 199594 is the self-contained Saunders Cervical Home Traction Device. Part 7040 is a clinical cervical traction accessory that attaches to compatible Chattanooga traction equipment. 

Is a carrying case included?

Yes. The device is supplied ready to use in its protective case, which is also recommended for storage. 

What is the warranty?

The current user guide states a one-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, subject to the manufacturer’s warranty terms.

Final Product Summary

The Saunders Cervical Home Traction Device is best suited to a patient who has been prescribed a repeatable home neck traction program and needs

• A supine treatment position

• Occipital rather than chin-focused force

• A hand pump with an easy-to-read gauge

• Three clinician-selected traction angles

• Adjustable, self-aligning neck wedges

• A blow-off valve that helps limit excessive force

• No electrical power or assembly

• A portable protective case

Shop the Saunders Cervical Home Traction Device, compare the Saunders Lumbar Home Traction Device, or browse Balego’s complete cervical and lumbar traction collection.

For setup, angle selection, contraindications, and pump guidance, review Balego’s Saunders Cervical Traction Guide.