The 6 Best Neck Stretchers for Pain Relief and Posture Fix (2025)

Neck traction, also known as cervical traction, is a popular and science-backed neck stretching method to relieve neck pain for anyone suffering from neck arthritis, herniated/bulging discs in the neck, neck strains, and cervical muscle spasms.Traditionally performed by chiropractors, cervical traction can also be done at home using safe and effective neck traction devices.

These devices work by applying a gentle pulling force to the neck, creating space between the vertebrae. This can relieve pain, improve flexibility, and promote healing.

Plus, it’s way gentler on your wallet than those weekly appointments.

We’ve researched and found the top neck stretchers (cervical traction devices) in 2025.

In a Hurry?

If you’re in a hurry, here are our top-recommended neck stretcher devices right now.

Below you’ll find our full neck stretchers reviews.

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

Can a Neck Stretcher Actually Help?

Short answer: Yes. A 2017 study found that mechanical cervical traction significantly reduces neck pain both immediately and over time. From my experience, using a good neck traction device can help with:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Pinched nerves
• Neck stiffness and muscle pain
• Headaches
• Arthritis and degenerative disc disease

The best part? You get relief without medication or surgery.

Home neck traction units (and cervical pillows)gently stretch the spinal vertebrae and muscles.

This immediately relieves the pressure on the discs and the nerves.

Now everything is in place, and the awful pain and stiffness can be dramatically reduced.

All of this is done without medication and unnecessary surgeries.

How Does a Neck Stretcher Work?

With cervical traction devices, the goal is to allow your neck muscles and pinched nerves to be released.

Tension is placed on the head to pull it up and away from the neck, stretching the muscles and ligaments around the spine’s vertebrae and expanding the space between the vertebrae.

Cervical Traction Types & The Best Neck Stretchers

You can choose from 5 types of neck traction home devices.

They can get you about the same results, but they are somewhat different.

These include inflatable neck stretchers, orthopedic (arched) neck stretchers, over-the-door neck stretchers, neck traction slings, and cervical posture pumps.

1. Inflatable Neck Stretchers (Air Traction)

Best for budget-friendly, on-the-go relief

VIEW ON AMAZON $26

Air neck traction devices look like stacked travel pillows and are basically inflated neck braces.

They are fully adjustable: You pump them up to lift your head and take pressure off your spine.

I found them super easy to use and great for travel, but some lower-quality ones leaked air quickly.

✅ Portable and easy to adjust
✅ Can be used while sitting or lying down
❌ Some models put too much pressure on the jaw

Best Pick: The Crabclaw Inflatable Neck Traction Device ($26 on Amazon) – It has a quick-release valve in case you overinflate.

The Best Inflatable Neck Stretcher

The Crabclaw inflatable neck traction device ($26 on Amazon) helps align your cervical spine, correct your posture, and stretch your spine and neck muscles, which alleviates neck pain and helps heal bulging discs, pinched nerves, neck arthritis, and degenerative discs.

We also like the unique safety feature that allows you to quickly deflate the device if you accidentally inflate it too much.

2. Over-the-Door Neck Traction Kits

VIEW ON AMAZON $17

Best for deep traction at home

These use a pulley system to gently stretch your neck. They take a little setup (and a sturdy door), but once in place, you can sit and let gravity do the work.

The neck puller device requires you to place straps around the back of your head and your chin (see the picture above), which then attach to a counterweight.

✅ Provides strong traction
✅ Adjustable weight for personalized relief
❌ Less portable, requires a door and chair

Best Pick: DMI Over-the-Door Neck Traction Kit ($16 on Amazon) – Sturdy, easy to adjust, and budget-friendly.

The Best Over-the-Door Traction Device

The DMI Over-the-Door Neck Traction Kit ($17 on Amazon) is made with a sturdy metal bracket, is safe to use, and the calibrated weight bag allows you to vary the pressure on your neck (2-20 pounds) for quick and effective neck pain relief.

The adjustable head fits most people.

It is a cost-effective cervical traction unit and comes with everything you need, though we recommend you check with your physician for the amount of counterweight and usage time for your specific needs.

3. Neck Stretcher with Heat

Best for relaxation and stiffness relief

VIEW ON AMAZON $27

These combine gentle traction with heat therapy (to increase blood circulation), which felt amazing after long workdays. Simple to use – just lie on it for 5-10 minutes.

You just turn it on for 3 minutes before you fall asleep, and then lie your neck on it for 5-10 minutes. It stretches your neck and heats the area, which feels very relaxing and even helps you fall asleep quickly, pain-free.

✅ Helps relax tight muscles
✅ Promotes blood circulation
❌ Feels a little rigid at first

Best Pick: Heated Neck Stretcher ($27 on Amazon) – Three heat levels and a comfortable design.

It is odorless, it heats up quickly, and it comes with a little bag to store. The cover is removable and machine-washable.

It feels a bit rigid at first, but after a few days, it will feel more natural, and the effect will kick in.

4. The Neck Hammock (Neck Traction Sling)

Best for compact, easy use anywhere

VIEW ON AMAZON $39

This simple device lets you lie back while it cradles your head and stretches your neck. I found it very relaxing, but it took some trial and error to position it correctly.

The neck hammock creates neck traction by pulling your head away from your shoulders.

This makes your neck muscles relax and relieves the pressure on them effectively.

It also slightly expands the space around your neck vertebrae, which allows for more blood flow (and oxygen!) to the area.

✅ Great for relieving tension headaches
✅ Small and portable
❌ Requires a sturdy hook or surface to attach it to

Best Pick: Original Neck Hammock ($39 on Amazon) – It’s Well-designed and holds up better than cheaper knock-offs.

The only con is that you have to move a bit forward on the floor to start feeling the traction.

DIY Neck Hammock

A lot of people have asked us whether it’s possible to make your own neck hammock.

The answer is yes. All you’ll need is a good towel and a rope.

But we want to warn you: you have to do this the right way, since any “malfunction” may cause you to bang your head on the floor. We recommend buying a professional neck hammock and not taking a chance.

Instructions:

1. Fold your towel three times to narrow the length and width and to create a base for your head.
2. Create two holes on each side of the towel to create a loop, and slide the rope between the two holes.
3. Your neck hammock is ready. Now you need to find a sturdy base to tie the rope to, like a doorknob.
4. Once you’re done, just rest your head on the hammock.

Here’s a video with a good demonstration:

5. Cervical Posture Pumps (Disc Hydrators)

Best for long-term posture correction

VIEW ON AMAZON $313

These are more expensive but mimic professional chiropractic traction. If you have chronic pain, a posture pump might be worth the investment.

They simulate cervical traction performed in a clinic and are nearly identical as far as the quality of treatment goes.

You simply lie down, adjust the little knob/posts that secure the base of your skull, and place the strap on your forehead. Then you just pump up the pressure and tighten.

✅ High-quality, long-lasting device
✅ No air leaks or pressure on the jaw
❌ More expensive and takes up space

Best Pick: ComforTrac Cervical Traction ($313 on Amazon) – It has Adjustable angles and up to 50 lbs of force.

Posture pumps are usually a bit pricier, but they can be worth their price when it comes to neck pain healing and recovery.

The Best Posture Pumps

Here are our two most recommended posture pumps for 2025:

1. ComfortTrac Cervical Traction

The ComforTrac posture pump is a durable and sturdy neck traction device that is easy to use and comfortable, and many users report immediate results after using it.

This top-of-the-line cervical traction kit supplies up to 50 pounds of force and has an adjustable incline angle of 10, 15, or 20 degrees.

Seeour detailed Comfortrac Cervical Traction Review

Posture Pump Alternative

If you’re not sure about posture pumps, consider using an inversion table.

See our full comparison between the posture pump and the inversion tableto decide what’s best for your needs.

2.Saunders Cervical Traction Home Unit

The Saunders has a handheld pump with a pressure relief valve for easy adjustment of traction force, and it applies up to 50 pounds of traction force and has adjustable angles for a personalized experience.

See our full review of the Saunders Cervical Traction.

We also recommend…The Cervical Posture Pump

See our detailed review of the Cervical Posture Pump

6. Orthopedic Neck Stretchers

Best for posture correction and mild pain relief

VIEW ON AMAZON $20

These work like orthopedic back stretchers but for your neck. They’re simple and effective, but don’t provide as much traction as other options.

It only requires 5 minutes of daily treatment to get long-term results such as neck stiffness relief, migraine relief, and cervical decompression for bulging/herniated discs.

✅ Affordable and easy to use
✅ No setup required
❌ Limited stretch compared to other devices

Best Pick: RESTCLOUD Neck Stretcher ($20 on Amazon) – It has Adjustable settings and supports up to 330 lbs.

Can a Neck Stretcher Help Your Upper Back Hump?

Neck stretchers are designed to alleviate neck pain and improve posture. They may be beneficial for conditions such as forward rounding shoulders, also known as kyphosis, and neck hump or dowager’s hump.

They can help by temporarily restoring the natural curvature of the cervical spine, which relieves tension and stress and improves blood circulation. And if you use them consistently, you may experience long-lasting results.

However, if you suffer from a severe case of kyphosis, you may not experience significant results. A neck stretcher should be an add-on to regular exercises to strengthen and lengthen your neck muscles.

Cervical Traction Device Side Effects

Generally, performing cervical traction is safe, but remember that results differ for different people.

The treatment should be pain-free.

If you feel pain, you are overdoing it, and this aggressiveness may lead to further damage and pain.

However, neck decompression is not recommended if you’ve already had neck surgery.

Do not overdo traction because it can cause more harm than good and overstretch your neck.

We recommend following the instructions carefully and asking your doctor for treatment time and frequency.

Possible side effects of neck traction are headache, dizziness, and nausea. If you feel any of these, stop treatment immediately.

Consult with your doctor before you start treatment if you have:

• Recent injury in the neck area
• A bone infection
• A known cervical tumor
• Osteoporosis/rheumatoid arthritis
• Cervical instability
• Spinal hypermobility

How to Do Neck Traction at Night

If your sleep position mostly causes your neck pain and usually comes at night or in the morning, a neck traction pillow can be very helpful.

Cervical pillows are designed to provide support and help maintain the natural curve of the neck, which can reduce discomfort and improve mobility.

They work by providing gentle traction and support to the neck, and many users have reported relief from neck pain and improved sleep quality.

See our post about how to choose thebest pillow for neck pain.

To your health and happiness,

The Back Pain Relief Products Team

Studies

Intermittent Cervical Traction for Treating Neck Pain:A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, SPINE. 42(13):959–965, JULY 1ST, 2017, doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001948

International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, v. 22, issue 5, p. 4-11