Use your traction machine twice a day for 15-20 minutes. It should pull enough to feel comfortable, but not painful. If it feels uncomfortable, try changing your head position. If it still feels uncomfortable, consult your doctor!!! If you have numbness, tingling, or burning down one or both arms, your traction unit should make this better. However, realize that it may make these sensations worse for up to 5 minutes before they start to decrease. This is called a "release phenomenon". It's the same thing as getting out of a chair after your leg falls to sleep. For the first few minutes it's actually worse before it all goes away. If your numbness doesn't decrease or go away after 5 minutes, STOP!!! Consult your doctor!!!

Some people notice that their traction machine presses on an area on the back of their head which causes pain. Try placing some padding (a small towel) between the machine and this area. You can also try to change the position of your head. For instance, try pushing your chin up or down so that this area is tight or loose. If none of this works, try consulting your doctor.