There are many things that can contribute to neck pain. Poor posture, sitting for hours and the lack of an ergonomic work set-up can all lead to neck and pack discomfort. 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 keep neck and back pain at bay.
I spoke to experts to find the best cervical traction devices for alleviating chronic neck pain and rounded up their recommendations and shopping guidance. I also addressed whom a neck stretcher is best for, how to safely use them at home and when to speak to a doctor for further assistance.
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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 based on 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.
The best cervical traction products in 2025
I spoke with experts to get their input on the best products for neck traction and addressing neck pain. I also included highly rated products based on their guidance.
This cervical traction travel pillow, which has a 4.3-star average rating from 3,406 reviews on Amazon, has a curve in the middle of its square shape to support the neck when you lay on your back, though you can also use it if you’re a stomach or side sleeper. It’s made of a breathable memory foam material and has a removable cover that’s also machine washable. Plus, if you want a similar version for your bed, you can buy it in three other sizes compatible with twin-, full-, queen- and king-sized mattresses.
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.
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 small, foam-filled cushion, which has a 4.2-star average rating from 88,018 reviews on Amazon, is ideal for stretching and relaxing the muscles in the neck. It can also help relieve neck pain by using it for 10 minutes each day, according to the brand. To do so you should place it on the floor, lie on your back with the device underneath your neck and slightly bend your knees. 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 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. It has a 4-star average rating from 1,153 reviews on Amazon.
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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 it 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 them since they’re easy to adjust based on personal preference. These 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 on section, according to Conrad.
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 food, kitchen, cleaning and lifestyle content in addition to daily sales and deals coverage. 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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