DMI Over the Door Posture Corrector and Cervical Neck Traction Device for Physical Therapy, FSA HSA Eligible Neck Stretcher, Back Stretcher, Neck Pain, Migraine Relief, Back Pain or Arthritis

I just got this within the hour, set it up and used it for 10 minutes with 18lbs. The relief I’ve gotten in one short session is amazing! 20 minutes later and I can still feel my spine stretching out. I have not had this much relief in many many years. I have several herniated discs and torn ligaments in my cervical spine, compression fractures in my thoracic and my entire lumbar is herniated with a ruptured L5-S1. This just relieved nearly 50% of my pain. Specifically my lower back. This stretches your entire spine. You can’t get that from any inflatable neck device. This product could definitely use a few enhancements. It’s a little challenging to get into. I used the smaller strap for my chin. The wider one cut into my throat making it a bit uncomfortable to breathe. Also, someone recommended facing the door. I agree, however if you have long legs like I do that won’t help. The arm isn’t long enough. Don’t get frustrated trying to get in it. The benefits far outweigh the challenge.

In theory, this device should work but it is gimicky. It needs to be re-thought, if at all. The only reason I purchased this product was to obtain some relief when my husband is out of town. Mistake. From While I am not one to [ever] write a negative review, I have made an exception mostly because not only is this product useless but the seller has a 'no return' policy which upset me. Had I been able to return this product, I would not be writing this review. Further, I want folks looking for spinal pain relief to be informed about how this device does not work before they make the same mistake I did - purchasing an item that does not honor returns. However, I am happy that some customers [somehow] found relief using this device. My first mistake was not thinking through how this device would be stored in between usages. The water bag is cumbersome at best, especially when filled to near capacity, as I need to do to get anywhere near the amount of traction that my neck requires. It needs to be filled from a kitchen sink since the spout is so small. This means that you then need to carry this bulky bag of water to some convenient door frame in your home. So, we are supposed to drain the bag every time we use it? Not only is that a waste of water but discouraging to think that we have to go through such a process prior to every use. Sure, we can keep the bag full of water, but then where do we put it? I set mine in the bathtub but then had to move it when necessary to use the tub. And what about mold developing which can occur within 24 hours? Ugh. My second mistake was not observing where the neck brace places the pressure in order to activate the traction. I should have recognized the red flag by other reviews that commented on 'the need for steel teeth and a mouth guard' in order for it to feel comfortable. Problem here is that the traction is placed around the jaw area, not the base of the neck area. So the traction is minimal at best. My third mistake was not recognizing the risk of the hanging metal hangar swiveling and either hitting me in the head or eye which I was able to avoid while assembling the device; and unless you remove the device from the back of the door -- every time you want to use it -- it will bang against the wall thereby damaging the wall every time you open the door.All being said, I finally used the device. Disappointed at best. It is worth noting that I have cervical spondylosis with cervical myelopathy (aka arthritis with fused discs) in my neck. However, I rarely take medication and have always preferred homeopathic methods to minimize the pain. Conclusion: the absolute best method for traction is the good, old fashion way - a long pillow case and your spouse, partner or friend standing behind as you lay on the bed, binding the sheet around the base of your neck and....gently pulling. Results are amazing. From now on, I'll wait until he returns to use the method that is tried and true.

It functions as it should.

I didn’t use the water bag. I just to a Velcro straps help keep and used small dumbbells and upper the weight slowly over time. It’s held up well but you can tell it’s starting to stretch the line with more weight. Also, the bag says it goes up to 20 pounds but once I put a 25 pound dumbbell on the line it bent the crossbar piece in half and I had to get a thicker piece of steel to rig up with quick links. This design is the way to go for cervical traction. I just wish the materials were sturdier.

Let's face it, when you reach the point where you need a system to attache weights to your head in order to pull your spine into allignment, how happy can you be? I purchased this system because the price was right and my doctor had suggested such a device. There are no specific directions to put it together, just the picture of the box so you may have to guess a bit. There are detailed instructions for putting on the head harness. You may want some help in using the item as it can be cumbersome to try to attach the harness to your head and to manuver the bag of water. My bag has a slow leak but I figure a little duct tape will take care of that. They give you one S hook which allows you to remove items from the string, but I seriously think they should have provided two. The illustration shows the patient facing away from the door but I found it easier to do if I face the door it's hanging from. I found that I was not feeling a pull so I apply some pressure to the bag (as I'm facing the door sitting in a chair) to give it steady pressure. For some reason it seems the pull on your neck stabilizes over time. I'm a few days in and feel some relief but hardly the miracle I got from previous physical therapy sessions and the electronic traction system there. All in all, it's good for a home remedy but if you have severe issues, please see your doctor.