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Halo Traction - Helping Injured People With Broken Necks

For serious neck injuries, a halo traction is advised. It’s also recommended for those born with a curved spine. It helps to stretch and straighten the spine in a gentle manner. Halo traction is also given to those who underwent a spine or neck surgery.

Author:Dr. Bill ButcherOct 26, 2022
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Halo tractionis a way of keeping your head and neck still while you get better after an accident or operation to your neck bones.
This will usually always be used in adults with broken necks if surgery is not performed immediately post injury.
Those with spinal injuryor curved spine also use this medical device (the halo). Halo traction refers to the method.

*CRACK*POP* neck adjusting and re-shaping using Halo traction l Dr. Homa chiropractor Pennsylvania

If surgery goes ahead and is successful post injury then there's usually no further need for halo traction.
If surgery is ruled out then the halo traction will be used for up to two months on bed rest and then a further month to three months attached to a specially made vest so the head is kept perfectly still whilst sitting.
A human spine drawn on a white paper on top of a wooden clipboard and drawings of a human skull and hands
A human spine drawn on a white paper on top of a wooden clipboard and drawings of a human skull and hands

Halo Traction Equipment

The halo traction equipment is made up of three pieces:
  • a ring around your head and then/or a special vest
  • weights attached to the halo at head end of bed over a pulley system
  • a set of four rods and two blocks
Two light blue bags of weights placed on a halo traction
Two light blue bags of weights placed on a halo traction
Halo traction is attached to the head by titanium screws which are screwed into the skull bone.
The screws have to be tightened periodically to ensure the halo is fitting correctly. The halo traction vest when required will be made just for the individual.
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Dr. Bill Butcher

Dr. Bill Butcher

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With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Bill Butcher aims to provide a repository for educational materials, sources of information, details of forthcoming events, and original articles related to the medical field and about health subjects that matter to you. His goal is to help make your life better, to help you find your way when faced with healthcare decisions, and to help you feel better about your health and that of your family. Bill received his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and spent his entire career helping people find the health and medical information, support, and services they need. His mission is to help millions of people feel fantastic by restoring them to optimal health.
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