Cervical traction involves the use of mechanical devices to stretch and relieve pressure on the cervical spine, which consists of the first seven vertebrae in the neck. By gently pulling the head away from the neck, cervical traction aims to increase the space between the vertebrae, allowing for improved blood flow, reduced nerve compression, and enhanced overall spine function. This traction therapy can be beneficial for various conditions, including cervical herniated discs, neck strain, and degenerative disc disease.