A cervical traction device is used at home to relieve neck and shoulder pain by gently stretching the cervical spine to decompress discs and relax muscles. Common types include over-the-door pulley systems or inflatable pneumatic devices that create a gentle pulling force to separate the vertebrae. These devices help alleviate symptoms from issues like herniated discs, pinched nerves, and bad posture, and are easy to use for on-demand pain relief, though it's recommended to consult a doctor before use and to start with short sessions.