A sling of a portable traction device cradles a users head primarily at the back and lower part of the skull. The sling is attached to at least one shock cord. The at least one shock cords is also anchored to a structure, such as a closed door at the hinged side of the door, between the door and door frame, using an anchor, at a height, to generate a tension vector at an acute angle relative to the floor. The tension applies cervical traction.
