A traction device having an adjustable tensioning mechanism, the traction device attachable to a head support and a cervical collar. The tensioning mechanism includes a traction base, a slider slidably connected to the traction base and an adjustment mechanism to force the traction base and slider in opposite directions. One of the traction base or slider is at a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the head support and the other of the traction base or slider is at a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the cervical collar.