A cervical traction method and apparatus for treating irregularities in the lateral curvature of the cervical region of the spine involves the application of traction load to induce an axially elongated or extension posture in the cervical region of the patient's spine. The patient is placed in a supine or seated position, and a traction halter is fitted about the head of the patient, with a traction sling also being optionally positioned about the cervical region of the patient. A traction load, which may have an intermittently varying magnitude, is exerted on one or more of the sling or halter to induce an axially elongated and/or extension posture in the cervical region. The axially elongated posture at least partially diminishes the lateral curvature of the cervical region of the spine in the patient, and the extension posture at least partially restores the lateral curvature to the cervical region of the spine in the patient, thereby reducing symptoms such as neck pain, upper back pain, headaches, and other symptoms of mechanical origin that result from irregular lateral curvature of the spine.