A sling of a portable traction device cradles a user's head and includes a pair of shock cords attached at opposite ends of the sling. The ends of the shock cords opposite shock cords are anchored is 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.