Traction therapy, or spinal decompression therapy, is a nonsurgical treatment that uses mechanical means to stretch the spine and relieve pain among affected discs and nerve roots. This type of treatment can be beneficial in treating:
-
Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal Spondylosis
- Sciatica or pinched nerves
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint disease
Traction is a technique used to stretch soft tissues and separate joint surfaces or bone fragments using a pulling force. The force applied must be of sufficient magnitude and duration in the proper direction while resisting movement of the body with an equal and opposite force.
A disc is a circular structure that sits between each vertebra in the spine. It has a tough outer layer surrounding soft inner tissue. When a disc is under pressure and damaged, the tough outer layer is damaged and the soft inside protrudes through the gap. This protrusion compresses nearby nerves causing pain. Traction pulls the vertebra away from the disc, releasing the pressure on the disc. This assists the soft part of the disc to return within the disc. This decompresses the nerve and reduces pain. This also helps to rehydrate the disc. Traction relieves pressure on the spine and alleviates pain. Cervical traction and lumbar traction are similar, but they have a couple of key differences: with cervical traction, a gentle force is used to stretch or pull the head away from the neck. With lumbar traction, a gentle force is used to gently gap the pelvis from the lower back. Both of these methods are useful in manipulating the spine and providing relief.
Spinal decompression therapy can be a very effective treatment. For eligible patients, therapists must first make a thorough physical assessment to prevent further injury. Traction therapy is often used alongside other treatments for a more personalized and holistic health plan.
