Spinal Traction

SPINAL TRACTION (DECOMPRESSION)

Manual or mechanical traction is a form of decompression therapy that relieves pressure on the spine. Spinal traction stretches the spine to take pressure off compressed joints and discs. Usually the symptoms are caused by pressure on a nerve from a disc degenerative, herniated disc, sciatica or spinal stenosis. Spinal decompression helps to straighten the spine and improve the body’s ability to heal itself. 

Therapists can do this manually or mechanically (with a traction machine). Treatment is a continuous or on/off pull for 10 – 30 minutes. Symptoms should reduce but not resolve with the traction on. This is part of a treatment and should be combined with education, resting positions and exercises. Traction is not a substitute for exercises.