A spinal traction is a form of decompression therapy that relieves pressure on the spine. It can be manually or mechanically performed. Spinal traction is used to treat herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and other back issues.

What does spinal traction do?

Spinal traction stretches the spine to relieve compressed intervertebral discs. This relaxes the spine and improves the body’s ability to perform self-repair.

Candidates

this idea can be especially beneficial to individuals with back issues as it is a traction technique. This treatment is commonly used to help people with back problems such as:

• slipped discs
• bone spurs
• degenerative disc disease
• herniated discs
• facet disease
• sciatica
• foramina stenosis
• pinched nerves

What are the side effects of spinal traction?

Spinal traction can sometimes cause pain that lies deeper than the original injury. Those with osteoporosis and certain types of cancer should not use traction therapy. Spinal traction is known to cause muscle spasms, and most physicians are prepared for this to happen during or after treatment.

How is spinal traction administered?

Traction therapy may be administered manually or with mechanical assistance, depending on your needs.

Manual spinal traction

A physical therapist may apply manual traction for spinal manipulation. Afterward, they apply manual force on joints, muscles, and connective tissues to expand spaces between spinal vertebrae.

Mechanical spinal traction

When utilizing mechanical spinal traction, you can lie down on a table that is equipped with special tools to stretch the body. A physical therapist will connect a series of ropes, slings, and pulleys to your body in order to relieve pressure.

What are the benefits of spinal traction?

Spinal traction is a non-surgical way to treat spine-related pain and correct difficulties along the way. However, spinal traction may be harmful to some people.

What are the risks of spinal traction?

Spinal traction does not carry significant health risks in the long-term. Some side effects may appear after treatment, and a few people experience muscle aches in the treated regions. Spinal traction may not be acceptable for everybody. A specialist can determine if you may be a suitable candidate, depending on your medical history.

How can you prepare for spinal traction?

Before undergoing spinal traction, you must consult your physician to create a complete physical therapy plan. Spinal traction often acts as an improvement for most other treatments. A doctor may recommend at-home exercises before spinal traction. That is usually not required.

What are the results of spinal traction?

Spinal traction can help relieve pain, correct spinal alignment, and reduce decompressed joints. Spinal traction can lengthen the muscles and bones in the back to correct the effects of gravity. Under the right circumstances, this support can be significantly improved.

What is the outlook after spinal traction?

With the application of other physical therapies, many people find great success with spinal traction therapy. Treatment reduces pain and the body is better able to heal itself. Some people only need this therapy for a short period of time while others need it throughout their lives.