Traction For Back Pain

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Spinal Traction: Does It Work For Back & Neck Pain? Spinal traction is a widely used treatment for low back pain as well as neck pain. Traction utilizes a force and counterforce to pull in opposite directions to relieve spine related pain. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, it is believed that spinal traction works to relieve pain by increasing the space between the vertebrae and inhibiting pain impulses.

It also may improve spinal mobility by relaxing the musculature around the spine and decreasing mechanical stress. It is also thought to reduce muscle spasm and spinal nerve root compression, as well as potentially releasing adhesions around the small joints in the spine. Several studies have found that traction can significantly improve both neck as well as back pain when used in conjunction with other therapies.

Traction can be used by practitioners during guided treatment as well as by patients during home therapy. Types of traction devices include manual traction, mechanical traction, and gravity dependent traction:

Manual traction is done by a licensed physical therapist. The therapist uses their hands to decompress the spine by gently pulling the patient’s head or neck away from the body, holding for several seconds, then releasing. Mechanical traction may be done at home using a harness device prescribed by a physician or other practitioner.The most common at home traction device for the cervical spine utilizes an over-the-door mechanism that applies 10 to 20 pounds of pulling force. This type of traction may be done several times throughout the day for 15 to 30 minutes at a time. This amount of force may be increased as strength is obtained. Lumbar traction uses a harness applied via Velcro strapping around the lower rib cage and the pelvic bones (the iliac crest). It can be applied via continuous or intermittent mode. The lumbar spine traction may require up to 100 pounds of force for effective decompression. Gravity dependent traction can be done via a home inversion table. This device raises the patient’s feet above the head, effectively reversing the effects of gravity on the lumbar spine, which allows for decompression.

If you think you may be a candidate for spinal traction please visit one of our professionals at The Spine Center of Baton Rouge for further information. May 18, 2023 With the return of warm weather, we’re often outside and moving more, whether that’s yardwork, athletics or just taking more walks to enjoy nature.

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Contents

0.1 Is traction good for back pain?
0.2 Can I do traction on myself?
- 0.2.1 What is the success rate of traction therapy?

1 Can traction heal a herniated disc?
- - 1.0.1 Can traction cause nerve damage?
  - 1.0.2 Does traction really work?
2 Does traction really help?
- - 2.0.1 How do you sleep to decompress your spine?
3 Do doctors still use traction?
4 How often should you do traction?
- - 4.0.1 What is chiropractic traction?
- 4.1 What is traction in physiotherapy?
5 What is the most common traction?
6 How long does it take for traction to work?
7 Can traction heal a herniated disc?
- - 7.0.1 Is traction bad for herniated disc?

Is traction good for back pain?

Frequently Asked Questions –

What is lumbar traction used for? Lumbar traction is commonly used to relieve lower back pain and improve range of motion. The technique stretches the lower back to increase space between vertebrae, helping to alleviate pinched nerves and problems associated with disc disorders.
How is lumbar traction done? Lumbar traction can be performed in a few different ways. One of the most common ways is to lay faced down on a traction table. The table is divided in two sections that are separate. The physician may or may not strap your legs to the table before tilting and rotating the lower half of the table to stretch the lower back.
Is lumbar traction safe for disc bulges? Yes, lumbar traction is commonly used to treat disc bulges and herniated discs. Research shows it can help to relieve pain and stiffness.
Is traction good for your back? If you have lower back pain, traction can help to relieve pain and stiffness and improve your range of motion. Traction typically feels good, like a gentle stretch of your lower back.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Cheng YH, Hsu CY, Lin YN. The effect of mechanical traction on low back pain in patients with herniated intervertebral disks: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil,2020;34(1):13-22. doi:10.1177/0269215519872528
Thackeray A, Fritz JM, Childs JD, Brennan GP. The effectiveness of mechanical traction among subgroups of patients with low back pain and leg pain: a randomized trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther,2016;46(3):144-154. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2016.6238
Thackeray A, Fritz JM, Childs JD, Brennan GP. The effectiveness of mechanical traction among subgroups of patients with low back pain and leg pain: a randomized trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther,2016;46(3):144-154. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2016.6238
Masood Z, Khan AA, Ayyub A, Shakeel R. Effect of lumbar traction on discogenic low back pain using variable forces, J Pak Med Assoc,2022;72(3):483–6. doi:10.47391/JPMA.453
Kumari A, Quddus N, Meena PR, Alghadir AH, Khan M. Effects of one-fifth, one-third, and one-half of the bodyweight lumbar traction on the straight leg raise test and pain in prolapsed intervertebral disc patients: a randomized controlled trial, Biomed Res Int,2021;2021:2561502. doi:10.1155/2021/2561502
Slomski A. Early physical therapy relieves sciatica disability and pain. JAMA,2020;324(24):2476. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.24673
Albert HB, Hauge E, Manniche C. Centralization in patients with sciatica: are pain responses to repeated movement and positioning associated with outcome or types of disc lesions? Eur Spine J,2012;21(4):630-636. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-2018-9

Additional Reading

Thackeray A, Fritz JM, Childs JD, Brennan GP. The Effectiveness of Mechanical Traction Among Subgroups of Patients With Low Back Pain and Leg Pain: A Randomized Trial, J Orthop Sports Phys Ther,2016;46(3):144–154. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6238

By Brett Sears, PT Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy. Thanks for your feedback!

How long should you do traction on your back?

ICF Classification: Low Back Pain with Radiating Pain – The clinical decisions of how to manage patients with leg pain that does not centralize with repeated movements and does not fit the hypomobility or instability classifications create a clinical challenge for physical therapists and physicians. Saal and Saal 120 showed excellent clinical outcomes in 90% of the patients who met the typical criteria for surgery of a herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), including SLR less than 60 degrees, CT scan results that showed a herniated nucleus pulposis, and positive EMG results with evidence of radiculopathy. These patients underwent treatment with an active stabilization and conditioning exercise and ergonomic program and attained excellent results with avoidance of surgery.120 Likewise, Weber 121 randomly divided 126 patients into two groups of patients who met similar criteria for lumbar laminectomy surgery for HNP, with one group receiving the surgery and the other group treated nonsurgically with an exercise and ergonomic “back school” treatment program. Weber followed both groups for 10 years and found at 1 year that the patients who received surgical treatment showed a better result than the nonsurgical group.84 At the 4-year and 10-year follow-up examinations, no significant difference was found between the surgical and nonsurgical groups.121 In another study that compared surgical and nonsurgical management of lumbar disc protrusion with radiculopathy, Thomas et al.122 found no difference in pain, disability, or functional levels between surgical and nonsurgical groups at both a 6-month and a 12-month follow-up examination. These studies show that, in the absence of bowel/bladder dysfunction or progressive motor deficits, nonsurgical interventions should be exhausted before surgery is considered in treatment of lumbar HNP and that nonsurgical care should include physical therapy with an emphasis on an active exercise and conditioning program. Lumbar traction is another commonly used treatment method for this type of condition that can assist in pain relief and allow progression to an exercise program. Lumbar traction can be used in either a prone or a supine position. The flexed position tends to open the neuroforamen and stretch the posterior elements of the spine. Traction in the prone position with a normal amount of lordosis tends to unload the intervertebral disc more effectively.123 The typical protocol for traction is use of a force equal to 50% of the patient’s body weight and use of an intermittent force pattern of 20 to 30 seconds on and 10 to 15 seconds off, for a total duration of 15 minutes.123 Positive clinical outcomes have recently been shown with use of a lumbar traction protocol that included static traction in the prone position for 12 minutes applied at a force equal to 40% to 60% of the patient’s body weight.124 Variations in the traction setup can also be made to provide a unilateral pull and to vary the patient position into side bending or flexion/extension to begin the traction in a position of patient comfort. With subsequent treatments, the traction position is gradually brought back into a more neutral spine position based on the patient’s response to the treatment. Boxes 4-9, 4-10, and 4-11 provide further information on the use of lumbar traction. Box 4-12 provides examples of lumbar traction patient setups. Compared with the other impairment-based classifications, the subgroup of patients who receive traction has not been studied extensively. A systematic review found a lack of quality studies and studies that were somewhat inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of lumbar traction.125 Historically, lumbar traction tends to be used in conditions that do not respond well to other manual therapy or exercise-based approaches. This group of patients may also proceed to surgical interventions, most commonly lumbar discectomy/laminectomy. There is conflicting evidence for the efficacy of lumbar traction for patients with LBP.45 There is moderate evidence that clinicians should not use intermittent or static lumbar traction for reducing symptoms in patients with acute or subacute, nonradicular LBP or in patients with CLBP.45 There is preliminary evidence that a subgroup of patients with signs of nerve root compression along with peripheralization of symptoms or a positive crossed SLR will benefit from intermittent lumbar traction in the prone position.45 Fritz et al.124 reported data to support favorable outcomes in a subgroup of patients with lumbar radiculopathy (leg pain with signs of nerve root compression) who had peripheralization of symptoms with lumbar extension or had a positive crossed SLR test (45 degrees). Patients with low back and leg pain and signs of nerve root compression (positive SLR or lower extremity neurologic signs) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: lumbar extension exercise protocol for 6 weeks or lumbar traction for 2 weeks combined with the lumbar extension exercise protocol.124 At the 2-week follow-up examination, the lumbar traction group showed improvements in disability and fear-avoidance beliefs, but no between-group differences were seen at the 6-week follow-up period.124 However, further analysis of the participant baseline examination results revealed that the subgroup of patients with symptoms that peripheralized with extension or with positive crossed SLR test showed significantly better outcomes at 2 and 6 weeks if they received the lumbar traction.124 Positional distraction is an alternative to lumbar traction that can be performed both in the clinic and at the patient’s home. Box 4-13 shows a positional distraction demonstration. Advantages of positional distraction are that it can isolate the spinal level to maximally open the effected neuroforamen, it is inexpensive (a bolster can be made at home by tightly rolling a pillow in a sheet), and it is under the control of the patient.126 Creighton 127 showed with radiographic evidence that positional distraction that combines isolated lumbar flexion, lateral flexion away from the targeted neuroforamen, and rotation toward the affected side focused to a spinal segment via manual therapy techniques can maximally open a targeted neuroforamen. Once the patient is placed in positional distraction, he or she should be monitored to ensure patient comfort. For the intervention to be effective, the patient should report relief of leg pain shortly after placement in the position. The treatment sessions typically last 10 to 20 minutes, and the patient can perform the procedure at home three to six times per day. Positional distraction allows frequent intermittent unloading of the effected nerve root, which is believed to have positive clinical effects. The patient gradually progresses into an exercise program as the intensity of leg symptoms subsides. Clinicians should also consider using lower-quarter nerve mobilization procedures to reduce pain and disability in patients with subacute and chronic LBP and radiating pain.45 A subgroup of patients exists with LBP with related lower extremity symptoms but whose symptoms do not improve with flexion- or extension-oriented exercises.129 George 129 demonstrated positive clinical outcomes from a case series study with the use of nerve mobilization procedures combined with exercise and manual therapy for patients with LBP and leg symptoms distal to the buttock, a positive slump test, and the exclusion of patients with a positive SLR (< 45 degrees). Cleland et al.130 used the same inclusion/exclusion criteria for an RCT of 30 patients with LBP and leg pain who were randomized to receive lumbar spine nonthrust mobilization and exercise or lumbar spine nonthrust mobilization, exercise, and nerve mobilization with a slump stretching nerve mobilization exercise. The slump stretching exercise uses a slump test position (see Figure 4-28, D ) with passive neck flexion movement induced by the therapist or the patient to the point of symptom reproduction and is held for 30 seconds for five repetitions. All patients were treated in physical therapy twice weekly for 3 weeks for a total of six visits. At discharge, patients who received slump stretching demonstrated significantly greater improvements in disability, pain, and centralization of symptoms. The results suggest that slump stretching is beneficial for improving short-term disability, pain, and centralization of symptoms for a subgroup of patients.130 Future studies should examine whether these benefits are maintained at a longer-term follow-up. If the patient has a positive SLR (< 45 degrees), the slump stretch exercise will likely be too aggressive. Less aggressive lower extremity nerve mobilization exercises may still be indicated, such as use of modified straight leg exercise with active or passive knee extension movements applied to the point of a tension sensation in the leg. This could be progressed to holding the end-range knee extension position while adding active or passive dorsiflexion of the ankle (see Figure 4-19, A ). Nerve mobilization would not be used as a standalone treatment but rather incorporated into an impairment-based approach that combines mobilization/manipulation and therapeutic exercise. Read full chapter URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323263061000046

What are the side effects of traction?

Are there any side effects? – Although there aren’t any long term risks associated with spinal traction but certain short term side effects may occur like muscle spasms and pain which could be worse than the one before receiving traction. Some patients may experience a shooting pain down the limbs after a traction treatment.

What are the disadvantages of traction therapy?

Concerns and Contraindications – The major risks of traction are short-term and include muscle spasms or pain in the area being treated. Long-term risks of being in traction, like damage to nerves or your skin, are less likely but can happen.

Can I do traction on myself?

Lie on your back in bed with your knees bent. Grab the top of the mattress or bed post. Gently pull to provide traction or un- loading. Lie on your back with your knees bent (figure A) or lie on your back with your lower legs resting on a chair (figure B).

What is the success rate of traction therapy?

About Success Rate Of Spinal Decompression Therapy – Reviews of recent popular medical literature revealed that the clinical results of Spinal Decompression Therapy have been effective in over 75% of the people receiving this treatment and most patients find long-term relief and effective management of their pain upon completion of the entire program of treatments.

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Can traction heal a herniated disc?

4. Discussion – The clinical efficacy of lumbar traction has been controversial, including in terms of long-term and short-term efficacy. We confirmed the short-term efficacy of limited lumbar traction through a meta-analysis. As published previously, mechanical traction could alleviate low back pain, reduce ODI, and improve symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Through our analysis, lumbar traction takes effects in two major ways.
First of all, the vertebral bodies are separated through traction, which contributed to reduce the compressive force and further reduce the compression on the nerve root.
The other way is to strengthen the role of the spinal ligaments and help the intervertebral disc reset.

It has also been noted that lumbar traction is thought to alter disc size, However, there is no evidence supporting such conclusion, and no theoretical basis was proposed. We reviewed the literature included in the analysis. Bilgilisoy et al. compared the effects of supine traction, prone traction, and conventional physical therapy on ODI, pain, and activity in patients with a lumbar disc.

They suggested that mechanical traction can improve ODI and reduce pain, but it has no significant effect on activity. The study also pointed out that mechanical traction in a prone position was better than in a supine position. In other studies, such as Demirel et al. compared the efficacy of traction decompression with conventional physical therapy.

From which, both treatments could reduce the pain symptoms of patients with lumbar disc herniation and promote the functional recovery of patients. This study suggested traction decompression as an auxiliary physical therapy method for lumbar disc herniation.

Isner-Horobeti et al. further compared the efficacy of high-intensity and low-intensity lumbar traction in treating acute sciatica secondary to intervertebral disc herniation. Both high-intensity and low-intensity traction could reduce nerve root pain and improve patients’ dysfunction and psychological state.

The curative effect of high-intensity traction was better than that of low-intensity traction. The impact of mechanical traction had nothing to do with the initial amount of drug treatment, and the treatment effect could be maintained for at least 2 weeks.

Moustafa and Diab studied the effect of mechanical traction and physical therapy on unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy caused by L5-S1 disc herniation.
After 10 weeks of treatment, the traction group was better than the control group in ODI, low back and leg pain, modified Schober test, and intervertebral movement.

At 6 months of follow-up, the difference between the traction group and the control group in the above variables was still statistically significant. However, the modified Schober test results of Moustafa and Diab were inconsistent with our meta-analysis results.

Other studies have also suggested that lumbar traction cannot improve spinal mobility, which might be related to the strict restriction of the research object, meaning the inclusion of only patients with lumbar lordosis angle less than 39° might lead to more significant results.
They also suggested a long-term effect was observed in 6-month follow-ups, which is controversial to other previous studies indicating that the curative effect of lumbar traction could only be reflected in the short term,

Ozturk et al. studied the effect of continuous lumbar traction on the clinical and imaging manifestations of patients with lumbar disc herniation. The traction group was treated with physical therapy combined with continuous lumbar traction while the control group only received physical therapy.

During Ozturk et al.’s study, patients with higher protrusion responded better to traction. Lumbar traction can not only effectively improve the clinical manifestations of patients with lumbar disc herniation but also reduce the degree of lumbar disc herniation. Prasad et al. also concluded that intermittent traction combined with physical therapy could improve the clinical symptoms and function of lumbar disc herniation and improve the life treatment of patients.

Intermittent traction could significantly reduce the need for surgery. With all the strict analysis in this study, there are some limitations. The literature sizes and case sizes were limited by the strict criteria applied. In addition, sham traction controls and blank controls were included in the included studies, which may have had some impact on the results.

Larger randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm the therapeutic effect of mechanical traction on lumbar disc herniation.
Mechanical traction is a way of physical therapy which can effectively reduce the low back and leg pain and improve ODI in patients with lumbar disc herniation.
Still, it has no significant effect on the spine’s range of motion.

The therapeutic effect of mechanical traction is significantly better than that of conventional physical therapy. Lumbar traction can be combined with other conventional physical therapy.

Can traction cause nerve damage?

Abstract – Study design: A case report of injury to the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) resulting from the use of halogravity traction in a child with severe cervicothoracic kyphosis after an anterior and posterior spinal release. Objective: To describe one of the potential dangers of halo-suspension (gravity) traction, which has not been reported previously in the orthopedic literature.

Summary of background data: Cranial nerve injuries resulting from halo-skeletal traction are a recognized complication of such treatment, especially in patients with myelomeningocele. Halo-suspension traction using the patient’s body weight as counter-traction has been recommended to provide a less rigid force and to reduce complications.

Methods: The authors report on the mechanism of injury and clinical course in a 12-year-old boy with myelomeningocele and a bilateral CN XII injury caused by halo-suspension traction from onset to resolution. Results: This patient had dysphagia and difficulty swallowing 5 days after surgery.

His wheelchair traction at this point was approximately 40% of his body weight.
The traction was reduced, and a corticosteroid was administered.
The patient’s symptoms began to abate 5 days later.
At 6 weeks after injury, his cranial nerve function was normal.
Conclusions: Although halo-suspension traction or halo-wheelchair traction may be less rigid, injury to the hypoglossal nerve can be produced with traction exceeding 40% of body weight.

In the patient in the current report, resolution of this injury was complete within 5 weeks, an outcome that is consistent with those of other reported cases of CN XII injury.

Does traction really work?

What are the advantages of cervical traction? – Cervical traction is easy to perform, and — if it works for you — can deliver quick symptom relief. People who benefit from cervical traction often have an instant improvement in their neck pain after a few treatments. Some of the most common benefits include:

Reduced pain. Reduced stiffness and tension in your neck muscles. More flexibility in the muscles along your cervical spine.

Some studies have found that in addition to stretches and other physical therapy exercises, cervical traction can improve your range of motion (how far you can move your neck). However, this might not be true for everyone.

Does traction really help?

It also may improve spinal mobility by relaxing the musculature around the spine and decreasing mechanical stress.
It is also thought to reduce muscle spasm and spinal nerve root compression, as well as potentially releasing adhesions around the small joints in the spine.
Several studies have found that traction can significantly improve both neck as well as back pain when used in conjunction with other therapies.

While, February 1, 2023 Low back pain is very common, but no two patients are exactly alike.
So when a patient visits Dr.
Harrod at The Spine Center, his,
November 16, 2022 Along with the fun and excitement the holidays bring, chances are also high that you or someone in your family will experience back pain at,

How do you sleep to decompress your spine?

3. Face-Up Position – You will have to lie on your bed completely straight with your face up. Your eyes should be watching the ceiling. Now keep a pillow right beneath your knees at an angle of 30 degrees. This will assist your spine to decompress itself in addition to elongating it. You may also keep a pillow under your neck to support it and maintain it in a neutral position.

Do doctors still use traction?

What Is Skeletal Traction? Medically Reviewed by on May 10, 2023 Skeletal traction is a treatment method for, It’s a system where a combination of pulleys, pins, and weights are used to promote the healing of fractured bones. These are usually in the lower body.

In skeletal traction, a pin is placed inside your bone. That pin provides a base for a pulley system. It uses gradual pulling force to realign broken bones and promote proper healing. ‌ There are two common types of traction. These include skin traction and skeletal traction. The difference lies in where the pin, or base, is placed.

Skeletal traction uses a pin inserted into your bone. In skin traction, a splint or adhesive is applied to your skin. Skeletal traction is a treatment method for broken bones that dates back to the 13th century. It’s mainly used for treating broken bones in the lower body.

Upper leg bone (femur)Lower leg bone (tibia) Upper arm bone (humerus)HipsPelvisLower spinal area (cervical spine) ‌

An orthopedic surgeon will insert a pin in a certain part of your bone when performing skeletal traction. Where the surgeon places the pin will depend on which bone you’ve broken and how it needs to be fixed. is applied before this happens. A weight of up to 15 pounds is attached to one end of the pulley in the traction mechanism.

This provides a force to adjust the bones after a fracture. It also helps them return to their proper place. A system of pulleys will realign the broken bone properly, preparing you for a successful surgery. Your doctor might also recommend traction as a way to promote proper healing without surgery. Breaking a bone can be a very painful experience.

It can also cause you a lot of inconveniences. It’s important to take all the necessary steps to make sure your broken bone heals properly. Otherwise, you could be dealing with the same problem for quite some time. Skeletal traction is designed to put your bones back in place after a traumatic fracture.

Accidents can make your bones break into small pieces.
This makes it hard to regain the full use of them without the proper treatment.
The muscle around your broken bone can contract.
This makes the bones shorten as they heal and is common when a child breaks their leg.
It can result in one leg growing longer than the other.

Skeletal traction can be used as a temporary measure or as a treatment recommendation. The main benefits of skeletal traction are:

Joint or bone immobilizationReduce or realign dislocations and fracturesPrevent and reduce Pressure and pain relief Relieve spinal nervesPromote patient comfort until a treatment option is decided

There are lots of benefits to be had from skeletal traction. But as with most medical treatments, there can be complications too. The complications are associated with lack of movement and the effects of suspended limbs. Some of the complications skeletal traction can cause include the following.

Infection.
In skeletal traction, a metal pin is inserted into your bone.
This pin acts as a base for reducing the fracture.
The insertion site can become infected, whether it is in bone or soft tissue.
Pressure sores.
Pressure sores are also known as or bedsores.
They can happen when you’re lying in the same position for an extended period of time.

They often form in areas where your bones are close to your skin. Nerve damage. There are different ways your nerves can be damaged when undergoing skeletal traction. Pin insertion and wire arrangement are factors, but more research is needed in the area.

Misalignment of the bone or joint. Medical staff will make every effort to realign your joints or broken bone correctly. Misalignment can happen in some cases. Stiff joints. Your joints can become stiff from traction. This is possibly due to reduced blood flow. Wire malfunction. The wires that suspend your limb during skeletal traction can sometimes malfunction or break.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is when you develop a large blood clot in your deep veins. It usually happens in your legs when you’re unable to move for a long period of time. © 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : What Is Skeletal Traction?

How often should you do traction?

Abstract – Cervical traction is administered by various techniques ranging from supine mechanical motorized cervical traction to seated cervical traction using an over-the-door pulley support with attached weights. Duration of cervical traction can range from a few minutes to 20 to 30 min, once or twice weekly to several times per day. Anecdotal evidence suggests efficacy and safety, but there is no documentation of efficacy of cervical traction beyond short-term pain reduction. Because of a clinical impression that a simplified, inexpensive, over-the-door home cervical traction method of treatment requiring 5 min of cervical traction twice daily was efficacious for both cervical pain and radiculopathic syndromes, we undertook a retrospective study of 58 outpatients treated between 1994 and 1996. Age range was 29 to 84 (mean, 56) yr. Twenty-three males and 35 females were classified as Grade 1 to Grade 3 according to the Quebec Task Force of Whiplash-Associated Disorders Cohort Study. Outcomes were as follows: Grade 1 (mild)-4 of 4 (100%) patients improved; Grade 2 (moderate)-34 of 44 (77%) patients improved (P < 0.01), 5 were unchanged, and 5 felt their symptoms were aggravated by cervical traction; Grade 3 (patients with radiculopathy)-9 of 10 (90%) patients improved (P < 0.01). In a retrospective study, a brief (3-5 min), over-the-door home cervical traction modality provided symptomatic relief in 81% of the patients with mild to moderately severe (Grade 3) cervical spondylosis syndromes. Prospective, randomized assessment of cervical traction for this and other methods is needed.

What is chiropractic traction?

What is Traction Therapy? Mechanical traction therapy utilizing Flexion Distraction is a chiropractic technique used to treat many conditions of the lumbar spine. It is a non-surgical technique aimed at increasing spinal motion and resolving disc bulges and disc herniations.

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What is traction in physiotherapy?

What is traction? – Traction is a manual technique designed to reduce pressure on affected vertebral discs that are causing pain, Traction is a manual ‘stretching’ of the spine which reduces pressure on the discs and therefore reduces the individual’s pain, Above: Therapist using a foam roller to increase the efficacy of applied traction

What is the most common traction?

Review – Femur Skin Traction Skin traction is the commonest and most popular form of traction used. It is utilised for the temporary management of fractures of the femoral neck and shaft in children, and post-reduction of native hip dislocation. Its application requires a non-adhesive tape that is applied on either side of the injured limb, ensuring the pressure areas are well padded; in this case, this is over the head of the fibula to prevent the development of common peroneal nerve neuropraxia, and avoid bandaging the malleoli and Achilles tendon (Figure 2 ). Skin traction Illustration courtesy E. Filips Thomas Splint Named after early bone setter, Hugh Owen Thomas, (1834-1891) who pioneered the splint which reduced sequelae of a femur fracture saving lives during the First World War, the Thomas splint is a long leg splint with a hoop that extends beyond the foot which can be fixed or as part of balanced skin traction (Figure 3 ), Thomas Splint Illustration reproduced with permission from Össur, The application of the splint involves measuring the uninjured limb length and the splint length is adjusted accordingly by adding another 15-20 cm; the circumference of the unaffected thigh is also measured and splint ring is sized to be more than 5 cm.

Once adjusted, the slings are positioned along the splint to support the injured leg and the ring should fit into the groin and abut against the ischial tuberosity; this can be padded to protect from developing pressure sores.
Non-adhesive tape is applied to leg as described earlier which is then placed in the splint.

Once the leg is placed in a splint, traction cords attached to the adhesive are then looped around the lateral and medial bar of the splint and then knotted to the end of the splint to prevent slipping, a windlass is applied to increase the traction force to the limb. Hamilton-Russell skin traction Illustration courtesy B. Leung A broad soft sling is placed under the knee that provides an upward force, which controls the posterior angulation of the distal fragment. Distal to the knee, skin traction (as described) is applied where the horizontal pull is on the tibia using cord, pulleys and weights.

The mechanical forces are such that the horizontal pull is twice that of vertical pull which provides a resultant vector in line of axis of the femur. The traction cord is attached to sling and passes through the pulleys, which is balanced with a counterweight of approximately 3.5 kgs. If a skeletal traction is used instead, traction is through a proximal tibial skeletal pin (application described later).

The bandage is first applied to the ‘U loop’ and secured. The lower leg is then carefully placed on the prepared U loop. The U loop and stirrup are passed over the pin, and traction cord is tethered to the stirrup, giving a vertical pull via a pulley system (Figure 5 ), Hamilton-Russell skeletal traction via tibial pin Illustration courtesy B. Leung Bryant’s Traction A fixed traction treatment for femoral fractures in children up to the age of 18 months or less than 16 kilos. Traction is exerted through full-length extensions to both legs.

The desired position is when the hips are flexed to 90 degrees and both legs suspended vertically with knees in slight flexion. The child’s buttocks should be raised so that it is just off the mattress, allowing a flat hand to pass underneath them (Figure 6 ). Non-adhesive skin tape is set to both legs, foam padding is placed over the malleoli, leaving a gap between child’s foot and end of extension set.

Bandages are applied in a spiral fashion to prevent the extension set slipping. The cords are attached to the two beams at the top of the cot and secured; if weights are applied then pulleys need to be secured to the top beams. Weights prescribed are approximately 450 g per year of child’s age. Bryant’s skin traction Illustration courtesy B. Leung It is important for practitioner/nursing staff to be wary of weights tethered to the cord, which should be out of the child’s reach. Additionally, small meals should be given initially to prevent distension and vomiting as the child adjusts to the position.

The skin over the malleoli, dorsum of foot, and behind the knee should be regularly checked to monitor for break down and calf ischaemia can ensue hence why in the initial period, traction and bandages are released once or twice a day to allow for blood supply to legs, Overhead traction is maintained for three weeks after which traction is removed, and hip plaster spica is applied with knees in 10-15 degrees flexion and foot in neutral position.

The child is allowed to walk after six weeks in cast, Cervical Cervical injuries are either treated with open reduction and internal fixation or conservatively managed with a hard collar. Traction may be considered in patients who are not suitable for general anaesthesia, as a temporary measure or in facilities with low resources.

The main use of skeletal traction is to correct and maintain the position of fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine or act as a splint for undisplaced cervical fractures. Halter’s Traction Used as a balanced traction treatment of cervical spondylosis, or torticollis. A chin type stirrup is attached to a cord which is tethered to a maximum weight of 1.4 to 2.3 kgs.

The head end of the bed should be raised to provide counter traction (Figure 7 ). This is used to provide temporary relief for pain for these conditions but only a limited amount of force can be applied with these devices, If used for a longer period, it can cause serious skin necrosis below the jaw, Halter’s traction Illustration courtesy E. Filips Gardner-Wells Tongs Application of skull callipers is generally regarded as a preliminary procedure in the context of the cervical injury, The callipers are utilised in cervical dislocations/injuries and the counter-weight is dependent on the level of the injury.

Several skeletal instrumentations have been developed over time: tongs of Crutchfield (1933), Cone (1937), Barton (1938), Vinke (1948) and Merle d’ Aubigne (1958). These tongs were applied to the skull above and in front of the ears which had the advantage of not penetrating deeply into parietal bone,

However, some designs require predrilling and had significant complications include haemorrhage, loosening, cellulitis of scalp, osteomyelitis of skull, cerebral abscess, calliper slippage, trismus or asymmetrical positioning, Gardener-Wells tongs appeared to significantly decrease the risk of cranial and brain tissue complications due to improvement of shape which didn’t require placement close to vertex and has a tapered-pin design to control pressure to allow greater force without penetrating the inner table of the skull,

Preparation involves shaving the scalp locally, infiltrating skin and periosteum with local anaesthetic with the patient sedated. Gardner-Wells calliper doesn’t require a scalp incision so once anaesthetised the sharpest point of the screw is advanced through the scalp to grip the outer cortex of the skull (Figure 8 ).

These are placed at 1 cm above and in line with the pinna bilaterally, pins placed anteriorly to pinna will place the head in relative extension and alternatively in placing pins posteriorly to pinna will place the head in flexion. Recumbent or reverse Trendelenburg position to enhance tensile forces with body mass acting as counter-traction (Figure 9 ).

Weight is adjusted according to type and level of injury. Tongs are applied for cervical facet dislocation, 4.5 kg load is initiated followed by a sequential increase of 4.5 – 6.8 kg every 5-10 minutes, and monitored carefully with serial lateral cervical spine radiographs for neurological compromise, spinal alignment and occipitocervical disassociation.

Higher loads are required for lower cervical spine and unilateral facet dislocations where a total weight of as much as 63.5 kg can be used. Hangman’s fractures can require up to 2.3 to 6.8 kg to stabilise the injury, followed by halo-vest immobilisation, Application of Gardner-Wells tongs Illustration courtesy E. Filips Gardner-Wells tongs Illustration courtesy E. Filips Halo Traction A skeletal traction device to immobilise upper cervical injuries by means of a halo, halo traction is particularly used in cervical facet dislocations, traumatic spondylolisthesis of axis (Hangman’s fracture), and combination of C1 and C2 fractures.

This device is a ring that surrounds the head with 1-2 cm air gap attached via pins to the outer portion of the skull. The halo vest or halo-gravity traction allows for healing of damaged spinal region, and also allows patient to, lie, sit, or stand. Together, this apparatus provides stability to cervical column whilst allowing patient mobility.

Halo traction can be considered for treating these fractures definitively, In adults, it is a four-pin construct (Figure 10 ); two anterior and two posterior with an 8 inch-pounds of torque, whereas in paediatrics six-to-eight pin construct is used with lower 2-4 inch-pounds torque providing adequate stability, (a) Halo vest (b) halo ring Illustration courtesy E. Filips Computer tomography (CT) scans may be utilised specifically to help plan pin placement in children to facilitate avoidance of cranial sutures and thin skull regions and to limit complications.

Imaging modality is also relevant in trauma to rule out skull fractures before placement of pins. Other contraindications include children under two years due to risk of dural penetration and occipitocervical dissociation hence why application of light traction 4.5 kg and a lateral radiograph is performed in the setting of trauma,

Severe cachexia, severe scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, morbidly obese, elderly, non-compliant or tetraplegic patients are other factors not indicated for halo, The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia infiltration at the safe zones (Figure 10 ).

The anterior pin is sited 1 cm just above the lateral 1/3 of the orbit (eyebrow). Skin incisions are made at the proposed sites at the screw hole of halo and anterior pins are placed through with eyes tightly shut. If not, the patient will not be able to close eyes due to ‘tenodesis’ effect of the pins on the orbicularis muscle.

Anterior sites are lateral to supraorbital and supratrochlear nerve hence if sited too medially can cause nerve damage, or risk dural leak with subsequent meningitis or brain abscess if too deep in the frontal sinus. The posterior pins are placed 180 degrees from anterior pins, above the level of the pinna.

The pins are initially tightened with finger and then tightened with torque-limiter screwdrivers. Locking nuts are then placed over each halo, The system is made from carbon fibres to make it compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, it severely limits the visual field by restricting head movement and therefore patients need to be advised and accustomed to turn around to see behind or beside them.

This device is usually removed after three months, following the radiological confirmation of the objective. Subsequent removal of halo, a neck collar is provided to support for neck muscles that have become deconditioned and weak, making the head feel heavy,

Complications of up to 68% following halo application have been reported, include pin loosening, dislodgment and infection.
Pin tightening should occur at 24 hours and one week and pin infections should be managed with local pin care and occasional oral antibiotics; however, for severe infection pin replacement is required,

Forearm/distal radius Finger Trap Traction First described by Caldwell in 1931, this method involves inserting the digits into finger traps, ensuring they are well secured, and then suspending them onto a drip stand or equivalent with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees; the additional weight is hung over the humerus to provide the traction to disimpact the injury (Figure 11 ). Finger trap traction Illustration courtesy E. Filips Elbow Dunlop Traction John Dunlop of Pasadena, California originally described this balanced traction system for midshaft or supracondylar humerus fractures. This is indicated in those with gross instability/ inability to achieve reduction through manipulation, in whom there is no palpable radial pulse at the time of presentation, or in whom when the fracture is reduced, the pulse disappears and extension of the elbow is sufficient to allow a return of the pulse but results in the fracture slipping again,

The original description describes traction under heavy sedation with morphine, aimed at gradually straightening the arm, alternating with the traction in a gradual process of reduction.
He aimed to achieve a complete reduction in 24-36 hours,
Any tendency for varus angulation can be controlled by placing the forearm in pronation and conversely any tendency for valgus angulation can be controlled by placing the forearm in supination.

Elevation of that side of the bed is an essential part of the management, The vertical counter-traction for the humerus, proximal to the fracture site, has usually been achieved by a wide piece of non-adhesive felt to which a 1.5-kilogram weight is applied and forearm traction with 1-kilogram weight on upper arm elbow flexed at 45-60 degrees (Figure 12 ). Dunlop traction Illustration courtesy E. Filips When sufficient callus is visible at three weeks, traction is removed and the arm is gradually brought to a right angle, and a plaster splint or sling is applied. Christopher Colton & Fergal Monsell emphasised that these are overtreated with surgery and advocate considering less invasive procedures such as traction for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures, particularly where image intensification is not available,

Skeletal Tractions Skeletal traction is indicated for those with shortened unstable fractures/dislocations of the extremity.
This is particularly relevant for the lower limb where it may be difficult to immobilize with splinting alone or require greater force than what skin traction could provide,
Irschner wires (K-wires) and Steinmann pins are used as traction pins.

Those that are threaded (eg. Denham pins) are less likely to loosen than smooth implants but tend to bend. The diameter of the pins is determined to be 1/3 of the width of the bone it is placed in (Figure 13 ). Required maintenance weights are roughly estimated at 1/10-1/7th of the patient’s body weight, Femur Distal Femur Traction (Skeletal 90-90 Traction) This is indicated for unstable hip dislocations, acetabular, proximal femur and shaft fractures. Traction pin placement is placed at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the femur. Prior to insertion of Steinmann pin, palpate the superficial landmarks: patella, joint line, and adductors tubercle which allows for identification of the placement and limits complications. Femoral pin traction P: patella; F: fibula head; O: adductor tubercle; +: Pin insertion site Photo courtesy K. Dhaliwal Once identified, local anaesthetic is infiltrated superficially and then deeper into periosteum. The skin incision is made and blunt dissection is made down to the bone, the track is developed with the aid of artery forceps or clamp.

Pins are placed medial to lateral with the knee in flexion, the pin is then walked onto the medial femoral condyle to ensure central placement and confirmed on fluoroscopy; the drill is then attached to the pin and is advanced in perpendicular to the bone in axial plane and parallel to the marked line until skin tenting is noticed on the lateral side.

Local anaesthetic is infiltrated and a counter incision is made. Once radiologically confirmed satisfactory placement, traction bow is secured to pin and 9-14 kg of traction that is hung off the side of traction bed and the lower leg is supported with U-Loops (Figure 15 ), 90-90 skeletal traction Illustration courtesy B. Leung Distal femoral traction pin is considered when the knee joint is injured or its stability is unascertained. Proximal Tibial Traction (Perkins) Proximal tibial traction is indicated for femoral shaft or subtrochanteric fractures and is generally easier to apply in obese due to ease of palpating the landmarks. Surface marking for tibial pin P: patella; F: fibula head; O: adductor tubercle; X: pin insertion site Photo courtesy K. Dhaliwal This site of insertion is 1-2 cm or one to two finger breaths distal and 2-3 cm or two-finger breaths lateral to tibial tubercle.

Once identified and appropriately local anaesthesia infiltrated, a skin incision is applied in line of axis of the bone.
The pin is placed from lateral to medial to avoid causing iatrogenic damage to the peroneal nerve.
As the tibia has a triangular cross-section, the pin may not be initially completely perpendicular on entry.

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Radiographs should be taken to confirm satisfactory placement. If a Denham pin has been used, it is passed through, making a counter incision and then a stirrup is placed and secured with traction applied (Figure 17 ), The knee is supported with a triangular wedge to control the distal femur fragment which is flexed by the deforming force of gastrocnemius (Figure 18 ). Steps in applying tibial pin Illustration courtesy E. Filips Perkin’s traction Illustration courtesy B. Leung Tibia Distal Tibial-Fibular Traction Fractures distal to the knee require more distal traction, it may be useful in setting shortened tibial plateau fractures. Pin placement is aimed to avoid the superficial peroneal nerve and intra-articular placement, therefore, a transverse line is marked 5 cm proximal to the ankle joint (Figure 19 ). Surface marking for distal tibial pin X: Pin insertion site Photo courtesy K. Dhaliwal Distal tibial pin traction Illustration courtesy E. Filips Calcaneal Traction Calcaneal pin traction is reserved for tibial shaft, pilon and subtalar fractures. Placement is from medial to lateral to avoid injury to the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle which sits posteroinferiorly to medial malleolus.

Superficial landmarks which are identified and marked are medial malleolus, posterior tip of calcaneus, tibiotalar and subtalar joint. A line is drawn from tip of calcaneum to medial malleolus. The entry point is 2/3 from the line drawn from medial malleolus to tip of calcaneum (Figure 21 ). Local anaesthesia is infiltrated to skin and the pin is positioned in place after dissection and radiologically confirmed then the pin is advanced, finally, the counter skin is infiltrated, incision is made, pin is advanced further and traction bow is applied so weights can be applied,

Potential risk includes damage to medial calcaneal nerve and stiffness of subtalar joint. Calcaneal pin placement M: medial malleolus; X: Pin insertion site Photo courtesy K. Dhaliwal Olecranon Traction Fractures of the shaft or distal end of the humerus can be managed with skeletal traction via an olecranon pin. It is marked 3 cm distal to the tip of the olecranon, local anaesthetic is infiltrated and a skin incision is made, careful dissection down to bone using ulna nerve safety precautions is performed and small artery forceps are used to dilate track. Overhead olecranon pin traction Illustration courtesy E. Filips Metacarpal Traction Metacarpal traction is used rarely in developed health care systems but can be applied for difficult and unstable distal radius fractures and forearm shaft fractures. K-wires are placed through metacarpal diaphysis 2.5 cm proximal to MCP joint of the index and middle finger and perpendicular to the axis of radius.

A small skin incision is made into anaesthetic infiltrated skin, manually moving the 1st dorsal interossei muscle volarly.
Wire is used to palpate the bone, ensuring it is not anterior or posterior and crossing radially to ulnarly under x-ray.
Structures at risk include digital vessels and nerves with stiffness to intrinsics.

This can be then applied to traction bow to provide longitudinal traction (Figure 23 ), Metacarpal pin traction Illustration courtesy E. Filips Skeletal pin complications and prevention When skeletal pins are applied potential complications may occur, this includes cortical defects, which act as stress risers and may predispose to fractures, or pin site infection can develop secondary pin-tract osteomyelitis or septic arthritis if placed intra-articularly,

Hence it is of essential importance to carefully place pins while not causing iatrogenic injury. Pins should be applied transmedullary with the aid of fluoroscopy to prevent transcortical placement reducing risk of fracture. Pins advanced into the bone using drills should be pulsed with saline to reduce thermonecrotic damage.

therefore minimising infection and loosening. The pin should not be driven forward and then retracted to prevent early loosening. There is a higher chance of developing pin site infection in some tractions such as femoral traction due to bulky muscle, hence chlorhexidine swabbed gauze or sponge should be placed around the pin site and to have regular monitoring of pin sites to prevent infection.

How long does it take for traction to work?

Cervical traction – Cervical traction is often used in the treatment of radiculopathy.2, 8, 40–43 The rationale for traction is based on elongation of the spine, resultant increase in intervertebral space, relaxation of spinal muscles, opening of the neural foramen, and relief of nerve root compression.44–46 With cervical traction, the reduction of compressive forces theoretically serves to create space for the inflamed or compressed nerve root, thereby diminishing structural impingement and improving fluid dynamics.

The efficacy of traction has not been conclusively proven in a randomized, controlled trial, but it is commonly used and thought to be beneficial in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy.47, 48 Many clinicians advocate manual traction as a means of assessing the patient’s response to the technique prior to employing mechanical devices and as a treatment technique itself.

Figure 58.2 represents application of manual traction. The variables of duration, direction of force, and position can be rapidly assessed and easily changed dependent on the pain response. The clinician will be looking for pain to move from a distal to a proximal location and decrease in intensity as a favorable response.

Once it has been determined that the response is favorable, mechanical treatment devices can be employed.
Should cervical traction produce a desirable effect, home traction units are available.
Concerning duration of traction forces, Colachis and Strohm showed that nearly all vertebral separation occurs during the first seven seconds of force application, but that up to 20–25 minutes is necessary to produce muscle relaxation.40–42 Intermittent traction produces twice the amount of separation as sustained traction and as a result it is currently the mode of choice.49 If improvement is realized, parameters of time and traction force can be increased on a slow gradient until maximum benefit as measured by symptom relief is achieved.

With regard to positioning, traction is typically performed with the patient sitting or supine. The supine position has been shown to provide greater separation of intervertebral spaces from C4 to C7 than sitting, when the angle of pull and force were controlled.50 This suggests that the supine position is superior for the desired separation effect.

The angle of pull must be correct to get the desired therapeutic effect. Flexion of 20–30° is advocated to obtain the greatest benefit of posterior muscular elongation and enlargement of the intervertebral foramina.51 There is no firm consensus on the amount of traction force needed to produce a desired clinical result.

It appears that at least 25–30 pounds of force are required to produce measurable separation of the cervical vertebrae.41, 42, 52 The traction force must be at least the weight of the head to produce any significant decompression. Traction is contraindicated in the presence of any disease resulting in structural compromise or instability.53 Examples include tumor, infection, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Further, any condition for which movement is contraindicated also is a contraindication for traction.54 Relative contraindications include acute strains and sprains that would be aggravated by traction.19 Traction applied to patients with joint instability may cause further strain and should be carefully monitored if applied at all.

Other relative contraindications may include pregnancy, osteoporosis, hiatal hernia, and claustrophobia. A careful patient history should be taken before employing cervical traction to rule out absolute and relative contraindications. It is strongly advised to consult dynamic X-rays first to clear the patient of instabilities that could be aggravated by traction.

Unstable spondylolisthesis or atlanto-axial instability is a contraindication for traction.
When applying cervical traction, one must be aware of additional risk factors including increased blood pressure, respiratory compromise and temporomandibular joint compression due to the required harness for certain mechanical devices.

Read full chapter URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780721628721500637

Can traction heal a herniated disc?

Through our analysis, lumbar traction takes effects in two major ways.
First of all, the vertebral bodies are separated through traction, which contributed to reduce the compressive force and further reduce the compression on the nerve root.
The other way is to strengthen the role of the spinal ligaments and help the intervertebral disc reset.

They suggested that mechanical traction can improve ODI and reduce pain, but it has no significant effect on activity.
The study also pointed out that mechanical traction in a prone position was better than in a supine position.
In other studies, such as Demirel et al.
Compared the efficacy of traction decompression with conventional physical therapy.

Isner-Horobeti et al.
Further compared the efficacy of high-intensity and low-intensity lumbar traction in treating acute sciatica secondary to intervertebral disc herniation.
Both high-intensity and low-intensity traction could reduce nerve root pain and improve patients’ dysfunction and psychological state.

Moustafa and Diab studied the effect of mechanical traction and physical therapy on unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy caused by L5-S1 disc herniation.
After 10 weeks of treatment, the traction group was better than the control group in ODI, low back and leg pain, modified Schober test, and intervertebral movement.

Other studies have also suggested that lumbar traction cannot improve spinal mobility, which might be related to the strict restriction of the research object, meaning the inclusion of only patients with lumbar lordosis angle less than 39° might lead to more significant results.
They also suggested a long-term effect was observed in 6-month follow-ups, which is controversial to other previous studies indicating that the curative effect of lumbar traction could only be reflected in the short term,

During Ozturk et al.’s study, patients with higher protrusion responded better to traction.
Lumbar traction can not only effectively improve the clinical manifestations of patients with lumbar disc herniation but also reduce the degree of lumbar disc herniation.
Prasad et al.
Also concluded that intermittent traction combined with physical therapy could improve the clinical symptoms and function of lumbar disc herniation and improve the life treatment of patients.

Larger randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm the therapeutic effect of mechanical traction on lumbar disc herniation.
Mechanical traction is a way of physical therapy which can effectively reduce the low back and leg pain and improve ODI in patients with lumbar disc herniation.
Still, it has no significant effect on the spine’s range of motion.

The therapeutic effect of mechanical traction is significantly better than that of conventional physical therapy. Lumbar traction can be combined with other conventional physical therapy.

Is traction bad for herniated disc?

Disc Traction Therapy | Traction Therapy For Spinal Discs Herniated and degenerated spinal discs pressing on spinal nerves are among the most common causes of lower back pain. It’s a medical fact that damaged discs seldom retract on their own because they are under constant internal pressure. Herniated and degenerated spinal discs pressing on spinal nerves are among the most common causes of lower back pain. It’s a medical fact that damaged discs seldom retract on their own because they are under constant internal pressure. Disc Traction Therapy relieves pressure on the lower spine and spinal nerves by reducing pressure inside the discs.

The bones of the spine (vertebrae) are separated and cushioned from one another by highly specialized tissues called discs, averaging about one-half inch thick. Discs help form windows between vertebrae so spinal nerves can exit, fan out, and serve all areas and organs of the body with vital nerve energy.

Discs let the spine bend in daily living while they absorb the everyday knocks, shocks, and bumps to the spine — somewhat the way an automobile tire constantly “gives” and recovers while running on a bumpy road. It is the disc’s structure – a tough outer wall surrounding a gel-like core – that allows the disc to “bounce back” repeatedly.

The wall is made up of layers of elastic tissues, crisscrossed for strength like an auto tire.
This wall encases the disc’s core.
The gel-like core is under considerable internal pressure.
This gives the disc most of its “bounce”, like an inﬂated tire, but the internal pressure also contributes to the disc’s own distress if the disc herniates or ruptures.

Birmingham | Montgomery | Prattville Montgomery | Prattville | Birmingham When a disc herniates, bulges or ruptures and presses on spinal nerves, it often causes great back and/or neck, arm, leg pain, sometimes so intense it disables the victim. Patients commonly call the condition slipped disc or blown disc, although the correct medical term is Herniated Nucleus Pulposus.

Some disc problems are caused by injury. Some result from repeated occupational stress over a period of time such as sitting or standing in a harmful way. Some disc problems develop very slowly through disc degeneration and thinning — a process so gradual as to establish the disc problem well before pain and other symptoms demand attention.

Seldom do damaged spinal discs heal without proper treatment because the discs are constantly under the internal pressure that contributed to the disc problem in the ﬁrst place. That’s why state-of-the-art Disc Decompression Therapy using a Disc-Decompression Table is a vital treatment option.

Therapy on a Disc Traction Table creates negative pressures inside the herniated, bulging disc letting it retract naturally, thus relieving disc pressure on spinal nerves. This usually brings welcome relief from pain. Reducing pressure in the disc also reinstates the natural transfer of surrounding ﬂuids, nutrients and oxygen into the disc, a process essential for disc health. Tears in the disc’s wall can now repair themselves while nutrients introduced back into the disc’s nucleus can reverse the disc’s degeneration and its collapse, and restore disc height which relieves pressure on inﬂamed spinal joints.

Fully clothed, patient, is comfortably positioned on the Disc-Traction Table for a relaxing computer controlled stretching procedure to reduce the disc’s internal pressure. A typical treatment session consists of 20 minutes of traction and electronic muscle stimulation. The process is relaxing. It is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during treatment. Most patients ﬁnd relief of symptoms between 10-12 sessions. The average recommendation is 18-20 sessions, ideally done daily with a rest on weekends. At the conclusion of the treatment series, when the disc injury has been corrected to the best of body’s ability, patients are given mobilization and strengthening exercises to avoid repeat injury. After only a few weeks of treatment, research has shown outstanding results in relief from the debilitating pain caused by degenerative, bulging, herniated or ruptured discs, as well as sciatica, posterior facet syndrome, spinal stenosis, and many failed back surgery cases. Most patients are able to return to normal levels of activity at work or recreation in just a few weeks.

: Disc Traction Therapy | Traction Therapy For Spinal Discs

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