Spinal Traction Therapy

What is Traction Therapy?

Treating back and neck pain with spinal traction is a practice thats been around for many years. The goal of spinal traction is to pull the vertebrae apart from each other. The purpose is generally to create more space for nerves where they exit the spinal column or to relieve pressure on the cartilage discs between the bones or on the small spinal joints themselves.

How does Traction Therapy work?

The theory behind spinal traction therapy is that if the discs are pulled, they will regain hydration or have an influx of fluids. This would then make them more shock absorbent.

Spinal traction therapy can be administered manually or mechanically, depending on a patient's needs.

Manual Spinal Traction

In manual spinal traction, a practitioner uses his/her hands to put a patient in a state of traction. Then he or she uses manual force on the joints and muscles to widen the spaces between vertebrae.

Mechanical Spinal Traction

In mechanical spinal traction, a patient lies on a table that has special tools to stretch the spine. A practitioner will attach a series of ropes, slings, and pulleys to the patient to mechanically relieve pressure.

Benefits of Traction Therapy?

Spinal traction is a non-surgical way to relieve pain and correct problems in the spine. The results of spinal traction include pain relief, proper spinal alignment, and decompressed joints. Spinal traction stretches the muscles and bones in the back to combat the effects of gravity.

Conditions treated by Traction:

• Disc herniation
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Pinched nerves
• Facet joint dysfunction

All of our Chiropractors are versed in the use of Traction Therapy.