The primary aim of the spinal traction procedure is to relieve pressure on the spine through the decompression process. This process can be carried out mechanically with the help of specialised equipment or manually by a practitioner. Spinal traction involves creating space between vertebrae by stretching the spine gently to alleviate pain by relieving pressure on spinal discs and nerves.
This is a great choice of treatment for people suffering from certain spinal conditions because it relieves back pain and improves spinal alignment and mobility. This treatment helps to make your spine straight and triggers the body’s self-healing process.
Yes, spinal traction treatment works for both back pain and neck pain. The procedure uses force and counterforce techniques in opposite directions to relieve pain. Though the precise mechanism of spinal traction might not be clear, it is thought it works by alleviating pain by creating intervertebral space and interfering with pain impulses. In addition, it could enhance spinal mobility by relaxing the spinal muscles and reducing mechanical strain.
It is believed that it may ease muscle spasms, decompress spinal nerve roots, and possibly dissolve adhesions surrounding the spine’s small joints. Several studies have documented that traction procedures can strongly improve both neck and back pain when they are used in combination with other treatment options.
Traction can be utilized by patients for home therapy and by practitioners during guided treatment. There are different types of devices used in traction procedures, which include:
- Manual traction
- Mechanical traction
- Gravity-dependent traction.
Manual traction
A certified physical therapist is only allowed to perform manual traction. They use their bare hands to pull the patient’s head or neck away from the body to decompress the spine. They may hold for several seconds before releasing.
Mechanical traction
A physician recommends using a harness device to perform mechanical traction, and it can be done at home. Over-the-door setup is the most frequently used mechanism by at-home traction devices for treating cervical spine problems. This setup nearly applies 4.5 to 9 kg of pulling force.
This mechanism allows the application of force in a controlled and adjustable manner so that the applied traction on the cervical spine relieves pressure and promotes alignment. Mechanical traction can be carried out several times in a day, for a minimum of fifteen to thirty minutes each time. As the patient gains strength, the amount of force applied might be increased.
Lumbar traction is another type of traction that focuses on the lumbar region of the spine. This mechanism uses a harness applied around the lower rib cage and the pelvic bones through velcro strapping. It can be applied continuously or at regular intervals. This type of traction might require around 45 kg of force to decompress effectively.
Gravity-dependent traction
This type of traction procedure can be performed with the help of a home inversion table. This traction procedure mostly uses the force generated primarily by gravity which is applied to the body. In this method, a device is used that makes the patient’s feet rise above the head level to reverse the effects of gravity on the spine and allow decompression.
Common spinal conditions that can be treated with the help of traction treatment are as follows:
- Slipped discs (prolapsed or herniated disc)
- Bone spurs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint disease
- Pinched nerves or nerve compression
- Sciatica
- Foraminal stenosis (lateral stenosis)
Spinal traction is a non-surgical treatment to relieve back pain and fix certain spinal problems. Though it may have some manageable side effects, it offers an effective way of getting pain relief for most people.
For more detailed information, consult Dr. Surya Prakash, one of the best spine surgeons in Hyderabad. He has more than two decades of experience as a spine specialist and can help you with any spine problem. For appointments, you can reach us at +91 9848024699.
