Traction

Q:    What is Traction?
A:    Traction is a way of inducing passive motion into the back, neck, or wrist for the

purpose of stretching joints, increasing mobility, and lessening nerve pressure.

                                                                                                                              
Q:    How does Traction work?
A:     Lower back: The patient lies face down on the adjusting bench while I distract the joint open with

the assistance of the table.  I press up on the vertebra while the table bends downward.  When the
joints are stretched open there is a negative pressure within the disc (like a vacuum) - this is disc
decompression. Studies show that 85% of the time a bulging or herniated disc can be made to go at
least part of the way back in using this type of traction.

Neck (First type): The patient lies face up on the therapy table with the padding of the traction unit
just under the head.  The patient controls a pump that forces air into the traction unit.  The more air
that goes into the greater the intensity of the traction.  This opens the joints of the neck and
decompresses the disc. Studies show that 85% of the time a bulging or herniated disc can be made
to go at least part of the way back in using this type of traction.

Neck (Second type): The patient sits in a chair and has a harness
placed around their shoulders to stabilize their torso.  A strap is
place behind the neck.  The strap behind the neck is pulled
forward, and the harness is pulled backwards to the point where a
patient feels a stretch.  The purpose of this type of traction is to
restore a reduced or reversed cervical lordosis (curve) to its normal
position.

Wrist: The wrist is secured in a small traction device.  The amount
of traction intensity is set and a button is pressed to begin the
traction.  The carpal bones in the wrist are distracted apart to
relieve the nerve pressure that causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

Q:    What does Traction feel like?
A:    Most patients find these forms of treatment relaxing and very helpful. They should never be painful.

Q:    Why is Traction used?
A:    Since disc has a poor blood supply, they get nutrients from the circulation of fluids surrounding

spinal joints.  Fixations (“locked up” joints) prevent this natural circulation and can cause disc
dehydration which leads to disc thinning and degeneration (arthritis).  Traction helps increase and
restore necessary elasticity and motion to the spine. It also decompresses the disc to reduce disc
bulges/herniations.  It also helps to reduce and eliminate nerve pressure.

Patient Benefits

• Decompression of the disc (reduces bulging/herniated discs)
  
• Eliminates nerve pressure
  
• Increases mobility
  
• Improves circulation of spinal fluids
  
• Comfortable and relaxing