What is back traction?

Asked by: Rob Nunnallee

Traction is a therapeutic method to relieve pain by stretching and realigning the spine. Placing a stretch on the spine separates the vertebrae and helps to relieve direct nerve pressure and stress on the vertebral discs.

Is traction still used for back pain?

Based on current evidence, traction as a single treatment is not effective for patients with low-back pain, with or without sciatica. There are very few high-quality studies in this field.

How long should you do traction on your back?

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.

Does traction really work?

A 2014 study found that mechanical traction was effective in treating people with pinched nerves and neck pain. Mechanical traction was more effective than exercising alone or exercising in addition to using over-door traction.

How do I get my traction back?

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 are the side effects of traction?

Experts think that traction expands the space between the vertebrae, increases the movement of the joints and stretches the muscles and ligaments around the vertebrae. Side effects are generally few, but can include headache, nausea, fainting and injury to tissue.

Can traction fix a bulging disc?

Any back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal Decompression Traction Therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).

Is it good to decompress your spine?

Be it a herniated disc or a disc injury due to any degenerative disease, spinal decompression is beneficial for all these problems. This is because it increases the blood circulation to the spine and helps the dislocated spines to regain back their original position.

How often should I decompress my spine?

A typical spinal decompression treatment protocol consists of about 12–20 sessions over four to six weeks. Some conditions require fewer visits; some require more.

How do you decompress your spine while sleeping?

Lie on your back, and bend your knees slightly, putting a pillow beneath them at a 30-degree angle to support your lower back and decompress the spine. Add a pillow to support your neck and keep your head in a neutral stance.

What is the prayer stretch?

Prayer stretch



Start with your palms together in front of your chest just below your chin. Slowly lower your hands toward your waistline, keeping your hands close to your stomach and your palms together, until you feel a mild to moderate stretch under your forearms. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.

How do I decompress my lower back at home?

Forward with your hands. So it looks just like this this is kind of phase. Two reaching forward with your hands causes a little bit more decompression. In your back. It's a little bit more aggressive.