Traction therapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments available for conditions involving spinal compression, disc problems, and nerve impingement. At Brown Chiropractic Center, Dr. Jeff Brown uses cervical and lumbar traction as part of a comprehensive treatment approach to decompress the spine, relieve pressure on affected nerves and discs, and reduce the pain and dysfunction that compression causes.
What Is Spinal Traction?
Spinal traction is a therapy that gently stretches and decompresses the spine by applying a carefully controlled pulling force along the axis of the spinal column. This separation of the vertebrae reduces pressure on compressed discs and pinched nerves, improves circulation to the affected area, and creates an environment in the spine that supports healing and pain relief.
Traction can be applied to the cervical spine, which is the neck, or the lumbar spine, which is the lower back, depending on where the problem is located. At Brown Chiropractic Center both forms of traction are available and are selected based on each patient's specific condition and examination findings.
Cervical Traction
Cervical traction is applied to the neck and is particularly effective for conditions involving the cervical discs and nerves. When the vertebrae of the neck are compressed, whether from injury, degeneration, or postural stress, the discs and nerves in the area can become irritated or impinged. Cervical traction gently separates those vertebrae, relieving pressure and creating space for the affected tissue to heal.
Cervical traction is commonly used for neck pain, whiplash injuries, cervical disc herniations, pinched nerves causing pain or numbness into the arms and hands, and headaches with a cervical origin.
Lumbar Traction
Lumbar traction is applied to the lower back and addresses compression in the lumbar spine. The lower back carries a significant load and is one of the most common sites for disc injury, nerve compression, and degenerative changes. Lumbar traction decompresses the lumbar vertebrae and discs, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve and other lumbar nerve roots that can cause radiating pain into the hips, legs, and feet.
Lumbar traction is commonly used for low back pain, sciatica, lumbar disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and leg pain caused by lumbar nerve compression.
What to Expect During Traction Therapy
Traction therapy is a comfortable, controlled procedure. Cervical traction is typically applied with the patient lying down or seated, with a gentle pulling force applied to the head and neck. Lumbar traction is applied with the patient lying on a treatment table with a harness around the pelvis. The amount of force, the angle, and the duration of each session are adjusted based on your condition and your response to treatment.
Most patients find traction therapy relaxing and report relief during and after the session. Dr. Brown will monitor your response and adjust the parameters of your treatment as your care progresses.
How Traction Fits Into Your Treatment Plan
Traction therapy works best when combined with chiropractic adjustments and other appropriate therapies. It is not a standalone treatment but rather one component of a comprehensive care plan targeted at the underlying cause of your pain.
If traction is appropriate for your condition, Dr. Brown will recommend it as part of your overall treatment plan and explain what it is designed to accomplish and what you can expect from it.
