What is Spinal Traction and Does It Work for Back & Neck Pain?

Published on April 22, 2022 by Dr. Matthew A. Neumann

Spinal traction is a widely used treatment for low back pain as well as neck pain. Traction utilizes a force and counterforce to pull in opposite directions to relieve spine related pain. 

Although the exact mechanism is unclear, it is believed that spinal traction works to relieve pain by increasing the space between the vertebrae and inhibiting pain impulses. It also may improve spinal mobility by relaxing the musculature around the spine and decreasing mechanical stress. It is also thought to reduce muscle spasm and spinal nerve root compression, as well as potentially releasing adhesions around the small joints in the spine.

Several studies have found that traction can significantly improve both neck as well as back pain when used in conjunction with other therapies.

Traction can be used by practitioners during guided treatment as well as by patients during home therapy. Types of traction devices include manual traction, mechanical traction, and gravity dependent traction:

  1. Manual traction is done by a licensed physical therapist. The therapist uses their hands to decompress the spine by gently pulling the patient’s head or neck away from the body, holding for several seconds, then releasing. 
  2. Mechanical traction may be done at home using a harness device prescribed by a physician or other practitioner.

    The most common at home traction device for the cervical spine utilizes an over-the-door mechanism that applies 10 to 20 pounds of pulling force. This type of traction may be done several times throughout the day for 15 to 30 minutes at a time. This amount of force may be increased as strength is obtained. 

    Lumbar traction uses a harness applied via Velcro strapping around the lower rib cage and the pelvic bones (the iliac crest). It can be applied via continuous or intermittent mode. The lumbar spine traction may require up to 100 pounds of force for effective decompression. 
  3. Gravity dependent traction can be done via a home inversion table. This device raises the patient’s feet above the head, effectively reversing the effects of gravity on the lumbar spine, which allows for decompression.

If you think you may be a candidate for spinal traction please visit one of our professionals at The Spine Center of Louisiana for further information.

Share This:

More on Back Pain and Low Back Pain:

Ultra Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Assisted Lumbar Fusion

November 20, 2023

For many years, spine surgeons have been searching for ways to accomplish the same goal of improving patient outcomes while limiting post operative pain and ...

Where to Turn When All You Can Think of is Pain

September 14, 2023

When you are experiencing extreme pain to your back or legs, it can be hard to think straight. The only thought in your head might ...

Can Inversion Tables Relieve Back Pain?

May 18, 2023

With the return of warm weather, we’re often outside and moving more, whether that’s yardwork, athletics or just taking more walks to enjoy nature. While ...

Dr. Harrod’s Approach to Treating Back Pain

February 1, 2023

Low back pain is very common, but no two patients are exactly alike. So when a patient visits Dr. Harrod at The Spine Center, his ...

How To Manage Back Pain During Holiday Travel

November 16, 2022

Along with the fun and excitement the holidays bring, chances are also high that you or someone in your family will experience back pain at ...

Are You a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

October 7, 2022

What is minimally invasive spine surgery and am I a good candidate? Back pain is one of the most common medical problems facing people in ...

close