Mechanical traction can be used for both the neck (cervical spine) and low back (lumbar spine) to treat chronic arthritic or degenerative conditions and disc herniations. Traction uses decompression forces in order to reduce weight and pressure onto the painful region of the spine helping to reduce pain. Mechanical Traction should only be set up and modified by a licensed medical professional.
"Traction" applies to the using of weights to stretch muscles and ligaments thereby increasing the space between vertebrae. Usually this process is necessary for pinched or compressed nerves, muscle or skeletal disorders, or injuries to joints, muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae.
Mechanical traction allows for continuous or intermittent stretching on a traction table while combining heat, vibration, and/or massage. These tables can use computer-based systems to apply exact amounts and/or variations of pressure. By relieving the constant pressure that muscle groups and parts of the skeleton endure, patients can live a healthier, more pain free lifestyle. Mechanical traction is however, not appropriate for patients with serious bone conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomyelitis and bone cancer, or with heart disease and spinal cord diseases. It is also not appropriate for those with spinal fractures or arthritis.
This type of treatment should only be considered following careful examination and diagnosis, and professionally supervised by a licensed physical therapist or doctor to ensure effectiveness and safety.
