Traction is a form of stretching for the spine. It separates the vertebrae in a way to relieve pressure on nerves, reduce bulge on discs, and reduce stress on joints. It can be done in 3 different ways. Manual traction can be done by a therapist or a chiropractor using their hands and/or other means to create distraction. This way can’t be measured like mechanical traction. This type uses a specialized machine or table that produced a predetermined amount of force. Your healthcare professional will determine the safe amount of weight for the machine to use based on body weight. Traction can be increased gradually over time to find the “therapeutic dose” or the amount for weight that brings the desired effect. Gravity dependent traction uses equipment like an inversion table. This is more for home use and is appropriate for lumbar treatment. There are other types of home units for cervical traction that vary in cost. There are mechanical home units, which are expensive. Other types of home equipment involve a kind of ballon apparatus or pulley system over a door with a weight on the opposite end of your head. The pulley system is the most cost effective and recommended as the weight is more adjustable and measurable.
Traction is most used for radicular pain which is pain that travels from the spine to an extremity. Having your cervical pain evaluated by our physical therapist, chiropractor, or medical doctor is always the best place to start. This will get you back to your life as quickly and safely as possible.