What is traction?
Traction is the process of applying a safe stretching force to pull the vertebrae and discs in the spine apart to relieve pain and pressure. It is commonly used by physiotherapists to treat patients with a variety of conditions that involve the neck (cervical spine) and/or low back (lumbar spine). There are 2 ways to apply traction to the spine:
- Manual traction – a safe and effective hands-on approach performed by a registered physiotherapist
- Mechanical traction – a safe and effective unit/machine that provides comfortable relief
How does traction help?
The effects of cervical and lumbar traction are well documented in the literature. They include:
- increase in the intervertebral space
- vertebral separation
- reduction of disc herniation
- changes in intervertebral disc pressures
- local pain relief in the spine
- relief of radiating symptoms in the arms/hands, legs/feet caused by a pinched nerve in the spine.
Will traction help me?
Traction is recommended for treatment of neck and low back pain with or without radiating nerve symptoms (pain, pins/needles, numbness) into the arms/hands, legs/feet. These symptoms can be due to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease and foraminal stenosis (narrowing). Traction can also be beneficial in treating joint hypomobility, contracted connective tissue, adhesions, apophyseal joint impingement and muscle spasm. Traction is not recommended for patients with spinal malignancies (tumor), pregnancy and spinal infection.
HCRC is proud to be one of the ONLY CLINICS in Milton to offer mechanical traction!!! HCRC also is one of very few clinics in Milton that offer Spinal Decompression using the SpineMED machine, which is another form of traction. Please call us to book an assessment with one of our highly skilled registered physiotherapists, and we’ll be happy to discuss a specific treatment plan for you!
