Spinal traction: a pain-relieving treatment?

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April 8, 2023
Winston Truong

What is spinal traction?

Spinal traction is a therapy that uses mechanical force to stretch the spine. This treatment can relieve pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other conditions. Traction can also help to improve nerve function and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.  This therapy is typically performed by a trained professional, such as a physical therapist. The therapist will use a machine to apply the traction force to the affected spinal area. Treatment sessions typically last for 30 minutes to an hour. Spinal traction is generally considered safe, but there are some risks associated with this therapy.These risks include headaches, neck pain, and dizziness. If you experience any of these side effects, you should immediately stop treatment and contact your healthcare provider.

How does it work?

When you have back pain, the last thing you want to do is add more pressure. But that's exactly what spinal traction does. Spinal traction is a pain-relieving treatment that involves your doctor slowly stretching your spine using a pulley system. How does it work? By gently stretching the spine, spinal traction can help relieve pressure on the discs and nerves in your back. This can help ease back pain and improve the range of motion. Spinal traction is usually done by a physical therapist or other trained professional.  Spinal traction is a non-invasive treatment that doesn't involve surgery. That said, it's not for everyone. Your doctor will likely only recommend it if you've tried other treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, without relief.

Does it actually relieve pain?

Spinal traction is a treatment used for centuries to relieve pain. The theory is that by applying traction to the spine, the vertebrae can be realigned and the pressure on the nerves relieved. There is some evidence that spinal traction relieves certain types of pain, such as lower back and neck pain. However, no scientific evidence supports the claim that it can permanently cure any condition. If you are considering spinal traction as a treatment option, discuss it with your doctor to see if it is right for you.

The pros and cons

There are a few pros and cons to spinal traction. A big pro is that it can provide pain relief for those who suffer from back pain. Another pro is that it can help improve the spine's range of motion and flexibility. However, there are a few cons to spinal traction as well. One con is that it can be quite uncomfortable for some people. Another con is that it may not be effective for everyone. Overall, however, the pros of this treatment option outweigh the cons.

The verdict: is it worth trying?

A new study has found that spinal traction may be an effective pain-relieving treatment for some people with chronic back pain. The study, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, looked at the effects of spinal traction on 100 people with chronic back pain. Participants were divided into two groups: one group received spinal traction while the other did not. After four weeks, those who had received spinal traction reported significantly less back pain than those who had not. They also had less disability and improved function. These findings suggest that spinal traction may be a helpful treatment option for some people with chronic back pain. If you are considering this treatment, talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you.

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