Spinal traction is a form of decompression therapy that relieves pressure on the spine. It can be performed manually or mechanically. Spinal traction is used to treat herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and many other back conditions.
Similarly one may ask, is Spinal traction effective?
In brief. Based on current evidence, traction as a single treatment is not effective for patients with low-back pain, with or without sciatica. There are very few high-quality studies in this field.
Similarly, does traction really work? A 2014 study found that mechanical traction was effective in treating people with pinched nerves and neck pain. Mechanical traction was more effective than exercising alone or exercising in addition to using over-door traction.
Similarly, you may ask, is Spinal Decompression Safe?
Surgery should only be considered following a reasonable trial of the decompression protocols. Spinal decompression therapy is safe, comfortable and painless. As decompression therapy becomes better known, patients are likely to look to chiropractors as a source of information, referral or treatment.
Is traction bad for your back?
Spinal traction can sometimes cause pain that is worse than the original condition. Those with osteoporosis and certain types of cancer should not use traction therapy. Spinal traction is known to cause muscle spasms. Most doctors are prepared for this to happen during or after therapy.
17 Related Question Answers Found
How do you decompress a spine while sleeping?
Sleeping on a hard surface will naturally lengthen your spine. Lie on your side, and flex your hips approximately 30 degrees. Bend your knees to 30 degrees, flex them to 30 degrees, and put a pillow underneath your neck. If you also put a thin pillow between your knees, it will keep your hips parallel during the night.
What is the success rate of spinal decompression?
Dennis McClure, MD, a neurosurgeon who conducted a study that tested over 500 surgical candidates, found spinal decompression had a success rate between 86 and 92 percent a year post-treatment. There have been numerous other studies done on spinal decompression.
Is traction good for a pinched nerve?
Traction: Who Might Benefit By stretching apart the vertebrae of the spine, traction is believed to help relieve pain caused by worn spinal disks. Finally, traction can free nerves pinched by compression between vertebrae.
How often should you do spinal decompression?
In most cases, physicians recommend about 2 to 3 visits per week with each session lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. Spinal decompression treatment works best for patients diagnosed with the following medical conditions: Nerve Compression.
How long does spinal decompression last?
Treatment may last 30 to 45 minutes and you may require 20 to 28 treatments over five to seven weeks. Before or after therapy, you may have other types of treatment, such as: Electrical stimulation (electric current that causes certain muscles to contract)
Can Spinal Decompression hurt you?
Does Spinal Decompression Hurt? It is very rare for a patient to experience any pain during spinal decompression therapy. However, you will feel the stretch in your spine. The negative space created during spinal decompression can help relieve pain and pressure on degenerating, herniated, and bulging discs.
What are the side effects of spinal decompression?
Like all surgical procedures, lumbar decompression surgery carries some risk of complications. Recurrent or continuing symptoms. Infection. Blood clots. Dural tear. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. Facial sores and loss of vision. Nerve injury and paralysis. Death.
What is the difference between traction and decompression?
In order to do this, chiropractors have used traction devices that effectively pull the spine. Spinal traction utilizes a traction table on which a patient lays. A rope or winch is then used to pull the spine. A spinal decompression table is designed to sense the reaction to the pull and force of the pull.
What is the cost for spinal decompression?
The cost of each session typically ranges from $30 to $200, which means that a recommended series of treatments will typically cost from $450 to $6,000. Although insurance companies might pay for traditional traction, decompression therapy is not usually allowed although they are nearly the same.
Is hanging good for your back?
A dead hang may decompress and stretch out the spine. It may be beneficial if you sit often or need to stretch out a sore back. Try hanging with straight arms for 30 seconds to one minute before or after your workout for best results.
What are the dangers of inversion tables?
If you have inner ear problems, glaucoma, or a retinal detachment, an inversion table can can make it worse, even to the point of causing bleeding from the eyes if there is too much pressure. You should also avoid using an inversion table if you have a heart condition, fracture, osteoporosis, or hernia.
Can a chiropractor help with l5 s1?
Manipulation of the lumbar spine through chiropractic adjustment may help relieve pain stemming from L5-S1. Self-care. Mild to moderate pain may be treated with heat and ice at home. For sciatica pain, it is advised to stay active and continue daily activities as tolerated.
Why does spinal decompression feel good?
The process allows water, nutrients and oxygen back into the disc, relieving pain and providing comfort by taking pressure off the nerves and spinal cord. Spinal decompression is noninvasive, and it actually feels good, said Wootton. He estimates it has a nearly 90 percent success rate and can yield permanent results.
Is chiropractic good for spinal stenosis?
In many mild and moderate cases of stenosis, however, non-invasive conservative care, such as chiropractic, can help lessen pain and discomfort, maintain joint mobility, and allow the patient to keep a reasonable lifestyle, at least for some time.
How is lumbar traction done?
It usually incorporates lateral bending and is only affected to one side of the spinal segment. Gravity lumbar traction – This involves using a chest harness to secure the patient as the treatment table is tilted to a vertical position, thereby using the weight of the lower half of the body to provide a traction force.
Will traction help pinched nerve in lower back?
Lumbar (low back) traction helps to separate the spaces between your vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine. In theory, slightly separating these bones can help take the pressure off pinched nerves (such as the sciatic nerve) to decrease your pain and improve your mobility.
Is traction still used?
Traction procedures are largely replaced now by more modern techniques, but certain approaches are still used today: Buck’s traction, involving skin traction. It is widely used for femoral fractures, low back pain, acetabular fractures and hip fractures.