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Lumbar Traction

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What is Lumbar Traction

Lumbar traction is a form of treatment for spinal conditions and has proven to be an effective mechanism offering patients pain relief and increased mobility.  While the long term effects of lumbar traction are still inclusive, the short term benefits are encouraging for suffering patients.

The main principle or theory behind lumbar traction is to stretch the lower back.  By so doing, there is decompression on the spine. When a disc herniates or ruptures, the inner part of the disc “spills” or protrudes, causing pressure on the vertebrae and nerve roots.  By stretching the lower back, the displaced disc tissue or gelatinous material is able to reposition itself to the centre of core of the disc. This allows for more flexibility and movement as well as offering instant pain relief. 

While lumbar traction is an effective form of treatment, it is often used in conjunction with other forms of treatment that may include, over the counter medication, physical therapy, heat/ice therapy and massage. 

How Does Lumbar Traction Work

Through controlled force, lumbar traction involves the use of a table to gradually stretch the lower back.  While lumbar traction can be through a motorized device, it can also be done by a physical therapist. 

Most Common Forms of Lumbar Traction

Mechanical lumbar traction using a motorized device typically involves the lumbar region of the spine to be stretched very gradually for approximately one minute.  Once this has been done, traction is decreased gradually for half that time. It is then maintained at that level for approximately one additional minute. Depending on the amount of pain or discomfort the patient is experiencing, the process is repeated ten to fifteen times.

Most patients require the use of handgrips during this process. The reason for this is to allow the patient to control the movement and in particular if there is any pain during the process, the patient need only release the handgrips to release the traction that is in process. 

When using the table with the motorized device, patients will usually need to use a lumbar traction harness.  While the patient is in different positions, the lumbar traction harness is used support the patient while being placed in a variety of positions that have been proven to offer pain relief and flexibility. The lumbar traction harness is an inflatable ring that is supported by a strap that is attached to two equalization rings. 

Manual lumbar traction involves the physical therapist pulling at the patient’s ankles through controlled force.  Another form of manual lumbar traction may involve the therapist placing the patient’s legs over their shoulders.  Once the legs are draped over the therapist’s shoulders, the therapist will place their arms on the patient’s thighs and pull. 

One can expect each lumbar traction treatment to last anywhere from 30 - 45 minutes.