Back Traction

Back Traction At Home For Relief Of Low Back And Leg Pain Due To Disc Herniation Or Degeneration Of The Lumbar Spine

Back traction is used to decrease pressure in the lower back. This process is often called spinal decompression, because it takes pressure off the structures of the low back or lumbar spine. Everyday activities place pressure on the spinal discs, which cushion the back against harmful pressure. Using this therapy at home can help remove this pressure that results from chronic back conditions such as disc degeneration from arthritis, and nerve irritation from a herniated disc.

Discogenic back pain is a term often used for conditions causing pain from the disc, which may be from degeneration, disc tears or herniations. In the case of degeneration, the disc looses height over a period of time. This may effect the openings from which nerves exit the spinal column, as in the case of sciatica, or may effect the joints in the back of the spine responsible for gliding motions. Irritation of these joints, called facet syndrome, can result from injury or degeneration, and can cause similar symptoms of a herniated disc, with radiating pain from the lower back into the hip, leg and even groin.

A herniated disc causes the fluid like portion of the disc to push outward placing pressure on the sensitive nerves. This often causes pain from nerve irritation and inflammation. The increased pressure in the disc is most evident in the morning, which is why you should wait about an hour after waking up prior to doing any heavy lifting. Pressure on the disc is greatest when sitting, standing is somewhat less, and lying down produces the least disc pressure.

Shortened muscles from poor posture when sitting for extended periods can become sore and go into spasm. Chronic shortening causes inflammation, then a hardening of the muscle called fibrosis. In this state, one is more prone to straining a back muscle. Muscles can also go into spasm from disc herniation or other conditions to protect other sensitive structures. This protective muscle spasm can be very painful.

Benefits Of Home Back Traction

Because home units decompresses or takes pressure off the discs and nerves, these sensitive structures can be relieved of pain. Disc pain is reduced, joints are separated and muscles can stretch and relax. Blood circulation can also be increased, speeding up the healing process. Because degenerative conditions represent a kind of collapse of the spinal structures, as noted from being taller in the morning as opposed to at night, or being sorter as you age, traction lifts and separates these structures, bringing welcomed relief of pain and tension.

There is a correlation between increased disc height as seen with back traction and relief of symptoms. Decompression produces a suction effect, helping to pull in herniated disc material. The stretching of the muscles is often accompanied by tightening of a ligament, which can help with the return of a herniated disc. Separation of the joints can help alleviate joint irritation and widen space for nerves and blood vessels, allowing nutrient rich fluid to enter the disc.

back traction

There is much study regarding the regeneration of discs from the painful type of degenerative spinal conditions. While these studies focus on bio-materials and genetic engineering, lumbar traction has been hypothesized to help with disc regeneration, allowing a decrease of pressure or decompression of these structures over a period of time, where regeneration, to an extent, may be possible.

  • A 2022 study in the European Spine Journal found that 8 weeks of low rate cyclic loading had a therapeutic effect on degenerated discs and promoted signs of regeneration. The authors indicate that this approach could fulfill a significant need by providing a means of non-invasively treating intervertebral disc degeneration. Inversion tables can be controlled to rock back and forth at your own rate providing cyclic loading.
  • A 2013 study in Isokinetics and Exercise Science found that inversion traction at angle of −60° reduced back pain,discomfort and improved lumbar flexibility and trunk extensor strength in patients with chronic low back pain after an 8 week program.

Traction was applied for 30 minutes after a 30 minute rest period, and the effects were noted in the lower lumbar levels at the back of the disc; the location of most back herniated discs. This is a study to specifically document, via MRI, the impressive mechanical effects of this type of traction on the discs in the lower back and is not a therapeutic recommendation.

  • A 2019 study in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders concluded, “Lumbar traction can provide a distractive force at the lumbar spine, and patients who experience the application of such force show an immediate response after traction.”
  • A 2019 study in Ortopedia Traumatologia Rehabilitacja used traction in younger patients aged 22-35 with disc herniations. The authors concluded “The study demonstrated and confirmed a positive effect of traction on the functional status of subjects with lumbar disc herniation.” They additionally stated, “Traction techniques are safe and can be successfully used in the treatment of LDH [Lumbar Disc Herniation].”
  • A 2021 study in the journal Med Glas (Zenica) found that intermittent traction was effective for pain relief in chronic low back pain. This included L5/S1 disc hernia and leg pain. The authors concluded, “Intermittent traction therapy is an effective treatment for pain reduction in patients with chronic low back pain.”

Traction Methods

Back Traction can be done with constant or continuous application, where the force is maintained for the entire treatment session. Intermittent traction involves alternating traction and rest at intervals throughout the treatment session. In general; where there is higher levels of degeneration, continuous is usually preferred because there is less biological material to benefit from repeated, alternating pressure.

As an example using inversion; hanging or maintaining a certain level for the entire session is continuous, whereas rocking up and down would be intermittent. This can be done with any of the units by releasing force and then applying force, such as 3 minutes on and 3 minutes off for 15 minutes. It is often referred to “pumping the disc”.

Back Traction Devices For Home Use

While spinal decompression machines are often used in a clinical setting, good quality devices are available for home treatment. Most are used while lying on the back, while forces are generated mechanically to provide traction to the lumbar spine. Some use a lever type force, while others use air pressure to provide traction force. Another form of lumbar spinal traction is used as an inflatable back belt, which can be used in any position.

Devices for home treatment can help maintain a low pressure environment, thus allowing for natural healing to take place. In most cases, keeping high pressure off the disc allows healing of a herniated disc without surgery. There are cases, however, where surgery is required. Where conservative measures of treatment for a herniated disc or degenerative condition fails, including back traction at home or in a clinical setting, and there is ongoing severe levels of pain, or there is any loss of bladder or bowel control, surgery may be necessary and can even present as a medical emergency.

back traction at amazon

Contraindications

In general, traction at home is safe and effective. There are conditions where it should not be used like a recent injury and destructive bone diseases. It is always important to consult your health care professional regarding the use of traction devices at home in your particular case.

lumbar disc traction

Low back pain compromises a complex of symptoms with varying underlying pathologies affecting both micro as well as macro environment. This includes degeneration, instability, herniation or bulging, irritation of neurological structures, degeneration of facet joints, inflammatory conditions, including neoplasms, and deformity. A widely accepted concept considers the disc itself as the generator of pain, which is known as discogenic pain. Traction helps disc micro and macro environment and is an important part of conservative therapy.

Author Bio

Stephen Ornstein, D.C. has treated thousands of neck, shoulder and back conditions since graduating Sherman Chiropractic College in 1987 and during his involvement in Martial Arts. He holds certifications as a Peer Review Consultant from New York Chiropractic College, Physiological Therapeutics from National Chiropractic College, Modic Antibiotic Spinal Therapy from Dr. Hanne Albert, PT., MPH., Ph.D., Myofascial Release Techniques from Logan Chiropractic College, and learned Active Release Technique from the founder, P. Michael Leahy, DC, ART, CCSP.