Decompressive Traction Therapy
The application of traction on one region of the spine performed with
the intent of improving spinal health, and specifically focused on improving
disc health. Decompression therapy (also known as distraction) is a
safe effective way to treat back and neck pain resulting from disc damage
and facet syndromes. In many cases, decompression therapy can help the
patient avoid surgery.
How it works
Intermittent traction applied to the spine can result in negative intradiscal
pressure. Or a “vacuum” inside of the spinal disc. Visual
evidence of this negative pressure is apparent during such therapy with
the use of advanced imaging.
Negative pressure inside of the disc also stimulates nutritive hydrostatic
infusion of fluids, further enhancing the healing process. Because the
inner parts of the disc are avascular, fluid exchange must be facilitated
by motion. (Like a pump.)
Research
Controlled studies indicate that common disc and facet pain account
for more than 70% of chronic back pain.
77 patients with signs and symptoms of herniation were given non-surgical
treatment including pelvic traction. Pre and post MRI was performed
to verify changes in herniation and good to excellent symptomatic improvement
in over 82% of the patients. The authors conclude that there is excellent
prognosis for disc herniation with conservative treatment.
Komari H, et. al.: The Natural History of Herniated Nucleas
with Radiculopathy. Spine. 21: 225-229, 1996.
30 patients with lumbar disc herniation were given axial disc decompression
therapy for 20 minutes while in a CT scanner. Herniation retraction
occurred in 70% and good clinical improvement was shown in 93%.
Onel, D, et. al.: CT Investigation of the Effects of
Traction on Lumbar Herniation. Spine. 14: 82-90, 1989.
Analysis of over 770 cases, most of which had been assumed to be unresponsive
to previous therapies, demonstrated good to excellent success when treated
with disc decompression therapy
Gose, E.; Naguszewski WR. Vertebral Axial Decompression
for Pain Associated with Herniated and Degenerated Discs or Facet Syndrome:
An Outcome Study. Journal of Neurological Research. (20)3,186-190, 1997.
Intermittant cervical traction was shown to be effective in relieving
pain, increasing myoelectric signals, and improving blood flow in affected
muscles.
Nanno, M. Effects of Intermittent Cervical Traction on
Muscle Pain. EMG and Flowmetric Studies on Cervical Paraspinals. Nippon
Medical Journal. Apr;61(2):137-147, 1994.
What To Expect
A typical treatment schedule will consist of a series of 15 decompression
sessions given over a period of 3 – 5 weeks.
Various therapies such as electric muscle stimulation,
ultrasound, stretching, etc. may be utilized to help control acute symptomatology.
Decompression therapy will be accompanied by various “home”
assignments including the application of ice or heat, and exercise to
stabilize damaged soft tissue structures.
Once completed, decompression therapy often results in dramatic improvement
in the symptom complex. It may then be possible to enjoy a more active
and fulfilling lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Disc Decompression Therapy
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