Mechanical Traction - Does It Work?

Patients suffering from lower back pain and neck pain often take the help of mechanical traction - a kind of physical therapeutic intervention - to relieve themselves of the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica, herniated discs and arthritis.

Patients with disc injuries, leg pain, neck pain and back pain are of the opinion that this form of physiotherapy is indeed highly effective. This non surgical alternative is also an effective pain curing treatment for those suffering from degenerated discs and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Various mechanical devices such as straps, halters and ropes exert pulling forces on the affected areas and longitudinally separate the lumbar and cervical spinal sections. Mechanical spinal traction of this kind helps to minimise pain symptoms associated with lumbar and cervical spinal compression.

Mechanical spinal traction increases blood flow to discs, minimises intradiscal pressure, guards your muscles, decreases sensitivity, elongates muscle tissue and creates more space for nerves in the spine - which all combine to offer relief from pain and discomfort.

This method is known as mechanical traction as it involves creating tension on the affected parts through mechanical means as opposed to manual means (performed by a physiotherapist). Usually the tension is provided by a system of weights or a machine, in conjunction with straps, sling and harness.

The machine applies mechanical pressure to pull the spine and neck away from the head, releasing and relaxing muscles and nerves. Use of muscle relaxants and heat can increase the efficacy of traction.

Cases Where Mechanical Traction Works

Patients suffering from facet joint injuries, herniated discs, disc pain, peripheral nerve irritation or nerve root irritation, arthritic alteration in the vertebral column and degenerative alteration in the vertebral bones will benefit a lot from mechanical traction.

Patients who suffer from 'pinched nerve' or spinal nerve impingement will also benefit from this treatment procedure.

Usually, mechanical spinal traction is an integral part of a much bigger treatment plan, though its efficacy by itself is highly disputed. People experiencing tingling pain and numbness or muscle spasms in their necks and backs or in their lower and upper extremities will find mechanical traction highly beneficial.

Contraindications

Elderly patients in fragile condition, children, people with a history of spinal surgery, pregnant women and patients with fractures, osteoporosis, spinal instability, hyper mobility and cancer are listed as contraindications. Any systematic disease adversely affecting the spinal integrity is also listed as a contraindication.

Overall Verdict

Traction of this kind helps to improve spinal mobility and minimises pain resulting from degenerative alterations in the facet joints, nerves, discs and the vertebral column. If you are experiencing great discomfort and pain in the lower back region or in the neck area, you will find relief through traction therapy.

Doctors, chiropractors, orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists are divided over the issue of how effective mechanical traction actually is in relieving lower back pain, neck pain and sciatica. But almost all patients unanimously agree that traction physiotherapy offers immense pain relief on a temporary basis, even if for a short period of time.

Well there we are, that is about all I can think of as relevant and I am hopeful that this information has been of some value to you.