A physical therapy method that applies controlled mechanical traction to the neck or lower back to temporarily increase the space between vertebrae and reduce pressure on the nerve root.
Indication
- Arm pain and numbness from a cervical disc herniation (cervical radiculopathy)
- Leg pain from a lumbar disc herniation (sciatica-like lumbar radiculopathy)
- Pain from cervical and lumbar spondylosis (spinal degeneration)
- Nerve root irritation due to foraminal stenosis
- Muscle spasm and painful limitation of neck or low-back movement
- As part of a conservative treatment protocol in non-surgical cases
Preparation
- Up-to-date imaging (MRI, CT) and a physician's evaluation are required
- Stable clothing suitable for the traction device should be preferred
- Bone metastasis, advanced osteoporosis, and suspected vertebral fracture must be ruled out
- Atlantoaxial instability, cervical involvement of rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy must be reported to the physician
- Physician approval is required if uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease is present
How it's performed
- For cervical traction the patient is placed supine or seated and a special harness is fitted to the head
- For lumbar traction the patient lies on the table and harnesses are placed around the chest and pelvis
- The device gradually applies controlled traction; the initial load is kept low
- Loads are typically 7-12 kg cervical and approximately 25-50% of body weight for lumbar traction
- Traction is applied intermittently for 15-20 minutes
- The patient holds a hand-held signal button to immediately report any pain or discomfort
Post-procedure
- Brief tiredness and mild muscle tension may follow treatment
- A program of 3-5 sessions per week, totaling 10-20 sessions, is generally planned
- Treatment is combined with exercise, posture training, and adjustments to daily activities
- Reduction in arm or leg pain is reassessed over the following weeks
- If symptoms worsen or new neurological findings appear, treatment is stopped and the physician is consulted
Risks
- Traction alone is not a complete treatment; it should be combined with exercise and education
- Response is individual and the level of evidence for disc herniation is moderate
- Contraindicated in acute vertebral fracture, bone metastasis, advanced osteoporosis, and spinal infection
- Not applied in the presence of cervical involvement of rheumatoid arthritis, atlantoaxial instability, or myelopathy
- If pain increases, numbness spreads, or strength is lost during or after treatment, sessions are discontinued immediately
- In conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, pregnancy, and aortic aneurysm, treatment is evaluated jointly with the physician
FAQ
Is traction painful?
When applied with appropriate patient selection and load, it does not cause pain; on the contrary, it tends to reduce existing pain. If neck, back, arm, or leg pain increases, the device is stopped immediately and the plan is reassessed.
Will it completely cure my disc herniation?
Traction does not 'put the herniation back in place' or provide a definitive cure. It can help control pain by temporarily reducing pressure on the nerve root; the benefit is sustained with ongoing exercise, posture, and lifestyle changes.
Are home manual traction or hanging-type devices safe?
Uncontrolled manual traction or unverified devices carry a risk of injury. Cervical traction in particular can lead to serious consequences when applied incorrectly. It is recommended that traction be performed under the supervision of a physician and physiotherapist.
After how many sessions should I see a difference?
A noticeable change is most often assessed after 5-10 sessions. If response is inadequate or neurological symptoms increase, the treatment plan and imaging findings are re-evaluated.
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