MECHANICAL TRACTION (CERVICAL/LUMBAR TRACTION)

Mechanical traction is a technique of stretching or distracting the cervical and lumbar spine to create space between the joint so that pressure in the spine is alleviated and more movement is therefore allowed. Traction uses a harness system to create a pulling force on the spinal segments. Mechanical traction is much safer than electrical traction because the therapist can control the force. Traction is widely used for a variety of spinal injuries and is effective with bulging discs, disc herniation, radicular pain and/or arthritic conditions of the back or neck.