Mechanical or manual traction, in addition to other physiotherapy treatment procedures, can be beneficial in reducing pain in people with neck and/or back pain. The physical stretching of the soft tissues during traction can help to reduce muscular tension and reduce the load and pressure on your joints and nerves. This provides a window of opportunity for you to participate in corrective exercises and postural re-education as prescribed by your physiotherapist.
Depending on your unique needs, your physiotherapist may recommend cervical or lumbar traction if it is suitable and safe for you. Examples of common conditions that can benefit from traction include:
Cervical/Lumbar Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
Spinal Stenosis
Facet Joint Dysfunction
Degenerative Disc Disease
Slipped/Herniated Disc
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
At Balance Core, our physiotherapists often use a range of treatment options to manage your pain and health conditions. Cervical and lumbar traction are often used in conjunction with other treatment techniques as part of a holistic physiotherapy management. Sometimes, traction may not be safe (e.g., in people with spinal instability) and our physiotherapists will conduct a thorough examination to ensure that the choice of treatment is safe, effective, and beneficial for you.