Traction Devices
Caution should be taken when applying traction to any newly injured area, and is should not be performed in these cases unless specifically recommended by your doctor. Lumbar (low back) traction can be accomplished through various products which keep the pelvis stationary while using gravity to force separation of the vertebrae and thereby open the spinal canals that the nerves exit through. However, the multifidous muscle which attaches to the lumbar vertebrae may not allow the separation of the vertebrae if the muscle is in too much spasm. Some types of traction allow for better separation when the multifidous muscle is in spasm. One such type of traction is performed by doctors of chiropractic through applying pressure manually to the spine while a flexing table tractions the spine in a downward motion. In the earlier stages, light traction can provide an unloading of the spine, thereby releasing the nerve pressure between each segment created from a decrease in circulation and an increase of inflammation within the joint space. In later stages, traction combined with body movement may also help to break up scar tissue build up between the joints. When the muscles are in too much spasm to allow for this type of traction, upright types of traction units can enable a person to move their body during the therapy to avoid further muscle spasm, while providing a relieving therapy to the spine. Home traction units may be beneficial, but caution should be taken not to apply too much traction too quickly to the back, as this may initiate a spasm to the surrounding musculature. Therefore, only traction units which can gradually increase the separating of the vertebrae and allow unloading of the spine without reaching too much drastic pull would be recommended.
