If your back pain is starting to affect your quality of life, traction therapy may help you find some much-needed relief. Also known as spinal decompression, chiropractors use specialized traction equipment to stretch your spine and reduce pressure on the discs between your vertebrae, allowing the body to heal the inflamed areas. If you have questions about spinal traction therapy, below are answers to several of the most common.

What to Know About Traction Therapy

What can I expect from traction therapy?

During traction therapy, the patient lies on a specially designed table equipped with a system of slings, pulleys, and a motorized device. The chiropractor places a harness around the hips, then operates the equipment to slowly and carefully stretch and relax the spine. The table is hinged to move up and down, as well as to each side. This lets the chiropractor stretch your back in several ways to relieve pressure from compressed disks, reducing back pain and encouraging proper spinal alignment.

What conditions can traction therapy treat?

Traction therapy can help relieve a variety of acute and chronic causes of back pain, as well as leg and neck pain. Common injuries and conditions that could benefit from treatment include:

• Herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Bone spurs
• Pinched nerves
• Work injuries
• Sports injuries
• Auto accidents

Who is a good candidate for treatment?

While traction therapy is considered a safe, nonsurgical treatment, it is not suitable for everyone. For example, it is not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have broken vertebrae, or have gone through an artificial disk replacement. 
For the latter two conditions, the stretching of your spine can interfere with the body's natural healing processes, contributing to more pain. A chiropractor will perform an exam and go over your medical history to determine if this treatment is right for you.

When can I expect to see results?

Some patients notice a reduction in their symptoms and start to feel better after their first session. However, to achieve the best results and get the most out of traction therapy, you should attend multiple sessions. Your chiropractor will design a custom treatment program based on your unique needs. Any neck, leg, or back pain should subside by the end of the program.

For a non-invasive treatment for debilitating back pain, contact Midway Pointe Chiropractic Inc. in Elyria, OH. They provide professional chiropractic care in a friendly and comfortable setting. Whether you’ve been in an auto accident or have a chronic condition, they can address your needs with holistic solutions, such as chiropractic adjustment, traction therapy, and heat therapy. Learn more about their services online, and call (440) 324-2040 to schedule an appointment.