Lumbar and Cervical traction is a treatment approach performed either manually whereby a physical therapist uses his hands to provide a distraction on the joints and muscles to increase the space between spinal segments, or mechanically in which a patient lies on a table and a physical therapist uses a mechanical device to decompress or relieve pressure on the spinal segments. Traction may be applied to the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back/pelvis).
It works by stretching the spine which opens up the individual spinal segments and reduces pressure on the discs allowing for improved circulation and the promotion of healing. Lumbar and Cervical Traction may be beneficial in the conservative treatment and management of herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, bone spurs, and sciatica.
Lumbar and Cervical Traction has proved effective to decrease pain, improve spinal alignment, provide beneficial stretch to muscles and offload or decompress joints thereby reducing the negative effects of weight bearing. When combined with other physical therapy treatment techniques, spinal traction may allow the patient to live and move more freely.
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