Traction

Traction is the process of applying a stretching force through body weight, weights, and/or pulleys to distract individual joints. Traction is a common modality for treating neck and lower back pain!
Cervical traction is the process of applying a stretching force to the cervical vertebrae to distract individual joints of the cervical spine. It has been used in cases where patients have cervical radiculopathy (pain, numbness, weakness radiating into the upper back and down the upper extremity). Lumbar traction is the process of applying a stretching force to the lumbar vertebrae to distract individual joints of the lumbar spine. It has been used for patients who have sciatica, bulging disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis in their lower back to help reduce their symptoms.