Cervical and Lumbar Traction

We offer several different types of traction therapy in our clinic. Our doctors would be  able to discuss with you which would  be most suitable and effective for you based on your examination and condition.

• Pettibon Cervical Traction
• Invertrac
• Supine Cervical Pumping Traction

Background

The first reaction to an injury of the body is splinting by the muscle to protect the injured part. Splinting also prevents the motion necessary for spinal disc and ligaments (white tissue) nourishment, waste elimination, repair healing and correction of the injury. Therefore, traction loading and unloading cycles should be started as soon as possible in order to re-establish necessary motion in both the neck and low back spine.

The spinal discs are avascular (lack of blood supply) after about age 12. Avascular white tissues require nourishment and waste elimination to function normally, as well as for repair and regeneration. Motion is required to pump the nourishing fluids into discs and other avascular (white) tissues and to pump waste products out.

Feeding and healing the intervertebral disc

  "For years, osmosis was considered the basis for variable hydration of the disk matrix. Further studies (Liendry 1958) have clearly shown that osmosis plays only a small role in the hydration of the matrix. Most disk hydration occurs via imbibition. If imbibition by the disk is a factor in its nutrition, it is mandatory that there is alternating compression and relaxation of the disk to ensure its sponge imbibition action. Mechanically, this sponge-like imbibition ensures entry of fluid through the semi permeable membranes, the endplates of the vertebra and the outer annular envelopes of the disk." (Cailliet, R., M.D., "Low Back Pain Syndrome," Edition 4, Pain Series, F.A. Davis Company. Fourth printing 1991, p 6-8.)

Pettibon Repetitive Cervical Traction

• Is performed in a standing position (uses the gravity)
• Amount of traction is easily controlled by the patient
• Repetitive loading and unloading (intermittent) traction (which permits pumping  of nourishing fluids into discs and other avascular tissues and to pump waste products out)
• Aids in the correction of neck, upper back and low back  problems due to its effect on the neck and low back lordosis (the natural curves in the neck and low back).
• Can be used by patients with thinning, bulging and/or arthritic discs.
• Reduces neck and arm pain and mid to low backaches and discomfort.

Invertrac

• allows for the benefits of spinal decompression without trauma to ankle, knee, or hip joints.
• helps eliminate stress and tension by stretching spine and back muscles allowing complete relaxation.
• counters the degenerative effects of gravity.
• Adjustable for  patient leg length and height

Supine Cervical Pump Traction

• Is performed on your back
• Amount of traction is easily controlled by the patient
• Repetitive loading and unloading (intermittent) traction (which permits pumping  of nourishing fluids into discs and other avascular tissues and to pump waste products out)