Traction is Not Decompression

There is a world of difference between non-surgical spinal decompression and generalized traction.
Non-surgical spinal decompression is defined as ‘distraction without muscular contraction’.

 

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Works

We can accomplish distraction of specific joints in combination with a letting go/relaxing of the muscles. This physiologic action creates a negative pressure within the disc, and that phenomena results in tremendous healing benefits. When decompression occurs, imbibition of the disc is initiated causing hydration and absorption of oxygen and nutrients to the disc tissues.

 

Beware of Traction Therapy

Traction, which is a therapy in which the patient lies flat on their back as they are pulled straight outward to stretch the spine, does NOT initiate imbibition and in fact initiates muscle contraction, the opposite of what is needed to positively affect herniated discs.

Beware of chiropractors, physiotherapists and medical doctors that label their traction tables as decompression tables. Many machines claim to be ‘spinal decompression’ machines but they are NOT, and many machines are not FDA Classified 510k medical devices.

 

Before You Begin Treatment

You should always make sure your provider is utilizing a TRUE non-surgical spinal decompression medical device. Traction treatments cost a lot less and may be the first sign that the provider is not using a spinal decompression device.

For example, Disc Centers of America – Bellevue is Nationally Certified by the International Medical Advisory Board for Spinal Decompression and has FDA 510k Classified devices.

Always ask questions. A certified reputable practice will answer all of your concerns and will be happy to provide documentation.

 

 Dr. Thain D.C. (Disc Centers of America – Bellevue) explains how non-surgical spinal decompression works:

The Bottom Line on Traction

There is NO Benefit to traction for herniated discs.

• Evidence does not demonstrate traction to be effective in the treatment of patients with acute back pain.
• Traction yielded NO “Good to Excellent” results with ruptured discs.
• However, non-surgical spinal decompression, on the other hand, revealed “Good to Excellent” relief in 86% of patients with ruptured discs and 75% of those with facet arthrosis.

 

LEARN ABOUT NON-INVASIVE, NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

Schedule Your Complimentary Appointment| Call (425) 440-3570| Disc Centers of America Bellevue

Sources:
Clinical Practice Guidelines No14. AHCPR Publication No. 95-0642).
American Journal of Pain Management: Decompression, Reduction and Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine; Dr. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD; Vera Borgmeyer, RN, MA).