Spinal Traction
What is Spinal Traction?
Spinal traction (also called spinal decompression) is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs. This negative pressure can help retract bulging or herniated disc material, relieve pressure on pinched nerves, and increase blood flow to promote healing.
Think of your spinal discs like sponges between your vertebrae. Throughout the day—especially with sitting, standing, or lifting—these “sponges” get compressed and lose fluid. Traction creates space that allows discs to rehydrate, heal, and return to their proper position.
How Traction Creates Healing
Negative intradiscal pressure: The stretching force creates a vacuum effect that can draw bulging disc material back toward the center, away from nerves.
Increased nutrient flow: Discs don’t have their own blood supply—they rely on movement to pump in nutrients. Traction enhances this “imbibition” process.
Reduced nerve compression: By creating space between vertebrae, pressure on irritated nerves decreases, reducing pain and numbness.
Applications
Conditions We Treat with Spinal Traction
- Herniated Discs
- Bulging Discs
- Sciatica
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Pinched Nerves
- Facet Syndrome
- Chronic Low Back Pain
- Chronic Neck Pain
- Post-Surgical Pain
- Radiating Arm/Leg Pain
- Numbness & Tingling
Benefits
Why Spinal Traction?
🎯 Targets the Source
Directly addresses disc problems and nerve compression rather than just masking pain.
💉 Non-Surgical
A conservative option that may help you avoid surgery or reduce the need for injections. .
😌 Comfortable Treatment
Most patients find traction relaxing. Many experience immediate relief during sessions.
💊 Drug-Free
Reduce or eliminate reliance on pain medications by addressing the underlying problem.
🔄 Promotes Natural Healing
Creates optimal conditions for your body to heal itself through improved circulation and disc nutrition.
⚡ Often Combined
Works synergistically with MedX strengthening and manual therapy for comprehensive results.
Treatment
What to Expect
Session Length
20-30 min
Typical Protocol
12-20
Frequency
2-3x
Pain Level
Low
During your session: You’ll relax inside a comfortable hyperbaric chamber while breathing normally. Many patients read, listen to music, or simply rest. You may feel pressure in your ears (like during airplane takeoff) as the chamber pressurizes—this is normal and easily managed.
After your session: Most people feel energized and relaxed. There’s no recovery time needed—you can drive yourself home and continue your normal day. Some patients report improved sleep and energy levels even after their first few sessions.