What is traction therapy? How traction can help herniated discs?

吳朗然物理治療師
10/07/2024

Home » Pain Pathologies » What is traction therapy? How traction can help herniated discs?

Traction therapy is considered the most commonly used physical therapy treatment for herniated discs, aimed at relieving lower back pain and leg numbness. In fact, how does it change the structure of the lumbar spine, intervertebral discs and surrounding nerves? Are there significant effects of traction therapy according to scientific research? The text will answer your questions one by one.

The Relationship Between Intervertebral Discs and Sciatica

Intervertebral discs are like pillars in a building, ensuring there is sufficient space for movement on each floor. Our nerves are like office workers working within that space.

If the pillar structure is damaged and the material inside leaks out, coupled with the narrowing of the entire floor, the office workers will lack space to move around, and in more severe cases, they may be compressed to the point of being out of breath. When the nerves are compressed, pain and numbness will occur.

Physical Changes Before and After Traction Therapy

Relieving nerve compression: It can relieve the pressure on the nerve roots and intervertebral discs, temporarily relieving symptoms such as pain and numbness caused by nerve root irritation.
Enlarging the intervertebral foramen: Increasing the intervertebral space and improving the intervertebral foramen space, reducing compression on the nerve roots.
Opening the small joints: Increasing the distance between the small joints, reducing the pressure between the joints.

Related Research on Traction Therapy

Excerpted from a 2023 study:
- The results showed that no significant difference in clinical effectiveness appears between diverse tractions modalities, at short-term follow-up.
- High-force and low-force traction both demonstrate clinically significant improvements in pain.
- The literature suggests the short-term effectiveness of traction on pain in low back pain with or without lumbar radiculopathy, regardless of the type or dosage employed. These results highlight that the so-called “sham” traction is actually a clinically effective traction.
Excerpted from a 2021 study:
- The literature suggests that, for pain and disability in LR, there is short-term effectiveness of supine mechanical traction when added to physical therapist intervention

Small Summary

Traction therapy can open up the nerve foramina and small joints, reducing compression on the nerves, cartilage, and joints.

Research also indicates that regardless of the intensity or duration of traction therapy, it can temporarily alleviate discomfort and related problems caused by lumbar nerve root compression.

References

Vanti C, Saccardo K, Panizzolo A, Turone L, Guccione AA, Pillastrini P. The effects of the addition of mechanical traction to physical therapy on low back pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2023 Jan;57(1):3-16.

Vanti C, Panizzolo A, Turone L, Guccione AA, Violante FS, Pillastrini P, Bertozzi L. Effectiveness of Mechanical Traction for Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2021 Mar 3;101(3)

[Extended Reading] Can Leg Numbness Lead to Paralysis? An Article to Help You Understand Sciatica

Why Am I Still Not Better After Traction Therapy?

The effectiveness of traction therapy can be significantly reduced in cases of joint misalignment or if the soft tissues remain overly tight. Additionally, if spinal instability or severe nerve compression and damage occur, traction therapy may increase pain and symptoms.

Therapists generally recommend screening for suitable conditions for traction therapy through consultations and clinical examinations. They advise using manual therapy as the primary treatment and traction therapy as a complementary approach to treat herniated discs and sciatica.

Are There Risks with Traction Therapy?

Therapists can significantly reduce treatment risks by screening out high-risk patients, such as those with severe spinal instability, severe spinal stenosis, or cervical spinal cord disorders, through consultations and clinical examinations.

Furthermore, before administering traction therapy, the therapist will determine the appropriate traction force based on the treatment area, the patient's body type, and medical history to minimize potential discomfort caused by traction therapy.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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