Lumbar traction is used to distract, or gently separate vertebral bodies for the purpose of stretching connective tissue and relieving pressure to discs and facet joint surfaces.
The benefit is improved mobility, reduced pain and possible reduction of disc bulging.
There are many traction contraptions in existence. Physical therapists use mechanical traction, which is accomplished using an electric motor that pulls on a harness attached to the patient’s low back.
There are also consumer-level traction devices. Three of them are:
- The Spinal Stamina
- The PosturePump Elliptical Back Rocker
- Teeter Inversion table
- Back Bubble
Each one uses a different approach to achieving lumbar traction.
