DECOMPRESSION TRACTION

Decompression traction in physiotherapy is a treatment technique where a physiotherapist applies controlled stretching force to the spine to reduce pressure on spinal structures, especially the intervertebral discs and spinal nerves.

 Simple explanation

• Traction = gentle pulling or stretching
• Decompression = reducing pressure

So, decompression traction gently stretches the spine to reduce pressure on spinal discs and nerves.

Purpose:

        -       Reduce pressure on spinal discs

        -       Decrease nerve compression

        -       Improve blood flow and healing

        -       Relieve pain and improve movement

How spinal decompression works.

Step-by-step:

       -       Gentle stretching of the spine
a machine or therapist slowly stretches the spine in a controlled way.

       -       Pressure is reduced on discs and nerves
This creates more space between the bones (vertebrae), lowering pressure on:

                        -       Spinal discs

                        -       Nerves

       -       Better blood flow and healing
reduced pressure helps nutrients, oxygen, and fluids move into the discs, which may help healing.

Indications of Spinal Decompression Traction

        -       Disc herniation / slipped disc

        -       Bulging or protruded disc

        -       Nerve root compression

        -       Sciatica (leg pain from nerve pressure)

        -       Chronic low back pain

        -       Neck pain due to cervical disc problems

        -       Degenerative disc disease

        -       Facet joint syndrome

        -       Spinal stiffness with reduced mobility

        -       Muscle spasm associated with spinal compression

Contraindications of Spinal Decompression Traction

        -       Spinal fracture (recent or unstable)

        -       Severe osteoporosis

        -       Spinal tumors or cancer

        -       Spinal infections (e.g., tuberculosis, osteomyelitis)

        -       Recent spinal surgery (unless cleared by surgeon)

        -       Inflammatory spinal diseases (acute stage)

        -       Severe spinal instability

        -       Spondylolisthesis (high grade)

        -       Pregnancy (especially lumbar traction)

        -       Uncontrolled hypertension

        -       Abdominal or inguinal hernia

        -       Aortic aneurysm

        -       Advanced arthritis of the spine

        -       Severe nerve damage with worsening symptoms

Risk Factors of Spinal Decompression Traction

        -       Weak bones (osteopenia or early osteoporosis)

        -       Poor posture or spinal instability

        -       Advanced age

        -       Obesity (extra stress on spine)

        -       Poor muscle strength or imbalance

        -       Previous spinal injury

        -       Improper technique or excessive force

        -       Untrained or unsupervised treatment

        -       Existing nerve sensitivity

        -       Degenerative spine conditions

        -       Poor compliance with therapy instructions

        -       Long-term untreated back or neck pain

MOHAMMED IRSHAD MK
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
DR P ALIKUTTYS AYURVEDA AND MODREN HOSPITALS