When it comes to non-surgical spinal treatments, both traction and spinal decompression therapy aim to relieve pain by reducing pressure on the spine. However, they work in fundamentally different ways—with decompression offering a more advanced and targeted approach.
What is Conventional Traction?
Traditional spinal traction applies a continuous stretch to the spine, pulling the vertebrae apart to reduce pressure on compressed discs and nerves. While this method has been used for decades, it has some limitations:
- Stretches the spine and muscles at the same time, which can trigger the body’s natural protective response, reducing effectiveness.
- Can cause muscle spasms, as the body braces against the constant pull.
- Limited targeting, as traction typically stretches the entire spine rather than isolating specific problem areas.
While traction can provide temporary relief, it lacks the precision needed for long-term spinal correction.
How Spinal Decompression is Different
Unlike conventional traction, spinal decompression therapy alternates between gentle stretching and relaxation phases. This cyclical stretching pattern prevents the body from resisting the treatment, allowing for deeper and more effective decompression.
- Targets specific spinal discs by adjusting angles and force, rather than stretching the entire spine.
- Avoids muscle guarding by using relaxation phases to “trick” the body into staying relaxed.
- Completely customizable, with settings for load, timing, and patient-specific adjustments based on age, weight, and condition.
- Encourages disc rehydration, improving long-term spinal health.
Why Decompression Therapy is the Superior Choice
A decompression table provides a three-dimensional approach, enabling precise treatment that isn’t possible with conventional traction. Chiropractors and physiotherapists can adjust:
- Load (stretch intensity) to match the patient’s needs
- Stretch/relax cycle duration to optimize spinal decompression
- Targeting angles to isolate and treat specific problem areas
By offering a scientifically backed, customizable, and more comfortable treatment, spinal decompression therapy has become the gold standard for non-surgical spinal care.
Which One is Right for Your Patients?
- Traction may provide temporary relief for mild conditions, but it lacks targeted control and can trigger muscle resistance.
- Decompression Therapy offers superior customization, better patient outcomes, and deeper spinal healing.
If you’re considering adding spinal decompression to your clinic, let’s talk about how it can enhance your practice and improve patient care.
Schedule a Discovery Call Today to explore how decompression therapy can set your clinic apart.
