Did you know spinal decompression therapy is different than traditional traction therapy? Some doctors and patients, when talking about decompression therapy mistakenly, call it traction therapy. There are similarities but also some significant differences:
- Changes in intradiscal pressure: Traction tables reduce intradiscal pressure. Decompression tables not only reduce it but can take pressure to a negative level. This is important because decompression tables have a better chance of reducing a bulging or herniated disc because of this.
- Static vs. intermittent: Traction is static, meaning the table pulls you apart with a certain amount of force then statically holds the pressure. Decompression tables gradually build up to the set pull then will partially release for short periods of time before building back up again. This is important because it allows better relaxation of the muscles. It has also been found to allow greater separation between the vertebrae.
- Comfort: Traction tends to produce muscle spasm because the pulls don’t release and allow relaxation. Muscle spasm can happen with decompression, but it is much less common due to the gentler pulls and partial releases.
- Clinical outcomes: In head-to-head studies, traction tables perform less effectively than decompression tables for treating herniated discs and a condition called facet syndrome.
So, when your doctor tells you to go to physical therapy for traction, it is not the same as decompression. Traction can have some benefits but will be outperformed with decompression. There is a difference. If you have tried traction before and it didn’t help, maybe you need to consider decompression. It can be a real game changer.