LUMBAR TRACTION THERAPY—ELIMINATION OF PHYSICAL FACTORS THAT PREVENT LUMBAR STRETCH

Abstract

Traction is a widely employed procedure in low back and/or sciatic pain, particularly in the conservative treatment of herniated intervertebral disks. The method usually consists of weight applied to a pelvic belt or to the lower extremities, with an average of 10 to 15 lb. on each side, usually a maximum total of 30 lb. This weight is completely neutralized or dissipated as a stretch force because of surface traction resistance of the lower body segments. These findings negate the concept that this method of traction therapy is of any value as a lumbar stretch force or that it is of any value as a stretch force in "overcoming muscle spasm" of the lumbar spine. Its chief virtue, apparently, is to confine the patient to bed. In a recent report,¹physical evidence was presented to demonstrate that, when hanging weight traction is applied to the lower body segment, pull