Are Both Spinal Decompression And Traction Therapy The Same?
Introduction
Nowadays, people have started looking for alternative non-invasive methods to get rid of chronic back and neck pain, rather than opting for surgery. If conservative modalities such as medications and steroid treatment do not work due to the occurrence of side effects, here come alternative methods like physical therapy, chiropractor practice, etc. While introducing new treatments like non-surgical spinal decompression to patients, they immediately ask whether it is as same as traction therapy. This article aims to explore the fact behind this question. So, stay tuned! Comparing multiple treatments is like comparing the cart to a bicycle and then to a car. Although these are different forms of transport, can they be the same? No way! So, let’s go through the difference between traction therapy and non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.
Traction therapy vs. non-surgical spinal decompression therapy:
Research studies revealed that the controlled mechanical process of spinal stretching and relaxation can deliver faster pain relief. It’s the intra-disc high pressure that causes the spinal disc to bulge or slip. To get rid of that pressure, chiropractors or physiotherapists use spinal decompression or traction therapy respectively.
Traction therapy
Traction therapy is a dated technology where slings, rope, and pulleys are used to pull the patient in opposite directions mechanically to create a stretch. As it’s not possible to focus on a specific spinal area, even the intensity of force is also not monitored easily. Hence, there is a possibility of stretching nearby areas as well along with muscle guarding (painful muscle spasm) due to slack and grip. This process involves only the overall stretching and not just the target region. Physical therapists use traction therapy.
Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy
Spinal decompression therapy, unlike traction, is performed on a computerized table that has multiple segments. Hence, it’s possible to change the angles of the application while focusing on specific discs. You can even separate the table into parts in order to stretch and release either the neck (cervical) region or the lower back (lumbar) region.
Since the table is computerized, the force applied will be constant via 7 sensors, thereby overcoming muscle guarding. There will be zero chance of human error as well. Even the force application is monitored automatically where the release occurs in every millisecond interval.
The patient has to just lie on the computerized table by keeping the face upwards in the supine position. Furthermore, the table has 8 varied programs that offer multiple stretch protocols to both the posterior and anterior aspects of the spine region.
Thus, spinal decompression can reduce intradiscal pressure, increase circulation, decrease inflammation, improves mobility, and experience a positive physiological change. During the single decompression treatment, all it does is just hold and release 50% of the force accurately and repeat again.
Since the decompression table allows doctors to target treatment areas in multiple dimensions, it is possible to customize the treatment according to the unique needs. All it involves is just changing the amount of stretch, the number of stretches and relaxation, and the time it takes to reach the peak stretch and relaxation stage. These 3 major options can customize the session according to the age, weight, and severity of the condition. Chiropractors use spinal decompression therapy.
Difference between traction and spinal decompression in a nutshell
Simply put, traction means the application of gentle tension upon the spinal region for more space in order to relieve pressure in between the discs. However, spinal decompression involves both gentle tension application along with intermittent controlled stretching and relaxation for tension relief. It basically alternates between stretching and relaxation.
In a nutshell, traction is the act of pulling or being pulled; whereas, spinal decompression is the act of pressure relief.
Final Thoughts
To know more about the differences between spinal decompression and traction treatment, schedule an appointment to determine if you are the right candidate for spinal decompression therapy. The spinal decompression machine used at ANSSI Wellness offers advanced computerized control for safe treatment. Furthermore, our non-surgical spinal decompression therapy can effectively help ease your pain without resorting to surgical procedures.
For more information about the benefits of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, contact ANSSI Wellness at +91 9004726844 or +91 9920936844.