If you’re suffering from back pain, your doctor may have recommended either spinal decompression or traction. But what’s the difference between these two treatment options? Here’s a quick overview to help you better understand which one may be right for you.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment option that can be used to relieve back pain caused by herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and other conditions. During this procedure, a machine is used to apply a gentle traction force to the spine. This helps take pressure off of the discs, allowing them to heal. Spinal decompression can be done in several sessions over weeks or months.
Traction
Traction is another nonsurgical treatment option for back pain. However, unlike spinal decompression, traction does not use a machine. Instead, it involves manually applying force to the spine using your body weight or with the help of weights and pulleys. Traction can be done on an ongoing basis at home or in short sessions at a physical therapist’s office.
Conclusion
Both traction and spinal decompression are effective nonsurgical treatments for back pain. However, they work in different ways. Spinal decompression uses a machine to apply force to the spine, while traction involves manually applying pressure using your body weight or with weights and pulleys. Talk to your doctor about which option may be right for you based on your condition’s severity and overall health.