So, what are the differences between traction and decompression? We need to dig deeper into each procedure to understand the differences. The Healthline website states that there are two types of spinal traction procedures. In manual spinal traction, your doctor or physical therapist uses their hands to put the person into a state of traction. To widen the spaces between vertebrae, they apply manual force on the joints and muscles.” A mechanical spinal traction treatment involves placing the patient on a table that is fitted with special tools to stretch out their back. A physical therapist attaches ropes, slings, and pulleys to the patient to mechanically relieve pressure, according to Healthline.

Chiropractic education simply does not adequately address the difference between spinal decompression and traction. In medical terminology, spinal decompression refers to the removal of tension from an area of the body, which is itself a surgical procedure. Traction is simply an action, a force in motion that is applied to achieve a particular goal. There is no medical definition of it. An eminent Canadian physician, Dr. Allen Dyer, developed non-surgical spinal decompression in the 1980s as a method for decreasing the level of back pain without surgery.

Non-surgical spinal decompression was made possible with Dr. Dyer’s invention in the 1980s. In his study, he proved that his treatment caused a change in intra-discal pressure that resulted in the occurrence of spinal decompression. Furthermore, there has never been a credible study on traction applied to the spine. Traction, also known as isotonic traction, is not a medical procedure. With isotonic traction, the amount of force does not change. The decompression process, however, differs from the traction process because conditions can be created and controlled. According to Dr. Wayne Fitcher (a licensed chiropractor with a background in multiple chiropractic treatments), “There is a significant difference between the traction and spinal decompression therapy because traction is produced by the computer instead of using a single rate and force to pull on the spine.

In order to make the spinal decompression system work effectively, it adapts to the body reaction of the patient and enables him/her to remain relaxed. By using this treatment, the patient is more likely to achieve better results than what can be achieved with normal traction.

Here at Upper Cervical Spine Centers of Michigan, located in Monroe, Michigan, we provide spinal decompression therapy using a table that’s similar to traction tables but uses advanced technology to reduce spinal compression. Our state-of-the-art decompression system utilizes advanced technology to recognize how your body is responding to each individual treatment. Because of this, no two decompression treatments are the same because it is always tailored to what your body specifically needs. With each move of the table, distraction forces will be generated to target specific areas of the spine. The relaxation phase of your treatment will flood this area, creating a negative pressure that creates a vacuum effect. We have seen decompression therapy help hundreds of patients, and to see if you are a candidate for this life-changing therapy, call us today.