Mechanical Traction

Decompressing the Spine for Lasting Pain Relief

Mechanical traction is a clinically proven, non-invasive therapy used to reduce compression in the spine — relieving the pressure on spinal discs and nerve roots that causes pain, stiffness, and radiating symptoms into the arms or legs. At Healing Star Physical Therapy and Wellness, we use mechanical traction as a targeted component of your individualized treatment plan to accelerate recovery and help you move freely again.

We offer mechanical traction at both our Eatontown and Freehold, NJ locations, administered by licensed physical therapists who integrate it precisely with manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and other advanced modalities.

How Mechanical Traction Works

Mechanical traction uses a specialized motorized table to apply a controlled, sustained or intermittent pulling force to the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine. This distraction force gently separates the vertebrae, creating negative pressure within the intervertebral disc space.

The therapeutic effects include:

• Disc decompression — the separation of vertebrae reduces intradiscal pressure, which can allow bulging or herniated disc material to retract away from the nerve root
• Nerve root relief — reducing compression on irritated spinal nerves decreases pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates into the arms or legs
• Joint mobilization — traction stretches the facet joints and posterior spinal structures, reducing stiffness and improving segmental mobility
• Muscle relaxation — the sustained stretch reduces protective muscle guarding and spasm that perpetuates pain
• Improved circulation — decompression facilitates nutrient exchange within the disc and surrounding tissue, supporting healing

Cervical Traction vs. Lumbar Traction

Mechanical traction can be applied to two primary regions of the spine:

Cervical Traction (Neck)
Applied in a supine (lying) position with a specialized halter around the base of the skull, cervical traction is particularly effective for disc herniations in the neck, cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating into the arm), and facet joint compression. The precise angle of pull is adjusted to target the specific spinal level involved.

Lumbar Traction (Low Back)
Applied in a lying position with a pelvic harness, lumbar traction targets disc herniations, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc conditions in the lower spine. It is especially beneficial for patients whose leg pain (sciatica) is aggravated by prolonged sitting or standing and relieved by lying down.

Conditions Mechanical Traction Treats

• Cervical disc herniation with or without radiculopathy
• Lumbar disc herniation and sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Facet joint syndrome
• Neck and back pain with radiating arm or leg symptoms
• Post-surgical spine cases (where appropriate and physician-cleared)

What to Expect During Treatment

Before beginning traction, your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm it is appropriate for your condition. Not all spinal conditions are suited for traction — your therapist will screen carefully and only recommend it when clinically indicated.

A typical session lasts 10 to 20 minutes. The traction force is applied gradually and can be set to sustained or intermittent mode depending on your condition and tolerance. Most patients find the procedure comfortable — many describe it as a gentle sense of relief and pressure release.

Traction is most effective when combined with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Your therapist will integrate it strategically to maximize the benefit of each session.

Do I Need a Referral?

New Jersey is a direct-access state — you do not need a physician referral to begin physical therapy, including mechanical traction. If you have been dealing with disc pain, sciatica, or radiating symptoms into your arm or leg, call us directly and we’ll get you started right away.

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