What should you know about lumbar traction table?

During traction, a person lies supported while a table or harness applies a measured pull along the spine. The force may be steady or intermittent, and the session should be adjusted for comfort and neurological symptoms. Relief during a session does not identify the underlying problem or guarantee lasting improvement. A [Spinal Decompression Table](/technology/spinal-decompression-table/) is a related device, but names and operating methods vary between clinics.

Have the cause of back or leg pain assessed before booking treatment. Tell the practitioner about osteoporosis, recent fractures, previous spine surgery, inflammatory disease, cancer, pregnancy, blood-clotting problems, or unexplained weight loss. A clinician may combine manual care, education, and exercise rather than rely on traction alone. Compare the proposed plan with [Traction Therapy](/treatments/manual-and-manipulative-therapy/traction-therapy/) and ask whether [Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression](/treatments/manual-and-manipulative-therapy/non-surgical-spinal-decompression/) means something different in that clinic.

Stop a session and seek advice if pulling causes sharp or escalating pain, new numbness, weakness, dizziness, or symptoms spreading farther down a limb. Seek urgent care for new bladder or bowel-control problems, numbness around the saddle area, or rapidly progressing leg weakness. Neck symptoms may need a separate assessment; [Neck Pain](/symptoms/neck-pain/) and conditions such as [Cervical Spondylosis](/conditions/cervical-spondylosis/) are not treated by assuming the lower-back problem is the cause.

Ask what diagnosis the table is meant to address, how progress will be measured, how many sessions are proposed, and which alternatives fit your examination. Clarify who will supervise the force, what to do if symptoms worsen, and whether you should continue a home exercise plan.