What are the alternatives to traction therapy?

Traction aims to apply a pulling force to the spine. Other approaches may focus on movement control, muscle endurance, joint mobility, posture, or reducing the activities that provoke symptoms. A clinician may tailor care differently for neck pain, arm symptoms, or back pain because the source and pattern are not the same.

Non-surgical spinal decompression may use a programmed table to vary the force and position applied to the spine. It is not suitable for every diagnosis, and it should not replace assessment for symptoms that suggest nerve or spinal cord involvement. Cervical spondylosis, for example, may need a plan built around mobility, strength, and monitoring rather than pulling alone.

Have your symptoms assessed before choosing a device or exercise programme. Tell the clinician where pain travels, whether numbness or weakness is present, and which positions change it. A gradual programme may combine prescribed exercises with hands-on treatment, pacing, ergonomic changes, and medication advice from an appropriate professional.

Stop an exercise or table-based session if it causes escalating pain, spreading numbness, dizziness, or new weakness. Progress should be guided by function, such as easier turning, sitting, or walking, rather than by force or intensity alone.

Get urgent medical help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, severe or progressive limb weakness, or pain after a major injury. Neck symptoms with trouble walking, clumsy hands, or loss of balance also need prompt assessment. Sudden severe headache, fever, or unexplained illness with spinal pain warrants urgent review.

What is the likely source of my symptoms? Would exercise or manual care address it better than traction? Is a spinal decompression table appropriate for me? Which warning signs should make me stop treatment, and how will we measure progress?