What Is Traction Therapy Done With?

For lower-back treatment, a therapist may position you with a pelvic harness while a table or device applies a measured pulling force. Neck traction may use a head support or a carefully fitted harness. Some sessions are delivered by hand, while others use a spinal decompression table that separates movement into supported phases. The setup, direction, force, and timing depend on the body region, diagnosis, comfort, and clinical assessment. Traction should never be adjusted as though one setting suits every person.

Wear comfortable clothing and tell the therapist about numbness, weakness, dizziness, osteoporosis, recent injury, surgery, or changes in bladder or bowel control. During treatment, report sharp pain, spreading tingling, new weakness, headache, or feeling faint immediately. The therapist can change your position or stop the force while checking your response. Follow the advised activity plan after the session rather than adding extra stretching on your own.

Arrange prompt medical review for new or worsening weakness, loss of balance, persistent numbness, or pain that does not settle after treatment. Seek urgent help for new bladder or bowel control problems, numbness around the saddle area, severe sudden back or neck pain, or symptoms after a significant injury.

Which area is being supported and pulled? What is the purpose of traction in my treatment plan? Should I use a table-based session or another approach, and which symptoms mean the session should stop?