Lumbar traction is the stretching of the lumbar spine in the axial plane (along the spine), specifically the lower spinal region. Lumbar traction is a form of spinal decompression therapy to relieve the pressure of the lower spine.

The lumbar area is one of the lowest portions of your spine. When sitting, the lumbar spine has to help support your entire upper body, which is typically about 50% of your entire body mass (i.e. chest, internal organs, arms, head, ect.). In today’s world, where a lot of us work desk/office jobs and sit for hours every day, this constant compressing of the spine causes accelerated wear on the intervertebral disks.

The intervertebral discs rely on the transfer of fluids and nutrients from nearby discs to stay healthy. Continued compression of these discs results in dehydration which leads to wear and tear and ultimately chronic issues as listed below.

With lumbar traction, the decompressing of the intervertebral discs allow the discs to rehydrate at an elevated speed, reducing and reversing the damage cause by the constant compressions from everyday activities.

Below are common health problems associated that may benefit with lumbar traction:

• Lower back pain
• Leg and knee pain
• Sciatica
• Pinched nerves
• Bone spurs
• Foramina stenosis
• Slipped discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar disc herniation

             

 

How is Lumbar Traction Applied?

There are two mains categories in which lumbar traction is applied. With proper guidance from a medical professional, either method is relatively safe to use.

• Assisted (Manual) Lumbar Traction– This type of lumbar traction is typically performed by another persion, either a chiropractor or physical therapist. They use manual force to aide in the decompression of the spinal discs.
• Mechanical Lumbar Traction – This type of lumbar traction is performed by a special tool or machine. They utilize leverage and mechanical force to aide in the decompression of the spinal discs. Below we have a product that can provide effective mechanical lumbar traction.

Lumbar Traction Fulcrum - This traction Fulcrum is made of firm PU foam that provides an effective back stretch yet is easy on the lower back muscles and spine.The foam is holds its shape up to 240 lbs of weight.

Remember, as with most chronic issues. Lumbar traction is just one of the keys to the solution of a complex physiological problem. Utilizing lumbar traction in conjunction with other forms of therapy as prescribed by your physician or chiropractic is the best approach.