The Healing Magic of Manual Traction

Neck and back pain are becoming more prevalent than ever before. There are many reasons for it. Recent statistics reveal that 60-80% of adults suffer back pain. Some of these are having lousy posture, more physical strain, a sedentary lifestyle, etc. At the same time, neck pain is prevalent in the global population within the 20-70% range. These figures are still rising with the advent of technology and more usage of computers for work purposes. However, the good news is that manual traction can treat your back and neck pain. 

Manual traction is a technique used by chiropractors that help alleviate neck and back pain. It is an effective mechanism that decompresses the spine. Manual traction is considered a healing magic for patients who suffer chronic pain in their lives. It helps improve their mobility and improves their quality of life. What is manual traction exactly, and how does it work? Who are the ideal candidates for this treatment, and is it effective? Find these answers in this article, and don’t let pain win. 

What is Manual Traction? How Does it Work? 

Traction is a drawing or pulling action that causes a stretch by applying force. It is a procedure in which the patient’s body weight helps use the traction force. The power can be intermittent or continuous depending upon the need, and its purpose is to remove the joint surfaces apart. It might sound a little scary, but this procedure is entirely safe and doesn’t last for so long. 

Spinal cord compression can happen to anyone and occur anywhere along your spine. It creates pressure, pain, numbness, weakness, and discomfort in the spine and associated areas. In manual traction, the physiotherapist or a chiropractor uses his hands on the patient’s body for spine decompression. In manual traction, the therapist applies spinal decompression to comfort the patient. Spinal decompression refers to the relief of pressure on the regions of the spinal column. 

“While other professions are concerned with changing the environment to suit the weakened body, chiropractic is concerned with strengthening the body to suit the environment.” 

BJ Palmer

Manual traction works by alleviating pain and relieving pressure on the spine. The cervical or lumbar spine is the center for receiving the traction pressure. The process of cervical traction involves gently pulling the head and neck apart. This way, compression is eliminated, and the patient gets relief from the pain. In lumbar traction, a gentle force is applied to gap the pelvis from the lower back and helps decompress the spine. You can personalize both of these procedures as per your health needs. Consult your physician for more guidance and scheduling the appointment.   

How Does Traction Help, and Who are the Beneficiaries? 

Traction mainly helps patients who suffer from chronic neck or back pain. It also works on patients who struggle with pain that radiates to other body parts and has helped soothe disc protrusion. Sometimes, there are degenerative changes that cause the spine to wear away. People who are above 40 years have greater chances of having some form of spinal degeneration. However, the right treatment plan can save them from chronic pains that disrupt their well-being. 

You might be wondering how to know if you are a candidate for manual traction therapy. We have compiled a brief guideline to facilitate you and your significant others. This therapy is usually beneficial in the following conditions: 

• Neck pain
• Degenerative disc disease
• Prolapsed disc
• Muscle weakness
• Pain inhibited movement
• Pain when bending the spine
• Pelvic injury or fracture
• Spinal stenosis, etc

Consult your therapist if you have any such problems or associated conditions. He might refer you for manual traction treatment. 

The Healing Magic of Manual Traction: Potential Benefits for Patients: 

Manual traction has helped many patients to enjoy a better life quality. Some of the notable benefits of the therapy include the following: 

• Non-surgical:  Manual traction is purely non-surgical. It doesn’t require any invasive procedure that might scare the patients. The therapists apply a controlled force on the patient while he lies on the table with no surgical instruments. Moreover, the practitioner guides the patient beforehand to reduce anxiety. 
• Relieves pressure: The therapist uses force to straighten the patient’s spine in manual traction. Doing so helps reduce the pressure on the spine and decompresses it. The patient feels better if the procedure is applied correctly. And finally, his pain and discomfort gradually go away. As a result, he enjoys a happy and healthy life. 
• Treats several conditions: Suppose the patient has an underlying medical condition such as spinal arthritis or chronic neck pain. In that case, manual traction is an ideal treatment option. However, the patient’s medical history and overall health depend on whether this treatment suits him. Consult a renowned therapist in your town and evaluate yourself for the procedure. If you are a candidate for manual traction therapy, it will impact your life. 
• Helps in a holistic health plan: Manual traction treatment aids in developing a person’s total health and wellness program. The therapist can use it with other treatments, including medication, heat/cold therapy, electrical stimulation, etc. The advantages of manual traction therapy are numerous and varied, including but not limited to the alleviation of pain, the lessening of discomfort, the enhancement of general health and happiness, and many others. 
• Promotes overall healing: Traction therapy, when applied correctly, boosts the overall body healing process. When the therapist applies controlled pressure to the disc, it speeds up the body’s healing process by releasing healing nutrients. In return, it helps faster body recovery, and the patient feels happy and energetic afterward. 
• Spinal mobilization: Manual traction therapy helps spinal mobilization by releasing pressure and stiffness. It reduces body inflammation and improves nerve function. The controlled force in manual traction enhances the spinal process and relieves joint stress. 
• Easy to alter forces: In manual traction, it’s easy to change the intensity of the pressure. The pressure can be continuous or intermittent, depending on the patient’s condition. Moreover, the force is mainly applied gently to aid the patient. Manual traction doesn’t use machines; the therapist uses his hands to relieve the patient. 
• Adjusts the angle of your neck: When you have experienced manual traction, see if it works. Talk to your therapist if your initial symptoms remain unchanged and do not improve. You might require a further adjustment in the angle of your neck. In manual traction, the therapist can raise or lower the tip of your neck a few inches to maximize the benefits of the treatment.   

How Does it Feel After Applying the Procedure? 

If you are planning a manual traction treatment, it’s better to be well-informed beforehand. For instance, the patient may feel a light strain when he receives cervical traction. However, there should be no pain; report it to the therapist if you have it. 

After spinal traction treatment, you might experience minor muscle spasms and some soreness in the lumbar back. However, your family care chiropractic can offer you some tips to manage your pain. 

Concluding Thoughts

We hope you have benefitted from the above information and will consult your therapist to let your pain disappear. It is an effective treatment that helps improve neck and lower back mobility. It is suitable for various conditions that affect the spine or cause neck problems.

Contact your Scottsdale Chiropractor, Dr. Abbas Khayami, D.C, at Better Health Solutions to learn about the healing magic of Manual Traction.

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