Intersegmental Traction is a way of inducing passive motion into the spine for the purpose of stretching spinal joints and increasing mobility.
Benefits of Traction:
- Comfortable and relaxing
- Increased mobility
- Improves circulation of spinal fluids
The patient lies face up on a bench table which has roller-type cams beneath its surface. These rollers can slowly travel the length of the spine, stretching spinal joints.
Most patients find this form of treatment to be relaxing and very helpful. The gentle rolling action is restful, exercising the spine without effort.
Since discs have a poor blood supply, they get nutrients from the circulation of fluids surrounding the spinal joints. Fixations prevent this natural circulation and can lead to disc thinning and degeneration. Intersegmental traction helps increase and restore necessary elasticity and motion to the spine.