For individuals experiencing or managing low back pain and/or sciatica, can lumbar traction therapy help provide consistent relief?
Table of Contents
Lumbar traction therapy for lower back pain and sciatica could be a treatment option to help restore mobility and flexibility and safely support an individual’s return to an optimal level of activity. It is often combined with targeted therapeutic exercise. (Yu-Hsuan Cheng, et al., 2020) The technique stretches the space between the vertebrae in the lower spine, relieving lower back pain.
Researchers say lumbar traction with exercise did not improve individual outcomes compared to physical therapy exercises on their own (Anne Thackeray et al., 2016). The study examined 120 participants with back pain and nerve root impingement who were randomly selected to undergo lumbar traction with exercises or simple exercises for pain. Extension-based exercises focused on bending the spine backward. This movement is considered effective for individuals with back pain and pinched nerves. The results indicated that adding lumbar traction to physical therapy exercises did not offer significant benefits over extension-based exercise alone for back pain. (Anne Thackeray et al., 2016)
A 2022 study found that lumbar traction is helpful for individuals with lower back pain. The study investigated two different lumbar traction techniques and found that variable-force lumbar traction and high-force lumbar traction helped to relieve lower back pain. High-force lumbar traction was also found to reduce functional disability. (Zahra Masood et al., 2022) Another study found lumbar traction improves the range of motion in the straight leg raise test. The study examined different forces of traction on herniated discs. All the levels improved the individuals’ range of motion, but the one-half body-weight traction setting was associated with the most significant pain relief. (Anita Kumari et al., 2021)
For individuals with only low back pain, exercise, and postural correction may be all that is needed to provide relief. Research confirms physical therapy exercises can help decrease pain and improve mobility (Anita Slomski 2020). Another study revealed the importance of centralizing sciatic symptoms during repetitive movements. Centralization is moving the pain back to the spine, which is a positive sign that the nerves and discs are healing and occurs during therapeutic exercise. (Hanne B. Albert et al., 2012) A chiropractor and physical therapy team can educate patients on preventing back pain episodes. Chiropractors and physical therapists are body movement experts who can show which exercises are best for your condition. Starting an exercise program that centralizes symptoms can help individuals return to their normal lifestyle quickly and safely. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program for back pain.
Cheng, Y. H., Hsu, C. Y., & Lin, Y. N. (2020). The effect of mechanical traction on low back pain in patients with herniated intervertebral disks: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Clinical rehabilitation, 34(1), 13–22. doi.org/10.1177/0269215519872528
Thackeray, A., Fritz, J. M., Childs, J. D., & Brennan, G. P. (2016). The Effectiveness of Mechanical Traction Among Subgroups of Patients With Low Back Pain and Leg Pain: A Randomized Trial. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 46(3), 144–154. doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2016.6238
Masood, Z., Khan, A. A., Ayyub, A., & Shakeel, R. (2022). Effect of lumbar traction on discogenic low back pain using variable forces. JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 72(3), 483–486. doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.453
Kumari, A., Quddus, N., Meena, P. R., Alghadir, A. H., & Khan, M. (2021). Effects of One-Fifth, One-Third, and One-Half of the Bodyweight Lumbar Traction on the Straight Leg Raise Test and Pain in Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. BioMed research international, 2021, 2561502. doi.org/10.1155/2021/2561502
Slomski A. (2020). Early Physical Therapy Relieves Sciatica Disability and Pain. JAMA, 324(24), 2476. doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.24673
Albert, H. B., Hauge, E., & Manniche, C. (2012). Centralization in patients with sciatica: are pain responses to repeated movement and positioning associated with outcome or types of disc lesions?. European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 21(4), 630–636. doi.org/10.1007/s00586-011-2018-9
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "The Benefits of Lumbar Traction for Lower Back Pain and Sciatica" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Can understanding the anatomy and function of the long thoracic nerve help individuals make informed… Read More
Can individuals with insomnia find various ways to reduce its effects, such as a full… Read More
Individuals who don't get enough sleep at night can feel it in many ways. Can… Read More
Sweet foods were a delicacy for our ancestors. Can individuals incorporate these 5 natural sweeteners… Read More
Could regular daytime naps help individuals slow the aging process from natural brain shrinkage? Taking… Read More
Can protein powder be used in different ways to effectively support nutrition goals for individuals… Read More
Can individuals dealing with narcolepsy find ways to reduce its effects on the musculoskeletal system… Read More
Can understanding the planes of motion help individuals adjust fitness training to maximize fitness for… Read More
Can Pilates exercise movements be performed in bed for individuals recovering from illness or injury?… Read More
Can individuals experiencing back pain from various factors incorporate MET (muscle energy techniques) to restore… Read More
Individuals who wake up with a burning feeling in the chest or throat, along with… Read More
Athletic individuals must train regularly, eat healthy, and rest properly to recover and perform their… Read More