Spinal Decompression or mechanical traction applies traction stretch on a patient’s spine to reduce compression. When deemed appropriate by the physiotherapist, this machine can help someone with neck or low back issues. The treatment can decompress the discs in the spine, open up joint spaces, loosen soft tissue around the spine and reduce pain.  

To start, the client is strapped into an apparatus that is secured to the traction bed. This apparatus is hooked up to a machine in either the neck or low back configuration, set to a specific amount of force for the pull and a specific amount of time for the treatment. Often, the client will feel stiff coming off of the mechanical traction machine as their body has been under stretch for a prolonged period. Your therapist will recommend a short walk around the clinic to get blood flowing and reduce stretch-related pain after traction.