A Veteran Asks Dr. Timothy Harcourt, "How Effective Is Traction for Low Back Pain"?
Dec 23, 2021 -- Posted by :In the past, we’ve written about the use of mechanical traction for patients with neck pain. But what about the low back pain (LBP) patient? Can traction help reduce pain and improve function for this group? Let’s see what the scientific literature has to say about traction for the lower back and whether it has merit.
In a 2018 systematic review, researchers analyzed data from previous studies regarding the use of traction on the lumbar spine. They identified 37 randomized clinical trials that reported on five different types of traction: mechanical, auto-traction, manual, gravitational, and aquatic. Not only did the research team observe great variability in the types of traction used, but they also saw differences with respect to the amount of force, rhythm, session duration, and treatment frequency. To add yet more variables, patient characteristics often included a mixture of acute, subacute, and chronic LBP patients, with or without sciatica and without consistency in the clinical diagnoses.
With so many varieties of low back traction being used on patients with a large mix of diagnoses in the acute, sub-acute, and chronic stages of their condition, the review was unable to make an overall determination about the effectiveness of traction. However, some of the studies that included well-defined patient populations did show promise.
For example, the authors discussed a small pilot study that utilized inversion traction. This form of traction is unique because it is designed to be done at home, making it far more cost-effective and practical. The participants in this study all had a single herniated disk in their lower back with sciatica (pain radiating down the leg following the course of the pinched nerve). The methods of the study were straightforward. A group of patients awaiting surgery for their herniated disk were randomly assigned to one of two groups: physical therapy (PT) ONLY or PT plus inversion traction (IT). While the research team tracked improvement using a variety of criteria, their ultimate definition of success was defined as cancellation of the surgery.
The results CLEARLY showed that the group receiving PT alone did worse than PT + IT group, as 22.2% vs. 76.9% of each group avoided surgery, respectively. The authors concluded that inversion traction is a form of traction that resulted in a significant reduction in the need for surgery, and they recommended a larger study be carried out to further validate their results.
For some patients, traction may be useful in the management of low back pain, depending on their unique case. Doctors of chiropractic often treat patients with low back pain using a combination of spinal manipulation, mobilization, nutritional advice, exercise recommendations, and more—including in-office or at-home traction, if warranted.
So, if you are experiencing back pain, lower back pain, or pain in the coccyx and type in pain management near me, you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my back.”
Also, if you feel leg pain it may indicate things are getting worse and may indicate a bulge on the disc or worse yet a herniated disc in your back. Some people will try stretching the lower back first to see if they get relief from their back pain. Pain very low in the lower back may be originating from the coccyx or tailbone. A pulled muscle in the back generally will get better with rest. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional.
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at (239) 278-3344 and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment. So if you find yourself experiencing lower back pain while running or doing physical activities.
If you are suffering from back pain that is affecting your quality of life and allowing you to enjoy Fort Myers Beach. Come see us at Coast Chiropractic Centers located on 7270 College Parkway.
If you would like to avoid getting back pain in the first place or to take a proactive approach to your health and wellness, our membership program called Club C may be just the thing for you with great cost savings, convenience, and even more importantly, a plan to get your health back and keep it.
Don't let back pain stop you from enjoying the beautiful SWFL! Dr. Tim Harcourt is here to give you the relief you need.