All of our physical therapists are well versed in the care and treatment of spinal conditions. We have to be! About 75% of our outpatient population has back pain. A technique your therapist may choose to use to help treat your spinal related pain is traction. Traction is a treatment that is either administered manually or via a mechanical traction device. The primary target of traction is to unload or decompress the spine creating space between the vertebrae, decreasing pressure on the discs and stretching the spinal muscles. Traction can help mitigate the following symptoms:

• Muscle spasms
• Nerve pain in arms and legs
• Headaches
• Joint related neck and low back pain

Here at Pace West PT we use the tried and true Saunders Mechanical Traction Units for treatment of cervical and lumbar spine. These units are simple to transport for use in your own home. Our therapists will instruct you on how to use the devices effectively in order to achieve the desired results. Traction units can be rented through our office once it is decided by your therapist or doctor to be medically necessary. Talk to your therapist more about traction if you feel this would be a beneficial treatment for you.