Back pain making everyday movement harder? Learn how lumbar traction works, when it may be considered as part of physiotherapy, and why an individualized assessment matters before deciding whether it’s appropriate for your lower back pain.
Back Pain Keeps Making Everyday Movement Harder? Here’s One Treatment Option to Explore
Lower back pain can affect much more than your back.
When symptoms persist, everyday activities such as sitting, standing, bending, walking, working, exercising, or even getting through your normal routine can become uncomfortable.
There are many possible approaches to managing lower back pain, and the right treatment depends on what may be contributing to your symptoms.
For some patients, lumbar traction may be considered as one part of a physiotherapy treatment plan.
What Is Lumbar Traction?
Lumbar traction is a treatment technique that applies a controlled pulling force to the lower spine.
During treatment, the patient is positioned appropriately while traction equipment applies a controlled force designed to temporarily create distraction through the lumbar spine.
The positioning, amount of force, and other treatment settings can be adjusted based on the individual patient, their assessment findings, comfort, and response to treatment.
How Does Lumbar Traction Work?
Lumbar traction temporarily applies distraction through the lower spine.
Rather than using the same settings for everyone, treatment should be adjusted according to the patient's individual presentation.
A physiotherapist may consider factors such as:
This information can help determine whether lumbar traction may be appropriate as part of your treatment.
Is Lumbar Traction Appropriate for Every Type of Back Pain?
No. Lower back pain can have different causes and presentations, which means lumbar traction isn't appropriate for everyone.
Simply having back pain doesn't automatically mean traction is the right treatment.
An assessment is important to better understand your symptoms, movement, medical history, and individual needs before determining which treatment options may be suitable.
Depending on your presentation, your physiotherapist may recommend traction, another treatment approach, or a combination of strategies.
What Can Physiotherapy for Back Pain Include?
Managing lower back pain doesn't necessarily stop with a passive treatment such as traction.
Depending on your individual assessment, a physiotherapy plan may also include:
Mobility Work
Exercises or treatment techniques may be used to address relevant restrictions in movement and help you gradually become more comfortable with everyday activities.
Strengthening
Progressive strengthening may be incorporated to improve your capacity for activities such as walking, lifting, working, exercising, or other physical demands.
Movement Retraining
Your physiotherapist may assess how you perform movements that are relevant to your symptoms and daily activities and provide guidance when appropriate.
Individualized Exercises
Your exercise program can be selected and progressed based on your current ability, symptoms, goals, and response to rehabilitation.
Lumbar Traction
When clinically appropriate, lumbar traction may be incorporated alongside other components of your rehabilitation rather than being viewed as a stand-alone solution.
Why an Individual Assessment Matters
Two people can both experience lower back pain but require very different approaches to treatment.
Before determining whether lumbar traction or another treatment option may be appropriate, relevant factors can include:
This is why treatment for back pain should be based on the individual rather than automatically applying the same approach to everyone.
Could Lumbar Traction Be Part of Your Treatment Plan?
If lower back pain is affecting your ability to sit, stand, bend, walk, work, or exercise comfortably, the first step is understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms.
For some patients, lumbar traction may be one treatment option considered during physiotherapy.
For others, a different approach may be more appropriate.
An assessment can help determine which strategies best match your symptoms, needs, and goals.
Need Help With Persistent Lower Back Pain?
At Pain Free Health Clinic, we believe your rehabilitation should reflect your symptoms, movement, current abilities, and individual goals.
Our physiotherapy team can assess your lower back and determine whether lumbar traction, mobility work, strengthening, movement retraining, or other rehabilitation strategies may be appropriate for you.
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Watch the Video
Watch our lumbar traction video to see how controlled spinal traction may be incorporated into a physiotherapy treatment plan and why treatment should be individualized based on the patient.
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