Traction as used in chiropractic environments, is usually spinal traction. Chiropractors must treat many patients with low back problems. Applying traction to the spine is for the purpose of stretching the soft tissues between the cervical discs to assist in recovery. Traction can be applied by using a bending or pulling force to stretch the soft tissues.

Most people relate to traction as a pulling force. They picture themselves lying on their back with arms being pulled on one end and their legs being on the other. In essence, the pulling force is exerted on the entire spine. Spinal decompression machines have been used with patients lying on their backs. They are attached to the machine and then an extension force is used to stretch both ends of their spine simultaneously.

A spinal decompression machine works on a theory of extending the disc in unison from top to bottom. The machine is exerting a force on both ends of the spine which pulls apart the cervical discs and stretches the soft tissues. This is also the more common thought of mechanical traction.

Another method used to affect traction is inversion therapy. Inversion therapy usually utilizes boots that the wearer puts on. Either the patient is laid on flat table which then allows them to be raised with their feet up. Or the user must lock the boots onto a bar and then suspend themselves from there hanging upside down.

Inversion therapy uses gravity to affect the force. The patient’s own weight is used to help stretch out the spine. Since the feet are held in place, the force is applied by both the angle of tilt and the patient’s own weight.

Another method for mechanical traction is with a roller table. Roller tables work by passing a roller underneath the patient’s spine. A patient is laid flat on a roller bad. Next, the roller is activated to apply traction across the length of the spine.

Roller tables apply mechanical traction by passing the rollers across the spine. This applies an axial traction. As the roller passes each cervical disc, it will deflect the disc which stretches the soft tissues attached to it.

The procedure behind traction with a massage chair is also utilizing a roller. The roller is used to exert a bending mechanical force on the soft tissues between the cervical discs. Massage chairs use the rollers to cause the cervical discs to deflect.

Massage chairs can apply this type of mechanical traction to the spine. They are using gravity as the pulling force over the top of the roller. The roller causes the cervical disc to deflect when the roller passes. The soft tissues are then stretched which is the definition of mechanical traction.

Massage chairs are also able to provide a number of other treatments in addition to spinal traction. Massage chairs have a full array of massage treatments and programs. Additionally heating elements are placed throughout the chair soothing warmth can be applied as needed. Massage chairs also have stretching of the lower body. Massage chairs also come with MP3 players which can provide a relaxing environment for the patient.

Massage chairs are multipurpose treatment centers. They can provide a variety of treatments to accommodate many users. Massage chairs apply massage treatments consistently and can be customized for individuals. Massage chairs have a variety of massage programs both manual and automatic. These massage chairs can also be directed to specific muscle groups for targeted relief.