In recent years, the term “spinal decompression” has become increasingly popular in advertisements for back pain treatments. It sounds modern and high-tech, but the truth is that spinal decompression is simply a current marketing term for an older concept known as spinal traction. While the machines used today may look more advanced, the basic principle behind both decompression and traction is the same: to temporarily stretch the spine to relieve pressure on the vertebrae, discs, and nerves.

The Basic Principle of Traction and Decompression

Spinal traction, or decompression works by gently pulling on the spine to create more space between the vertebrae. This temporary stretching reduces pressure on the intervertebral discs, which are the cushion-like structures between each bone of the spine. It can also slightly enlarge the openings (foramina) where spinal nerves exit, potentially easing irritation or compression.

There are several ways to apply traction. It can be done manually, where a therapist uses their hands to apply force, or mechanically, using a specialized traction table or decompression machine. Some treatments are performed with the patient lying down, while others use gravity-based devices where the patient is partially inverted. Regardless of the setup, the goal is always the same: to unload the spinal structures for a short period.

Proven and Theoretical Benefits of Spinal Decompression Traction

The proven benefits of traction are modest but meaningful for some people. Research shows that traction can temporarily:

• Reduce pain by decreasing pressure on irritated nerves.
• Improve mobility by loosening tight muscles and soft tissues.
• Promote relaxation, which can help break cycles of muscle spasm related to back pain.

There are also several theoretical benefits that continue to be studied. The most commonly suggested theory is that traction may create negative pressure inside the intervertebral discs, helping to “draw in” bulging disc material or promote better fluid exchange within the disc. However, evidence supporting this as a long-term corrective effect remains limited.

Traction Works Better for the Neck Than for the Lower Back

Clinical research and experience both show that traction tends to be more effective for the cervical spine (neck) than for the lumbar spine (lower back). In the neck, the weight of the head and the smaller, more mobile vertebrae allow traction to open the spaces around the nerves more effectively.

In contrast, the lumbar spine supports much more body weight, and it takes greater force to meaningfully separate the vertebrae. Studies suggest that traction must equal up to 50% of a person’s body weight to achieve effective lumbar separation. For example, a 160-pound person might need 80 pounds of pulling force for true lumbar traction. This requirement limits how comfortable or sustainable the procedure can be for many patients.

How Long Do the Benefits Last?

Even when traction is performed correctly, the benefits are usually temporary. Once a person stands up or resumes normal daily activity, the spine is reloaded by gravity and body weight. Research shows that any decompression effect achieved during treatment dissipates within minutes to hours after the session ends. While traction can help relieve symptoms temporarily, it does not fix the underlying structural issues within the discs or joints that cause pain in the first place.

Why Traction Alone Cannot Cure Disc Problems

To understand why traction cannot cure disc-related back problems, it helps to look at the structural changes that occur in degenerative disc disease. Over time, the discs in the spine lose hydration and elasticity. This leads to a breakdown in the outer layer of the disc, called the annulus fibrosus, which can develop small fissures (tears). These fissures allow the inner gel-like core, known as the nucleus pulposus, to push outward, creating a range of disc abnormalities including disc bulges, protrusions, herniations and extrusions. While traction can reduce pressure on these damaged discs for a brief time, it does not seal or repair the fissures in the annulus fibrosus. As a result, the underlying cause of pain, the structural disc injury remains unaddressed.

Addressing the Root Cause: Discseel®

If the goal is to resolve the underling disc abnormality, rather than just temporarily relieve pressure, then it is necessary to use a treatment that can seal the disc fissures. One such nonsurgical alternative is the Discseel® Procedure.

Discseel® is a minimally invasive treatment designed to repair damaged spinal discs. During the procedure, a natural biological sealant called fibrin is injected into the discs under image guidance. Fibrin is a protein involved in the body’s natural healing process and it seals the fissures in the annulus fibrosus. This sealing process helps to reduce leakage of nucleus material, stabilize the disc, and promote tissue healing from within.

Unlike traction, which only provides mechanical unloading, Discseel® targets the root cause of disc degeneration by addressing the microscopic tears that lead to bulges, herniations, and chronic low back pain. Clinical research and patient outcomes have demonstrated meaningful improvements in function, pain relief, and long-term spinal health following Discseel®.

Where Discseel Is Available

The Discseel® Procedure has limited availability in the USA because it requires a specific license to perform. Discseel® is available at the Regenerative Spine & Joint Center, a specialized medical practice focused on nonsurgical solutions for spine problems. Contact us today to find out if Discseel® is right for you.

Conclusion

While spinal decompression and traction can provide short-term relief by stretching the spine and easing pressure on the nerves, they do not reverse the structural damage that occurs in disc degeneration or herniation. The relief they offer is temporary because the spine returns to its normal load-bearing state as soon as the session ends.

For patients seeking a treatment that goes beyond temporary symptom management and aims to repair the damaged disc itself, Discseel® offers a scientifically grounded, nonsurgical alternative. By sealing the fissures in the annulus and promoting true disc healing, it represents an important advance in regenerative spine care—one that is available today at the Regenerative Spine & Joint Center.