Spinal Decompression vs. Traction & Inversion Tables

Four ways to stretch the spine

	How it works	Who controls it	Things to know
Decompression table	A motorized table pulls, holds and releases in slow cycles while you lie on your back or front	Settings chosen by the doctor after an exam	Requires repeat office visits; screening rules out people for whom it isn't appropriate
Standard mechanical traction	A motorized pull, often steady or simply on/off, sometimes used in physical therapy	A therapist or clinician	Closely related to decompression; research shows little or no benefit for most low back pain (Cochrane)
Inversion table	You tilt head-down and gravity pulls on your spine	You, at home	Raises blood pressure and pressure in the head and eyes; not safe for everyone; falls are a risk (Cleveland Clinic)
Home traction devices	Belts, harnesses, door-mounted neck units or stretching devices	You, at home	Quality and force vary a lot; get advice before using one, especially with nerve symptoms

What the research says

Honest answer: not much in traction's favor. A 2013 Cochrane review of 32 randomized trials concluded that traction, by itself or combined with other treatment, has little or no impact on pain, function or return to work for low back pain, with or without sciatica. Some trials reported side effects such as increased pain or worsening nerve symptoms (Cochrane). The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons likewise describes lumbar traction as offering "very limited results" for spinal stenosis (AAOS).

Decompression tables were developed as a more controlled form of traction, but high-quality studies comparing them with standard traction are scarce. We don't publish success rates. Some people feel better with decompression, and some don't. Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC will tell you what he thinks is realistic for your situation.

If you're using an inversion table now

Talk to your doctor before using one, especially if you have blood pressure, heart or eye problems (Cleveland Clinic).
Have someone nearby the first time, start at a small angle for a short time, and come up slowly (Cleveland Clinic).
Stop if you feel dizzy, get a headache, notice vision changes or your pain gets worse.
Don't use it in place of getting new leg weakness, numbness or bladder or bowel changes checked. Those need medical care right away.

So which is right for you?

It depends on what's causing your pain. If home stretching or an inversion table helps and you can use it safely, that's useful information to share. If it hasn't helped, or you aren't sure it's safe for you, a consultation can sort out whether decompression, physical therapy or something else is the better next step. Who is a candidate · How decompression works.

Questions? Call (801) 491-8688.

Traction and inversion FAQs

Is an inversion table the same as spinal decompression?

No. An inversion table uses gravity: you tilt backward, head below your feet, and your body weight pulls on your spine. A decompression table is motorized, keeps you lying flat, and cycles the pull on and off at a controlled force.

Who should avoid inversion tables?

Hanging upside down raises blood pressure and pressure in the head and eyes. Cleveland Clinic advises talking to a doctor first if you have high or low blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma or other eye disease, acid reflux, a history of stroke or brain injury, or are pregnant (Cleveland Clinic).

Does traction work for back pain?

A Cochrane review of 32 trials found that traction, alone or with physical therapy, made little or no difference in pain or function for most people with low back pain, with or without sciatica (Cochrane, 2013). Decompression is a type of motorized traction, and research on decompression tables specifically is limited. Some people still feel better; results vary.

Can I keep using my home traction device during a decompression plan?

Tell the doctor what you use at home, and ask. It may be fine, or you may be asked to pause it while you're in a plan.

Talk with Dr. Stapel about your pain

Call the office or request a free consultation. You'll talk through your symptoms and history, and you'll get an honest answer about whether spinal decompression is worth considering for you.

Call (801) 491-8688 Request a Free Consultation

The consultation is free, with no obligation to start treatment. Have an MRI? Ask about the free MRI review.

Sources

This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.