Spinal Decompression: What The Research Shows

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What The Research Shows

Spinal decompression is a form of mechanical traction: a computer-controlled table applies a gradual pull to the lower back or neck. People often ask about its “success rate”. There is no reliable figure. Good-quality studies of traction have not shown a clear benefit, and the reports of high success rates come from small studies with no comparison group.

The research on traction for back pain and sciatica is limited, and clinical guidelines don’t recommend it as a routine treatment. We only use it as an optional addition to an exercise-based plan, review it at the sixth visit, and stop if it isn’t helping.

What Clinical Guidelines Say

• NICE guideline NG59 (low back pain and sciatica in over 16s) says: “Do not offer traction for managing low back pain with or without sciatica.” [1]
• The World Health Organization’s 2023 guideline on chronic primary low back pain in adults lists traction among the treatments it does not recommend for most people. [2]

What Systematic Reviews Say

A Cochrane review of traction for low back pain (Wegner and colleagues, 2013) found that traction, alone or combined with other treatments, had little or no effect on pain, function or return to work compared with sham traction or other treatments, in people with or without sciatica. The quality of the evidence was low to moderate. [3]

What About Studies Reporting High Success Rates?

Some websites quote older reports on spinal decompression with very high success rates, or with MRI changes in the disc. These are single case reports, small case series and studies without a control group, some published outside peer-reviewed journals. Without a comparison group they cannot show how much of any improvement was due to the treatment rather than to time or other care.

If You Are Considering It

Talk it through with your clinician. Spinal decompression isn’t suitable for everyone — see who shouldn’t have it.

For more information about our Spinal Decompression Therapy or to book your consultation, call us at (01) 575 2623 or visit our contact page.

References

[1] NICE NG59: Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management

[2] WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings (2023)

[3] Wegner I et al. Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013

By Dr Lawrence Woods

August 18, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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by Dr Lawrence Woods | Aug 18, 2021

Dr Lawrence Woods

Chiropractor

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