Spinal traction, since ancient times, has been well recognized as an effective treatment for various spinal disorders. Spinal traction has remained an important component in the conservative treatment of spinal disorders, even in our modern times, with great advances in understanding and new treatments of spinal problems.

In accordance with the development of new and more sophisticated surgical techniques, which also carry the burden of many complications, it has also become very clear that initially the conservative approach should always be tried, prior to performing invasive procedures. Such procedures carry a certain complication rate, which may actually aggravate the original problem. In addition, there has been much emphasis on rehabilitation of injured patients, and on improving the patient’s chances of returning to a productive life. These trends have emphasized active exercise programs combined with noninvasive modalities. Cervical and lumbar tractions have had a long record of helping to relieve numerous acute and chronic symptoms of back and neck pain in many patients, allowing patients to start active exercises earlier, and enhancing their recovery.

After many years of experiments with different traction devices, Dr. L. Stabholz, the inventor, and Dr. A. Grober decided to introduce some cardinal changes to the traction techniques and constructed a new traction apparatus – Vertetrac®. They succeeded in achieving excellent results in the treatment of low back disorders.The new changes were: 1) Application of a force greater than the weight-bearing force of the upper part of the body directly to the lumbar spine (up to 40 kg from each side). This was only possible by complete elimination of friction by applying a vertical, upward distraction force directly to the spine. Thorough investigations and results proved that only powerful traction, such as that of the aforementioned force, may produce a sufficiently strong suction “suck back” force. Repositioning to the front of extruded parts was made possible, causing interruption of their contact with pain-producing tissues: annulus fibrosus (AF), posterior longitudinal ligament, spinal nerves and dura mater. The results were: 1) Immediate, or almost complete disappearance of back and sciatic pain; 2) Simultaneous application of a horizontal force to strengthen the stretch of longitudinal ligaments produced by traction. Such increased stretching of ligaments create a powerful centripetal “push back” pressure that greatly facilitates repositioning of reducible parts, specifically AF and even free fragments; 3) Providing the patient with the possibility of walking, standing, sitting and moving during treatment, increasing the flow of blood and nutrients into the discs, which is of great importance for their normal function. This also prevents development of adhesions, one of the main causes of chronic pain, and postoperatively. Free walking also eliminates muscle spasm to a great extent, and has proved to have a most beneficial effect on patients. Relaxation of muscle spasm also eases the performance of manipulation; 4) Applying differential traction to patients with an antalgic lean (sciatic scoliosis) in order to aid in restoring normal upright stance and to decrease muscle spasm, particularly in situations where the spasm proves to be especially severe. Normal upright stance allows normal tonic responses, which are of great importance to the patient’s full recovery.

The Vertetrac® lumbar traction and CerviCo 2000™ cervical traction devices  in the clinic are positioned on a patient who can be either standing or sitting, and the patient can then walk while in traction and move from one place to another, perform certain stretching exercises, walk on a treadmill, or perform other exercises while in traction. The ability to perform active exercises while in traction supports the modern principles of rehabilitation, by enhancing the patient’s involvement in the rehabilitation process.  

Developed to aid the sufferers of herniated discs and low back pain (LBP), the Vertetrac® is a patented, state-of-the-art ambulatory traction system for the treatment of lumbar spine injuries and disorders.  The Vertetrac brings an ambulatory treatment method to the patient as an alternative to surgery, body braces, or traction bed treatments.

Treatment sessions using the Vertetrac are short (less than 30 minutes per day) and allow the patient freedom to move and perform light activity.  The patient may walk, stand or sit during treatment as desired.

	The Vertetrac is so easy to use that patients requiring long-term care may easily be taught how to administer self-treatments at home.  Treatments thus become more convenient and patients feel that they have more control over their lives. Due to its relatively small size, the Vertetrac does not  take up valuable space in the clinic or home.  Some Vertetrac users with chronic back problems carry a unit with them when they travel in order to continue their treatments. The Vertetrac is the only traction unit which enables to perform traction in three dimensions (3D) (See diagram on the right)	Traction in 3D

	Traction in three dimensions
	Lumbar Traction	Horizontal Force	Asymmetrical Traction
	Exercise and Treatment: The Vertetrac is the only  unit that enables the patient to   perform active exercise with treadmill during the treatment.  For more information please follow this link.
	Call 203-426-4700 for more information