Snelgrove Chiropractic Family Wellness Center

Spinal Correction Tractioning 

As part of your corrective care program, these exercises are essential to ensure full correction of your spine and therefore relieve the tension on your spinal cord and nerves.  These exercises are not going to replace your adjustments, however it is the combination of your adjustments and tractioning that will correct your spine.  The most widely prescribed traction exercise is the extension compression traction exercises (ECT), which we will show you how to do here.

FIRST STEP:
Place your traction unit on the floor.  You will lay on your back and line up the highest peak of the unit to your neck and back depending on which stage you're on (see below).  Your head will hang over the edge creating a stretch in the neck.  You can start with your knees bent to lower the strain on the low back but as you advance you can try to lower your knees.  After you graduate from your Traction Training Class (which will occur after a few weeks of care) you will be qualified to start using the unit and will be given a schedule to keep track of your progress as you advance through the following stages.  The schedule will detail usage frequency and length of time for each session.

STAGE 1:
Make sure that the side marked "Shoulders This Side" on the traction unit is facing your shoulders.  Place the highest peak about 2cm below the skull.  Your chin and mouth should be parallel to the floor as this position will not allow much of your head to hang over.  There should be close to the distance of your fist from the back of your head to the floor.  Be sure to take the time to ensure you are in the correct position as moving ahead too quickly may cause further soreness. Follow your schedule for frequency and length of time.

STAGE 2: 
After completing stage 1, you can advance to stage 2.  Place the peak of the unit in the middle of your neck allowing more of your head to hang over.  There should be about 2-3 fingers of space from your head to the floor.  Your chin and mouth should be angled between 40-45 degrees towards the ceiling.  Think of your traction unit as a spine orthotic, holding your neck in its correct "C" shaped position.

STAGE 4:
For the final stage, you will position the peak at the level of your shoulder blades.  Remember that discomfort is normal while you stretch the spine.  Traction for your spine is like braces for your teeth, if your braces are tightened your teeth will be sore until the new position sets.  The same goes for your spine as you move, mold and shape it into its correct, healthy position.

If you have any questions or concerns please let us know as this aspect of your care is extremely important.  We want optimal results for all of our patients so we want to do everything we can to make sure patients are doing this exercise and doing it properly.