Lumbar Traction Augments Extension Principles

The Saunders Group excels in developing, producing and marketing the highest quality, most innovative traction equipment on the market. Lumbar traction, also referred to by some as "decompression", is most useful for patients suffering from moderate to severe herniated disc and/or radiculopathy. Duane Saunders, our president and founder, is a well-known physical therapist specializing in the treatment of herniated disc and other spinal conditions. He uses relatively high force lumbar traction, along with McKenzie extension principles, to treat patients with difficult conditions. Decompression is not a panacea-many patients don't need distraction to benefit from McKenzie principles. But some patients simply can't tolerate extension principles without their leg pain worsening. Distraction of the lower spinal segments, followed by extension principles, will often help these patients where traditional physical therapy fails.

Cervical traction is a treatment designed to stretch the neck. Many types of cervical traction are available. The Saunders Group sells the #1 home neck stretching device, the Saunders Cervical HomeTrac Deluxe. With the HomeTrac, patients can get clinical-quality treatment at home. The HomeTrac applies up to 50 lbs of force in a supine position. It directs traction force toward the back of the head to prevent compression on the jaw. It is important to separate the intervertebral spaces of the neck when treating such conditions as radiculopathy (neck pain accompanied by arm pain and neurological symptoms). Separation of the intervertebral spaces requires at least 25 lbs of force, sometimes as much as 50 lbs. Over-the-door treatments consist of a canvas/cotton halter that goes around the jaw. Most treatments are provided in the sitting position with a counter-weight of up to 20 lbs providing the force. Patients using over-the-door treatments find them cumbersome, uncomfortable (on the jaw) and ineffective. Look to Saunders for professional quality home treatments that really work.