Limitations of Spinal Tractions
All persons who sit or stoop while working would greatly benefit by spinal traction. In fact, there is scarcely a person who would not re¬ceive some benefit from this simple and enjoyable treatment.
But spinal traction must not be overdone, and it is easy for many people to overdo it. Gentle traction only should be used at first, partic¬ularly if the spinal cartilages, liga¬ments, and muscles are much stiff¬ened, contracted or weakened. Traction will benefit a spine having relaxed ligaments and muscles with¬out tone, but gentle traction cer¬tainly must be used in such a case. If there is a hernia, or if the abdo- men or its contained organs are prolapsed, traction should not be used without a supporter, though in some cases of simple prolapse of abdominal organs, merely drawing in the abdomen during the traction will be sufficient to protect them.