Lumbar traction device: home options and what the evidence shows
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Lie-down lumbar traction kit with pelvic harness. Best for: People whose physical therapist has suggested home traction. See options on Amazon
- Inflatable decompression back belt. Best for: People who want a wearable option to discuss with their clinician. See options on Amazon
- Electric lumbar traction stretcher. Best for: People who want a lie-down device without straps and pulleys. See options on Amazon
What a lumbar traction device does
Traction gently pulls on the lower spine. Under federal rules, powered traction equipment is defined as powered devices for medical purposes used with traction accessories, such as belts and harnesses, to exert therapeutic pulling forces on the patient's body, and is a Class II device.
For home use, the main types you will see are lie-down units with a pelvic harness, inflatable decompression belts worn around the waist, and electric lumbar stretchers. Inversion tables use your own body weight instead; see our inversion table guide. For neck devices, see our neck traction device guide.
What the research found
| Group studied | Cochrane finding | Evidence quality |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed low back pain, with and without sciatica | Traction may make little or no difference vs placebo, sham or no treatment | Low to moderate |
| Low back pain with sciatica | Traction probably has no impact on pain, function or global improvement | Low to moderate |
| Chronic low back pain without sciatica | Probably little or no difference in pain vs sham | Moderate |
The Cochrane review, updated in 2013, included 32 randomized trials with 2762 participants, covering both manual and machine-delivered traction. The authors concluded that the use of traction for non-specific low back pain cannot be motivated by the best available evidence.
Side effects reported
In the Cochrane review, adverse effects were reported in seven of the 32 studies. These included increased pain, aggravation of neurological signs and subsequent surgery. Four studies reported no adverse effects, and the rest did not mention them.
Performance Health, which sells the Saunders home unit, advises stopping treatment if symptoms worsen or new pain develops, using the device only as prescribed, following recommended treatment times and settings, and inspecting straps and components regularly for wear.
How a home traction unit is used
Performance Health describes the Saunders Lumbar Home Traction Device as designed for home use under the direction of a healthcare professional, with adjustable traction force and pelvic stabilization to isolate the lumbar spine. Its basic steps are:
- Set the device on a firm, flat surface, following the maker's instructions.
- Lie on the device and secure the pelvic and upper body straps as directed.
- Set the traction force your healthcare provider prescribed.
- Stay relaxed for the recommended session length.
- Release the traction slowly before getting off the device.
Steps that come first for most back pain
NIAMS, part of the National Institutes of Health, says most people find relief within 6 weeks. Its home advice includes:
- Keep moving. Avoid bedrest; limit activities or exercise that cause pain, and gradually increase activity as tolerated.
- Physical therapy. Get physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the back.
- Cold or heat. NIAMS suggests cold packs to relieve some back pain and hot packs to increase blood flow to the muscles and tissues of the back; see our heating pad for back pain guide.
- Change position. When sitting for a long time, get up, move around and switch positions often.
- Sleep on your side with a small pillow between your knees.
For gentle movement ideas, see our lower back stretches guide.
When to see a doctor
NIAMS says you should see a doctor if your pain does not improve after a few weeks, and lists trouble urinating, weakness, pain or numbness in your legs, and fever as symptoms to watch for alongside back pain. Get checked before using any traction device if you have these, and check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise routine, as NIAMS advises.
NIAMS also notes treatment varies depending on the cause and symptoms, and that surgery may be suggested if all other treatments tried have not relieved your pain.
What to look for when you buy
Lie-down lumbar traction kit with pelvic harness
Best for: People whose physical therapist has suggested home traction
Lie-down units with pelvic straps match the setup Performance Health describes for clinic-style home traction, with adjustable force.
Watch out: Use only as prescribed; stop if pain worsens or new pain develops.
See options on AmazonInflatable decompression back belt
Best for: People who want a wearable option to discuss with their clinician
Inflatable decompression belts are widely sold as a wearable alternative to lie-down units.
Watch out: Evidence for traction overall is weak; do not rely on a belt in place of care for red-flag symptoms.
See options on AmazonElectric lumbar traction stretcher
Best for: People who want a lie-down device without straps and pulleys
Electric lumbar stretchers are widely sold for home use; check what any FDA claim on the listing actually covers.
Watch out: Start gently and stop if you feel numbness, tingling or more pain.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Does lumbar traction work?
- A Cochrane review of 32 trials found traction has little or no impact on pain, function or return to work for low back pain.
- Is lumbar traction safe at home?
- Some trials reported increased pain, worsened neurological signs and later surgery. Use one only under a professional's direction.
- Does traction help sciatica?
- The Cochrane review found traction probably has no impact on pain, function or global improvement for low back pain with sciatica.
- What should I try before traction?
- NIAMS advises avoiding bedrest, gradually increasing activity, physical therapy, and cold or hot packs.
- When should I see a doctor for back pain?
- NIAMS says see a doctor if pain does not improve after a few weeks, or with trouble urinating, leg weakness or numbness, or fever.
Sources
- Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (PMC6823219)
- Saunders Lumbar Home Traction Device (performancehealth.com), Performance Health
- Back Pain (www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Back Pain: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take (www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- 21 CFR 890.5900 Power traction equipment (ecfr.gov), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations