Traction makes a come back for back pain treatment

Traction is making a come back as a treatment for back pain utilising an Australian invention.

A recent clinical trial undertaken at the University of Western Australia showed that the portable Nubax Trio, which uses traction, enhanced the quality of life for chronic lower back pain sufferers by increasing mobility and easing pain and stiffness – better than massage and core stability exercises alone.

Popular in the 1950s and 1960s traction subsequently lost favour with many therapists due to a lack of proper clinical study and devices which were large and unwieldy.

Now, rather than undergoing treatment with a middle ages-style rack-like device as they did in the 1950s, people can treat themselves in their own home with a portable unit in three minute sessions, twice a day.

The portable Nubax Trio suspends the user’s body over a common pivot point, and safely allows gravity to force the back and spine to stretch – easing pain and discomfort.

The six-week randomised, single blind, placebo-controlled trial, tested the effectiveness of the Nubax Trio against a placebo device in improving the quality of life for sufferers of back pain. The findings showed conclusively that the Nubax unit improved patients’ physical function and reduced pain and stiffness after just three weeks of treatment.

University of Western Australia applied anatomy and biomechanics Professor Tim Ackland, who supervised the trial, said the results clearly showed the Nubax Trio was effective in treating some forms of lower back pain.

“Traction delivered through the right device can significantly reduce intradiscal pressure through vertebral axial decompression and for these reasons traction is once again being looked at more closely by therapists and researchers as an effective mode of treatment for some patient groups,” he said.

Professor Ackland recommended those people with low back pain interested in using the Nubax Trio first seek advice from their GP, physiotherapist or chiropractor to ensure the unit was suited to their condition.

The Nubax Trio is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and is available by calling 1800 268 229 or email info@nubax.com.au.