The patient is anchored to the lower part by a pelvic harness. During the treatment, the patient lies face-down with the upper part of the body on the stationary portion of the table, with arms overhead, grasping handles attached to the this part of the table. A pneumatic cylinder drives the two parts of the table apart and together to provide gradual stretching alternating with relaxation. The patient can limit the amount of traction by releasing the handles if too much discomfort occurs. The intervertebral discs, which serve as cushions between the vertebrae, are composed of cartilage with a gelatinous-like center.
Discs can become damaged so that they bulge or tear.
Ordinary traction in which a steady stretching force is applied to the pelvis using weights and pulleys has not been proven effective against back pain. No type of traction has proven effective for herniated discs, which often require surgery. In the United States, medical devices are required to be safe and effective for their intended purposes and manufacturers bear the burden of proof. This approval did not give permission to market the table for decompressing herniated or degenerated discs. After thorough review, the FDA concluded that these claims had not been scientifically substantiated and Dyer agreed that his company would not make them.