Spinal decompression and traction are similar in concept, which often leads to confusion when differentiating between the two. However, there are important distinctions that set these two therapies apart, including the way they are performed. Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy that provides relief from pressure on one or several pinched nerves of the spinal column, whereas spinal traction is a form of decompression therapy that relieves pressure on the spine and can be performed manually or mechanically. Both are types of spinal traction procedures, but manual traction involves chiropractors using their hands to induce a state of traction, then using manual force to widen the spaces between the vertebrae. Spinal decompression is not manual, but mechanical, and involves the patient lying on a table with special tools that can stretch the spine, including ropes, slings, and pulleys. Both therapies are highly effective at relieving back pain and nerve pressure, but one treatment may work better for some patients than the other. If you have lower back pain and have not found relief from other methods, come to Harborside Sport & Spine for spinal decompression therapy. Call us today or book an appointment with our spinal decompression therapy specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently. We serve patients from Jersey City NJ, Hoboken NJ, Weehawken NJ, West New York NJ, Guttenberg NJ, Secaucus NJ, Harrison NJ, Kearny NJ, Newark NJ, Belleville NJ, Lyndhurst NJ, East Orange NJ, and Elizabeth NJ.