Both a traction table and a decompression table are chiropractic adjustment tables used in chiropractic care. Although the tables look similar, they work differently. A chiropractor may use a traction table to reduce pressure on spinal nerves or realign vertebrae by carefully adjusting tensions on parts of the patient's body, gently lengthening the spine. A decompression table, however, uses a mechanism to distract specific areas in the patient's spine and create a vacuum effect that helps reduce pressure on nerve roots and discs. These tables provide chiropractors with tools to help with adjustments that would otherwise require more manual effort from the chiropractor. It is important to note that both traction and decompression tables should always be used under the supervision of a chiropractor for maximum safety and effectiveness.