The Effects of Intermittent Traction Therapy in an Experimental Spinal Column Model

Traction therapy, which is known to be a treatment method for scoliosis, one of the many muscle diseases, has been used since its introduction by Hippocrates. However, the effects of traction therapy for treatment are still not clear. In addition, the meridian sinew theory, which is related to muscle treatment and is mentioned in the book on meridian sinews in the Miraculous Pivot of Huangdi's Internal Classic, has not been the subject of much study. For these reasons, experimental spinal models were made for this study to observe and analyze the lengths of vertebral interspaces after the intermittent traction therapy, which is known to be excellent among muscle treatment methods, with various tensile forces. The results showed that the effects of intermittent traction therapy were unclear and that it might be harmful, especially when the pain was induced by muscle weakness. Because the results of this study on intermittent traction therapy were different from those expected from osteopathy or craniosacral theory, further studies on the subject are necessary.