The Creek Chiropractic & Wellness
Intersegmental Traction Therapy in Battle Creek
Intersegmental Traction helps to gently and effectively reestablish normal range of motion to your spine. It also facilitates muscle relaxation to significantly reduce muscle spasms. Its stretches and exercises the spine. Everybody loves this table!
We use this therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to chiropractic care. Intersegmental traction therapy combined with spinal adjustments and spinal decompression therapy is incredibly effective for the treatment of most spinal conditions.
Why The Creek
Why choose intersegmental traction therapy near you?
At our Battle Creek office, we don't use intersegmental traction as a filler between visits; we use it intentionally, as part of a coordinated plan built around your spine's specific restrictions and goals. Dr. Leatherman will explain why it's part of your plan, what we're working toward, and when you'll reach the endpoint.
We serve patients from Battle Creek and the surrounding communities who want drug-free, conservative care that actually makes progress. Ready to get started? Learn more on our New Patients page or book your first visit today.
Your spinal discs don't have their own blood supply; they depend on movement to pump nutrients in and waste products out. When segments of the spine become stiff or restricted (from desk work, old injuries, or simple daily wear), that pumping action slows down, and the discs gradually lose height and resilience. Intersegmental traction restores that gentle, rhythmic motion across the entire spine, re-hydrating the discs and easing the muscle tension that builds up around restricted joints.
Unlike aggressive traction that pulls the spine in one direction, intersegmental traction works segment by segment, a wave that rolls through the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine in turn. It's gentle enough to use immediately after an adjustment, specific enough to loosen the stiff spots that hands-on care can then correct more easily, and relaxing enough that most patients look forward to it every visit.
What does Intersegmental traction Treat?
Intersegmental traction is a passive spinal mobilization therapy that uses a motorized roller table to gently travel the length of the spine. As the rollers move, they lift and flex each spinal segment in turn — working from the lumbar spine up through the thoracic and cervical regions. The motion is slow, rhythmic, and comfortable, more like a gentle massage than a medical treatment.
The goal is to restore the normal, segmental motion that stiffness and degenerative changes progressively reduce. Spinal discs rely on movement to stay hydrated and nourished; when joints become restricted and that pumping action slows, the discs thin and the surrounding muscles tighten defensively. Intersegmental traction reverses that cycle, gently, without force, and without any unpleasant side effects.
Who it helps
Common reasons people seek intersegmental traction therapy
Intersegmental traction is a good fit for a wide range of patients, including those dealing with:
Why patients choose it
Who can benefit from intersegmental traction therapy
- Improves circulation of nutrients into spinal discs
- Eases muscle tension and paravertebral tightness
- Gently mobilizes every segment from neck to low back
- Complements and extends the effects of chiropractic adjustments
- Restores spinal flexibility without pain or force
- Deeply relaxing, so patients frequently fall asleep on the table
It's especially valuable as part of a complete care plan alongside chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy. When restricted joints loosen up before an adjustment, the correction is more precise and tends to hold longer. And for patients who are new to care and a little nervous, the traction table is a wonderful first step: gentle, predictable, and genuinely pleasant.
What it helps
Related conditions we treat with intersegmental traction therapy
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Intersegmental Traction Therapy FAQ
Still have questions? Contact us — we're happy to help.
What is intersegmental traction?+
Intersegmental traction is a therapy that uses a motorized roller table to gently wave along the spine, passively mobilizing each vertebral segment to improve flexibility, disc nutrition, and muscle relaxation.
How does intersegmental traction work?+
During treatment, you lie comfortably on the roller table with your clothes on. Rollers move along the length of the spine, gently stretching each spinal joint in turn, increasing circulation, and helping restore normal segmental motion.
Does intersegmental traction hurt?+
No, it's one of the gentlest things we do. The rollers move slowly and the pressure is light. Most patients describe it as a pleasant, relaxing massage along the spine.
How is intersegmental traction different from spinal decompression?+
Spinal decompression applies targeted axial traction to create negative pressure in a specific disc; it's best for herniated or bulging discs. Intersegmental traction mobilizes the entire spine segment by segment, improving overall flexibility and disc circulation, and it's the gentle, whole-spine traction therapy we offer here.
Is intersegmental traction safe?+
Yes. It's a very low-force, passive therapy with an excellent safety record. We screen patients before beginning and adjust the roller pressure to your comfort level.
Who is a good candidate for intersegmental traction?+
Most people with general back stiffness, muscle tightness, disc degeneration, or neck and back pain are good candidates. It pairs especially well with chiropractic care. We rule out any contraindications during your initial exam.
How many sessions will I need?+
It's typically incorporated into your regular care plan, often at every visit. After your exam, Dr. Leatherman will give you a specific, time-bound plan with a clear endpoint.
Will my insurance cover intersegmental traction?+
Coverage varies by plan. We accept many major insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay options. Send us your insurance details and we'll check your benefits before your first visit.
Can intersegmental traction help a herniated disc?+
It can improve circulation and reduce the muscle guarding around a herniated disc, which eases pain and supports recovery. We often pair it with gentle chiropractic adjustments to support disc recovery.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for intersegmental traction?+
No special preparation is needed. Just wear comfortable clothing. We handle the setup and guide you through your first session.
Disclaimer: We do not diagnose or treat conditions, diseases, or symptoms. Our care is centered on improving the neuromusculoskeletal system by addressing spinal subluxations and the subluxation complex. Any improvement in overall health or function is the natural result of restoring proper spinal alignment and supporting the body's innate ability to heal itself. For medical diagnosis or treatment, please consult a licensed medical professional.