What is pelvic traction?

Pelvic traction is a therapy method that relieves pain in the hips, lower back and legs, notes Dynamic Techno Models. Doctors generally use it to treat people with lower back disorders.

To begin the therapy, the patient wears a pelvic belt around the waist, notes Dynamic Techno Models. The belt features straps that attach to a weight bag and spreader bar as the patient lies on a bed. This pulls on the lower back to help realign the lower vertebrae and also help stop muscle spasms. A doctor sets the weight of the system, and the patient must stay in it for a couple of days for it to start working.