Injury from Lumbar Traction
Recently, I restarted lumbar traction (for L4-L5 herniation) and became injured severely. Im unsure of the mechanism of injury, but I think it was because the lumbar traction machine was put at too high of a setting. Pain is consistent with a neuropathic injury of S1 nerves (pain on outside of foot, 5th toe, etc.) as well as increased neuro symptoms from the L4-L5. Its been 2 weeks of conservative treatment but am without results. Pain level has been 6-7/10. My question is, can Lumbar traction actually cause further disc herniation or even create a new herniation? I cant imagine that happening because there was no compression involved in the traction, but all symptoms point to the contrary. Thanks for your help.
Re: Injury from Lumbar Traction
Straight Lumbar traction should cause a vacumn effect within the disc and cause reduction of disc bulge.
If it came on from the traction it's more likely that something else was injured... possibly the neural structures were put on stretch, or the zygopophyseal joints were strained with the traction.
How are you feeling now?