What Is Intersegmental Traction?

Intersegmental Traction (IST) is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that uses a specialized treatment table with roller mechanisms to stretch and mobilize the spine. As the rollers move up and down the back, they lift and separate each vertebra, promoting spinal motion, improving flexibility, and enhancing circulation to the muscles and discs.

How Intersegmental Traction Enhances Chiropractic Care

At Demsky Chiropractic, Intersegmental Traction is used to prepare the spine for adjustments and to promote recovery between visits. While chiropractic adjustments realign the vertebrae and restore nervous system function, IST enhances those benefits by improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and stimulating blood flow to spinal tissues.

By integrating Intersegmental Traction with chiropractic adjustments, we can:

  • Reduce muscle spasms and tension

  • Increase spinal flexibility and mobility

  • Improve hydration and health of spinal discs

  • Enhance circulation to back muscles and connective tissues

  • Support recovery from postural stress, injury, and chronic pain

On a Cellular Level:

  • Increase cellular metabolism and repair by gently mobilizing spinal joints and tissues, stimulating mechanoreceptors that activate tissue regeneration pathways.

  • Reduce inflammation by improving intervertebral motion and enhancing circulation, which helps clear out inflammatory mediators and metabolic waste.

  • Accelerate collagen and protein synthesis by reducing compressive forces on spinal tissues, allowing fibroblasts to more effectively repair ligaments, fascia, and intervertebral discs.

  • Improve circulation and oxygen delivery through rhythmic vertebral motion, which promotes blood and lymphatic flow to deep spinal tissues.

  • Support natural pain relief by stimulating sensory nerve fibers that trigger endorphin release and modulate pain through the Gate Control Theory.

  • Decrease oxidative stress by enhancing tissue perfusion, which helps remove cellular toxins and supports antioxidant activity.

  • Enhance spinal flexibility and reduce stiffness by promoting sustained passive stretching of paraspinal muscles and joint capsules, leading to improved extensibility and mobility.

Conditions Treated

Intersegmental Traction is an effective therapy for a range of conditions, including:

  • Spinal Stiffness and Joint Dysfunction – Restores motion between vertebrae to reduce rigidity and discomfort.

  • Muscle Tension and Spasms – Gently relaxes the muscles along the spine and decreases spasms.

  • Poor Posture and Spinal Misalignment – Encourages better posture by improving spinal flexibility and muscle tone.

  • Degenerative Disc Conditions – Promotes disc hydration and circulation, helping maintain disc health.

  • Chronic Back Pain – Reduces pressure on spinal structures and promotes long-term pain relief.

  • Stress-Related Tension – Provides a calming, massage-like experience that helps reduce tension and improve well-being.

  • AND MORE!