Intersegmental Mechanical Traction
Rolling stretch along the spine
Delivered with the Legacy-500 traction table
Intersegmental traction is delivered on a specialized table with rollers that travel slowly up and down beneath the spine. As the rollers move, they gently stretch and mobilize each segment of the spine one at a time, in a smooth wave from the lower back to the neck.
Many patients find the rolling stretch relaxing and describe it as one of the most comfortable parts of their visit. Research on mechanical traction for back pain suggests only limited, short-term benefit, so it is used to ease muscle tension and prepare the spine before an adjustment rather than as a stand-alone treatment.
What it can help with
- Spinal stiffness
- Reduced flexibility
- Muscle guarding along the spine
- Joint mobility between vertebrae
- Preparing the spine for adjustment
What a session is like
You lie on your back on the table while the rollers move slowly beneath you. The sensation is a firm, steady rolling pressure along the spine, similar to a deep massage that travels. Sessions typically run about 10 minutes.
When to seek emergency care
This therapy treats comfort and mobility and is not a substitute for emergency care. Seek immediate medical attention for numbness, weakness, loss of movement, or any change in bladder or bowel control.
Medically reviewed
Reviewed by Dr. Milad Mandavi, D.C., California Chiropractic License #37275. Last reviewed July 11, 2026.
- Mechanical traction added to physical therapy for low back pain: systematic review with meta-analysisAccessed 2026-07-11
- Low back pain - chronic (MedlinePlus)Accessed 2026-07-11
This information is for general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Talk with a qualified provider about your specific condition.
Common questions
Does the traction table pop or crack my back?
No. The rollers stretch and mobilize the spine gently and gradually. Any adjustment happens separately with the doctor, not on this table.
Is it comfortable?
Most patients find it very comfortable and describe it as a traveling massage. The roller height and pressure can be adjusted to your comfort at any time.
Why stretch the spine segment by segment?
Stiffness rarely affects the whole spine evenly. Moving segment by segment lets the table work each level individually, gently mobilizing each one in turn, which many patients find eases tension.
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual treatment recommendations are based on a comprehensive examination and clinical findings.