Constant inclined pelvic traction for treatment of low back pain

The authors describe a technique of continuous pelvic traction applied to a select group of 46 patients with low back pain, who had not responded to at least two weeks of treatment by bed rest and analgesic medication before hospitalization. The traction technique included the use of force equivalent to 25% of body weight, directed at an angle of (15) to the plane of the bed. A mechanical analysis of the technique is described and the results of treatment and the efficacy of the technique discussed.