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Therapist applying intersegmental traction to patient's back

Intersegmental Mechanical Traction

People often forget the important role the spine plays in the human body, and when it stops working like it’s supposed to, it can impact everything. While life can start to feel miserable, it doesn’t have to be. In such situations, chiropractic treatments, including Intersegmental Mechanical Traction (IMT), may offer much-needed relief.​

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Layton Injury Center and our experienced chiropractors, through IMT and other chiropractic adjustments, provide patients suffering from spinal problems in Milwaukee and nearby communities with the expert care they need to live better lives. Embark on a journey to active living today!

Understanding Intersegmental Mechanical Traction

Designed to mobilize the spine, Intersegmental Mechanical Traction is a specialized chiropractic therapy aimed at reducing stiffness and alleviating pressure. It uses a specialized table with cushioned rollers that applies a steady, comfortable pressure to relax vertebral joints, improve circulation, and rehydrate spinal discs.

​Common Causes of Spinal Stiffness/Disc Wear

Since spinal discs don’t have a direct blood supply, they rely on the pumping action that’s generated with regular spinal joint movement to draw blood in the area. This provides oxygen and essential nutrients to the spine to operate efficiently. When that stops, whether due to a sedentary lifestyle or a past injury, the discs lose hydration.

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Over time, that loss of fluid circulation leads to thinning, stiffness, and premature degeneration. Dehydration causes the spine to stiffen and the surrounding muscles to tighten, and when left untreated, symptoms gradually worsen.

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Some of the most common causes of spinal stiffness and disc wear include:

  • Natural aging

  • Obesity and excess weight

  • Poor posture and ergonomics

  • Smoking and nicotine use

  • Repetitive heavy lifting

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Genetics and prior injuries

A Passive Spinal Movement Technique Used in Chiropractic Care

During an IMT session, you simply lie back on a specialized table, and through gentle, rhythmic motion, the table helps:

  • Open up the compressed spinal joints and reduce pressure by gently separating the vertebrae

  • Re-establish natural fluid circulation to hydrate spinal discs and slow degeneration by inducing movements

  • Breaks up painful muscle spasms and tension along the spine by relaxing postural muscles

  • Increases oxygen and blood flow to the spinal tissues to accelerate the body’s natural healing response

Benefits of IMT to Your Chiropractic Care

IMT creates a foundation of improved mobility and reduced tension that makes every other chiropractic treatment more effective, whether it’s manual adjustments or therapeutic exercises.

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For Milwaukee patients dealing with back pain, stiffness, or slow recovery, it is one of the most comfortable therapies to consider, providing several benefits, including:

  • Faster injury recovery

  • Enhanced range of motion

  • Preps your spine

  • Offers passive relief​

Conditions We Treat with Intersegmental Mechanical Traction

There are many different conditions we see and treat with Intersegmental Mechanical Traction at Layton Injury Center.

Some of these conditions include:

  • Chronic back and neck pain

  • Muscle spasms and tension

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Herniated or bulging discs

  • Sciatic

  • Postural strain

  • Whiplash and auto accident injuries

Woman receiving intersegmental mechanical traction
Hands supporting a human spine

Support Spinal Mobility During Chiropractic Care with IMT

IMT shouldn’t be considered as a comprehensive solution to improving spinal health. At Layton Injury Center, our chiropractors recommend complementing IMT with expert chiropractic adjustments, as this therapy prepares the body for deeper work.

Intersegmental Mechanical Traction makes it easier for the spine to move and reduces stress in the surrounding muscles. It helps chiropractors deliver adjustments that are even more effective.

Under expert supervision, IMT supports:

  • Spinal flexibility and comfort

  • Movement preparation before adjustments

  • Reduced muscle guarding

  • Ongoing mobility improvement

  • Patient relaxation during care sessions

What to Expect During Your Session at Layton Injury Center

Here’s what you can expect when you schedule an appointment with our experienced chiropractor at Layton Injury Center:

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Step 1: Custom Assessment

Before any traction begins, our chiropractors evaluate your spine through a detailed medical history assessment to confirm that IMT is appropriate for your specific condition.

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Step 2: Tailored Settings

During therapy, we adjust the table to match your height, weight, and comfort level, ensuring the rollers apply the right amount of motion in exactly the right areas without any unnecessary pressure.

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Step 3: Passive Relaxation

You simply lie back, fully clothed, for 10 to 15 minutes while the table guides your spine through its gentle, therapeutic motion.

Start Restoring Spinal Movement with Care That Feels Natural!

If your back pain is not getting better, perhaps it’s time to get it checked out. Layton Injury Center provides a drug-free alternative to better living, and our trusted chiropractors will work closely with you to create a plan that works best for you.

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Schedule a consultation today and experience the difference expert chiropractic care can make!

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