Previous trials to assess the efficacy of lumbar
traction for
back pain have been methodologically flawed. To avoid these shortcomings, we conducted a randomised controlled trial in which high-dose
traction was compared with
sham traction. The
sham traction was given with a specially developed
brace that tightens in the back during
traction. To the patient, the experience is that of
traction. The patients and outcome assessor were blinded for the assigned treatment. 151 patients with at least six weeks of non-specific
low back pain were randomised. Intention to treat analysis showed no differences between the groups on all outcome measures (patients' global perceived effect, severity of main complaints, functional status and
pain); all 95% confidence intervals included the value zero. The number of withdrawals from treatment, loss to follow-up, and protocol deviations was low. Consequently, the per-protocol analysis showed results similar to the intention to treat analysis. Subgroup analyses did not show any group for which
traction might seem promising. Our data do not support the claim that
traction is effective for patients with
low back pain.