Is Intersegmental Traction Safe After a Car Crash? A Denver Doctor Explains

Written by Dr. Ron Losiewicz, D.C., Denver Car Crash Doctor at Injury Recovery Center

Intersegmental traction—the gentle “roller table” you often see in chiropractic offices—is a common treatment after car accidents. But is it safe for you right now? The answer depends entirely on your specific injury, your symptoms, and whether you’ve been properly screened.

In this article, I’ll explain exactly when intersegmental traction is appropriate, who should avoid it, and what red flags you need to watch for after a crash.

What Is Intersegmental Traction?

Intersegmental traction is a passive spinal mobilization therapy. You lie face-up on a padded table while motorized rollers move slowly beneath your spine, creating a gentle stretching motion from your low back to your upper shoulders.

The goal is to improve spinal mobility, reduce muscle tension, and promote nutrient exchange in your spinal discs through a process called “imbibition”—the natural way discs absorb water and nutrients.

What it is NOT:

• Not spinal decompression (which uses mechanical traction)
• Not flexion-distraction (a manual technique)
• Not a chiropractic adjustment

It’s purely passive. You don’t do anything—the table does the work.

Many patients find it relaxing. But after a car accident, “relaxing” doesn’t automatically mean “safe.”

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Is Intersegmental Traction Safe After a Car Accident?

Here’s the honest answer: It depends.

For mild to moderate soft tissue injuries—like whiplash, muscle strains, or joint stiffness—intersegmental traction can be helpful and safe after proper evaluation.

But certain injuries and symptoms make this therapy inappropriate or even dangerous in the early stages of recovery.

When It May Be Safe:

• You’ve been evaluated by a qualified provider who has ruled out fractures, instability, and serious nerve involvement.
• Your pain is stable or improving (not getting worse every day).
• You have no severe shooting pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs.
• Imaging (if done) shows no acute fractures, disc herniations requiring medical intervention, or ligament damage.

When It Should Be Delayed or Avoided:

If any of the following apply to you, intersegmental traction may need to wait—or may not be appropriate at all.

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Who Should Not Use a Roller Table After a Crash?

These are the red flags. If you have any of these conditions, passive traction can worsen your injury or interfere with healing.

1. Suspected Fractures or Unstable Injuries

If there’s any chance you have a spinal fracture—based on the crash mechanism, point tenderness, or imaging—intersegmental traction is off the table.

Red flags:

• Direct impact to your head, neck, or back
• Severe, constant midline spinal pain
• High-velocity crash (rollover, ejection, or T-bone collision)
• History of osteoporosis or previous spinal surgery

In these cases, you need X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs before any passive therapy begins.

2. Disc Herniation with Severe Radicular Symptoms

A herniated disc occurs when the inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and presses on a nerve. Not all herniations are the same—but severe ones require caution.

Symptoms that raise concern:

• Sharp, electric pain shooting down your arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling in a specific pattern (e.g., thumb, big toe)
• Weakness gripping objects or standing on your toes
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions

If you have these symptoms and an MRI shows a disc herniation with nerve compression, passive traction can aggravate the nerve and make things worse. We delay treatment until symptoms stabilize.

3. Progressive Neurological Deficits

This is a medical emergency, not a chiropractic case.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Rapidly worsening leg or arm weakness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in your groin or inner thighs (saddle anesthesia)
• Foot drop or inability to walk normally

These signs suggest spinal cord or severe nerve root compression. Intersegmental traction is not just inappropriate—it’s dangerous.

4. Uncontrolled Pain or Acute Inflammation

If your pain is so severe that you can’t lie flat or tolerate any movement, your body is not ready for passive mobilization.

Acute inflammation—marked by swelling, heat, and extreme tenderness—needs time to settle. Introducing mechanical stress (even gentle traction) during this phase can prolong recovery.

In the first 48–72 hours after a crash, rest, ice, and gentle movement are often better choices than passive modalities.

5. Active Concussion Symptoms

A concussion is common after car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, light sensitivity, and balance problems.

Some patients with concussions experience worsening symptoms when lying flat or when subjected to passive movement. This can be related to changes in pressure, vestibular dysfunction, or neck involvement.

At Injury Recovery Center, we use VITAL CNS neurocognitive testing to assess concussion severity. If your concussion symptoms are uncontrolled—particularly dizziness, nausea, or visual disturbances—we delay intersegmental traction until you stabilize. We may also refer you to a neurologist or concussion specialist.

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How Do We Screen You Before Traction Therapy?

This is where expertise matters. A careful diagnostic workup before any traction is not optional—it’s the standard of care.

Here’s what happens at Injury Recovery Center before any patient uses the roller table:

Step 1: Comprehensive History

• Crash details (speed, direction of impact, airbag deployment, head strike)
• Symptom timeline (immediate vs. delayed, stable vs. worsening)
• Pain location and quality (sharp, dull, radiating)
• Previous injuries or spinal conditions
• Concussion symptoms

Step 2: Physical Examination

• Postural and alignment assessment
• Range-of-motion testing
• Palpation for tenderness and muscle spasm
• Neurological screening: reflexes, strength, sensation, coordination
• Orthopedic tests (e.g., Spurling’s test for nerve involvement, straight leg raise)

Step 3: Imaging Review (When Needed)

• X-rays to rule out fractures
• MRI if nerve symptoms or suspected disc herniation
• CT for complex bone injuries

Step 4: Concussion Assessment (VITAL CNS)

• Neurocognitive testing if head trauma or concussion symptoms are present
• Baseline data to guide treatment and referrals

Step 5: Clinical Decision

• Integration of all findings to determine if and when intersegmental traction is appropriate
• Clear communication about what we will do, when, and why

This process takes time. But it prevents complications.

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What Are the Side Effects of Traction Therapy?

Even when properly applied, intersegmental traction can cause temporary side effects. These are usually mild and resolve within 24–48 hours.

Common side effects:

• Muscle soreness (similar to post-exercise soreness)
• Temporary stiffness
• Mild headache (especially if neck muscles are tight)
• Fatigue or relaxation

Concerning reactions (contact your provider immediately):

• Significant increase in radiating pain
• New numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Dizziness or nausea that doesn’t resolve

If you experience any of these, your treatment plan should be adjusted—not forced.

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What Are Safer Alternatives When Traction Should Be Delayed?

If intersegmental traction isn’t right for you yet, you still have options. At Injury Recovery Center, we tailor care to your current condition—not to a preset protocol.

Manual Chiropractic Adjustments (When Appropriate)
Targeted, hands-on treatment to restore movement and reduce pain. We deliver it carefully, slowly, and with your full consent. No aggressive techniques.

Therapeutic Exercises
Gentle, controlled exercises improve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and promote healing without the risks of passive traction.

Shockwave Therapy
A non-invasive treatment that activates your body’s natural healing response—especially useful for persistent soft tissue injuries.

Specialist Referrals
When symptoms exceed the scope of chiropractic care, we coordinate referrals to physical therapy, orthopedics, neurology, pain management, or concussion centers.

This referral-centered approach ensures you get the right care at the right time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What To Do Next

If you were recently injured in a car accident and are considering intersegmental traction—or any form of chiropractic care—don’t guess. Start with a thorough evaluation.

At Injury Recovery Center, we specialize exclusively in car crash injuries. Every patient receives individualized care—no cookie-cutter protocols, no rushed treatment, and no therapy that bypasses proper screening.

Dr. Ron Losiewicz and his team serve patients across the Denver metro area with locations in Lakewood, Englewood, and Aurora. We coordinate care with neurologists, orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and personal injury attorneys to ensure you receive complete, appropriate treatment.

Your recovery begins with clarity and confidence—not guesswork.

Call us today to schedule your post-crash evaluation. We’ll take the time to understand your injury, answer your questions, and create a recovery plan that prioritizes your safety above all else.