Antalgic-Trac: Definition and Clinical Context

What Is the Antalgic-Trac?

The Antalgic-Trac is an FDA-cleared, computer-controlled motorized traction system designed specifically for therapeutic spinal decompression. It is used to treat lumbar and cervical disc conditions — including disc herniations, disc bulges, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica — without surgery.

The name itself is clinical shorthand: "antalgic" refers to a position or motion that relieves pain, and "trac" refers to traction. Together, the device applies a pain-relieving distraction force to the spine in a precisely controlled way.

How the Antalgic-Trac Works

Unlike simple manual traction or inversion tables, the Antalgic-Trac uses computerized controls to deliver therapeutic decompression with clinical precision:

Motorized distraction: A motorized cable system applies a controlled pulling force through a pelvic harness (for lumbar) or cervical harness (for neck). The force is set based on the patient's body weight, disc level targeted, and individual tolerance — typically starting conservatively and progressing.

Programmable cycles: The device operates in alternating cycles of distraction (pull) and relaxation. Research in spinal decompression consistently shows that cyclic traction — periods of pull followed by periods of release — is more effective than sustained static traction at achieving intradiscal pressure reduction.

Angle adjustment: The table angle is adjustable to target specific lumbar or cervical levels. Different disc levels (L4-L5, L5-S1, C5-C6, etc.) respond optimally to slightly different distraction angles.

The intradiscal mechanism: When the Antalgic-Trac applies distraction force, the space between vertebrae increases momentarily. This creates a negative pressure (vacuum effect) within the intervertebral disc. That negative pressure:

• Draws herniated disc material away from compressed nerve roots
• Pulls nutrient-rich fluid into dehydrated disc tissue
• Reduces mechanical pressure on facet joints
• Relieves nerve root compression that causes radiating pain

Why the Antalgic-Trac vs. Other Decompression Tables?

Many "spinal decompression" tables are simply motorized traction devices marketed with different branding. The Antalgic-Trac is distinguished by its specific engineering for decompression cycles, its precise tension monitoring, and its FDA clearance for the specific indications treated.

At McNamara Chiropractic Center, the Antalgic-Trac is the centerpiece of the Spinal Decompression Program — a comprehensive, multi-modality protocol that combines Antalgic-Trac decompression with Class IV Laser Therapy and Shockwave Therapy for a synergistic treatment effect.

Who Benefits from the Antalgic-Trac?

The Antalgic-Trac is most beneficial for patients with:

• Lumbar disc herniation with sciatica
• Cervical disc herniation with arm pain or numbness
• Disc bulges causing chronic back or neck pain
• Degenerative disc disease
• Failed conservative care (chiropractic or physical therapy alone)
• Patients who want a non-surgical alternative before considering discectomy or fusion

Contraindications include spinal fractures, instability, severe osteoporosis, pregnancy, and some post-surgical spinal hardware situations.

Want to know if the Antalgic-Trac is right for you? Explore our Spinal Decompression Program or call (954) 943-1100.

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McNamara Chiropractic Center | 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 | (954) 943-1100