Spinal Traction Market

Market Overview

The global spinal traction market size was valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 6.3 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The increased frequency of spinal cord damage and disorders, as well as the global elderly population, are key drivers driving spinal traction market growth.

Spinal traction is a treatment method used in physical therapy and spinal healthcare. It entails applying a moderate pulling force to the spine to stretch and decompress the spinal tissues. Spinal traction is used to relieve pressure on the spine's discs and nerves, as well as to reduce pain and enhance general spinal function. This approach treats various spinal problems and comes in various forms, including mechanical traction devices and manual treatments. The growing frequency of spinal cord illnesses and lower back discomfort, along with an aging population, has increased the demand for spinal traction. Rising birth abnormalities across all age groups, particularly as a result of changing lifestyles, have fueled the rise of the spinal traction industry. Rising healthcare expenditures, particularly in poorer nations, have increased the demand for spinal traction.

However, the absence of clinical data on the outcomes of spinal traction therapy would hinder the market's expansion. The high expense of receiving spinal traction therapy may further slow market expansion. The growing desire for less invasive therapies may even erode the spinal traction market share.

Market Dynamics

Global Spinal Traction Market Drivers

Prevalence of Spinal Disorder

The prevalence of spinal diseases is a major motivator for spinal traction. Chronic pain and discomfort are caused by a variety of spine diseases, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. As these disorders grow increasingly common, healthcare practitioners seek effective, non-invasive therapeutic alternatives to meet the demands of their patients. Herniated discs develop when the soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes through the robust outer layer. They are also known as slipping or ruptured discs. Pain, numbness, and weakness are common symptoms of herniated discs. Spinal traction reduces symptoms by relieving pressure on the damaged disc. According to Physiopedia, the yearly incidence of herniated discs ranges from 5 to 20 instances per 1,000 individuals. This represents around 1-3% of the population. 

Herniated discs are a frequent injury, with over 3 million instances recorded yearly in the United States. They are a major source of neck and arm discomfort and back and leg pain (sciatica). Degenerative disc disease, conversely, is caused by the cumulative wear and tear of spinal discs over time, resulting in discomfort and diminished flexibility. According to The Spine Centre, around 40% of persons over the age of 40 have one or more degenerative spinal discs. 80% of persons over the age of 80 have at least one degenerative spinal disc. Degenerative disc disease is becoming more common as the population ages. Spinal traction may help relieve pain and enhance spinal function. Understanding the precise circumstances contributing to the incidence of spinal illnesses and the related worldwide burden helps predict the need for therapeutic procedures such as spinal traction. As healthcare systems work to alleviate this rising load, the market trend is anticipated to remain a critical component of comprehensive spine care initiatives.

Global Spinal Traction Market Restraints

Limited Clinal Evidence

The lack of solid, well-designed clinical research offering clear insights into the long-term usefulness and results of spinal traction for diverse spine diseases is referred to as the difficulty of limited clinical evidence. Healthcare practitioners may be cautious about using spinal traction unless there is good evidence to back it up. Moreover, Due to a lack of standardized evidence, healthcare providers may have opposing views, producing ambiguity. There isn't enough evidence to support using traction as a therapy for non-specific low back pain, according to Cochrane. According to the NCBI, there is also minimal data to support the efficacy of non-surgical spinal decompression treatment. According to a study, promises of effectiveness for spinal decompression devices are overblown.

According to 2022 research, mechanical traction may help reduce discomfort in the legs and lower back and improve ODI in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Traction may also increase disc height, rehydrate discs, and lessen herniated disc size. Mechanical traction is more effective than traditional physical treatment. One research, however, discovered that traction paired with standard conservative therapy did not assist individuals with acute herniated disc conditions. Due to a lack of clinical data, healthcare practitioners' confidence in suggesting spinal traction may vary, influencing its incorporation into treatment procedures. If there is a question about the efficacy of spinal traction, patients and referring doctors may voice misgivings about it, impacting patient acceptability and demand for the treatment. Furthermore, the lack of clear and convincing clinical data may impede the broad use of spinal traction devices in clinical settings.

Global Spinal Traction Market Opportunity

Global Aging Population

The demographic trend toward an aging global population provides an opportunity. Individuals become more prone to degenerative spinal disorders, persistent back pain, and other difficulties as they age. As a result, there is an increasing desire for non-invasive therapies such as spinal traction to assist in managing these disorders efficiently. Creating specialized geriatric care centers that concentrate on the senior population's healthcare requirements, including spine care. Spine traction may be included in these centers' overall treatment regimens to address age-related spine problems.

According to the United Nations' World Population Prospects 2019, the world population aged 65 and over is predicted to more than double from 703 million in 2019 to 1.5 billion in 2050. The number of persons aged 80 and more is expected to triple by 2050, reaching 426 million. Research published in the "European Spine Journal" (2015) discovered a greater incidence of degenerative disc alterations in the lumbar spine among older people, emphasizing the need for therapies such as spinal traction for this age group. As a result, the aging population adds to a bigger pool of people suffering from degenerative spinal disorders, expanding the potential patient base for spinal traction. As a result of collaborative efforts with geriatric care providers, spinal traction may be included in comprehensive senior care programs.

Regional Analysis

The global spinal traction market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global spinal traction market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period. The United States has one of the world's highest healthcare prices. In 2021, the average cost of healthcare per person in the United States was USD 12,914, more than USD 5,000 more than in any other high-income country. This is almost double the USD 6,500 per person spent in Canada. 

Additionally, the increased popularity of spinal healing technologies propels the market in North America. With an increasing number of Americans having lower back pain and other spine-related disorders each year, the United States now has a prominent position in the North American spinal traction industry. According to the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, about 65 million Americans have lately suffered from back discomfort. Furthermore, some industry players are attempting to put strategic strategies in place to promote the growth of the market.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period because of the rapidly increasing healthcare business in emerging countries such as China and India. Furthermore, the considerable unmet demand for treatment options in these countries will help develop the market shortly. Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations are also expected to contribute to market growth. Expanding health insurance coverage is also expected to propel the market for spinal traction growth in Asia-Pacific. The government has announced changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for spinal procedures that would provide correct coverage to individuals having spine surgery.

Furthermore, the area has the greatest elderly population, which would assist the industry favorably. Asia-Pacific's elderly population is aging faster than any other area. In 2020, 13.6% of Asia and the Pacific's population was 60 or older. It is expected to reach one-quarter of the population by 2050. The region's elderly population is predicted to quadruple, from 630 million in 2020 to almost 1.3 billion by 2050. 

Europe has a well-established healthcare infrastructure, access to cutting-edge medical technology, and competent healthcare workers, according to market insights. Like many other parts of the world, Europe has an aging population, which contributes to a rise in the frequency of spinal problems. The increased prevalence of illnesses such as ruptured discs and degenerative disc degeneration is projected to affect demand for spinal traction devices in Europe. Countries with well-established healthcare systems, like Germany and the United Kingdom, may see greater adoption rates of modern spinal traction devices. Regions with new healthcare infrastructure, on the other hand, may see delayed uptake.

Segmental Analysis

The global spinal traction market is segmented based on type, application, and region.

The market is further segmented by type into manual spinal tract and mechanical spinal tract.

Mechanical Spinal Traction influenced the market growth. Mechanical spinal traction is the application of controlled traction forces to the spine using specialized instruments or machinery. These devices are intended to give a controlled and adjustable method of traction application. In 2022, mechanical spinal traction dominated the market. Mechanical spinal traction relieves joint, sprain, and spasm pain by releasing spinal pressure. It may cure sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and other back problems. Mechanical spinal traction is widely utilized in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. It may be used to treat diseases including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and general back discomfort.

Manual spinal traction had a significant rise in 2022, owing to an increase in the frequency of neck and lower back complaints. Manual spinal traction is the application of traction forces to the spine by a skilled healthcare expert using hands-on procedures. This procedure requires trained practitioners to manage the traction's force and direction precisely. In physiotherapy and chiropractic settings, manual spinal traction is often used to treat herniated discs, nerve impingements, and musculoskeletal difficulties.

The market can be bifurcated by application into Slipped Discs, Bone spurs, Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Discs, Facet Disease, Sciatica, Foramina Stenosis, and Pinched Nerves.

Slipped Discs led the market. Slipped discs develop when the soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes through the robust outer layer. The market growth was very strong in the slipped disc sector. The rising development and rapid acceptance of technologically advanced diagnostic medical gadgets is a crucial factor driving the sector's rise. Spinal traction may reduce pressure on a slipped disc, perhaps alleviating discomfort and helping it return to its natural position.

Facet joint disease is characterized by the degeneration of the facet joints in the spine, which often causes pain and stiffness. Spinal traction may treat facet disease concerns, increasing joint function and lowering discomfort. The facet disease expanded significantly in 2022. The high recurrence rate of sciatica patients, which initially benefits the industry by encouraging patients to try new therapies, is one of the causes driving sector development.

Recent Developments

• November 2023- Medtronic received FDA clearance for a minimally invasive device used to treat hypertension.