EE03,

I have problems at L4/L5 and S1 also. The only thing I can add in regards to traction alone is that I was prescribed aqua therapy PT. I can do stretches and such while on land. But I also have pelvic floor dysfunction so I have to be very, very careful with any lumbar exercises. Anyway, while in aqua therapy PT they put 2 lb. ankle weights on me and wrapped a noodle under my arms so that I could float in the deep end. Boy, did that feel GREAT! It was very gentle and for about 15 minutes each time. It felt so good afterwards and helped so much that my husband had a pool put in last summer. So, basically the water is so much easier on the joints while at the same time stretching things out...in a sense. Oh, forgot to add that they also had me do water walking and other things. But nothing so aggressive as to make things worse. I wouldn't call it a cure all because the problems are still there. But it sure helps to manage the pain. Oops, forgot to add I think it's great that you are going to see a pain management doctor. My own is the one that prescribed aqua therapy and insurance covered it. Plus the rehab place I was going to allowed for visits throughout the year once your PT was completed (about 6 weeks). If I remember correctly, it was $5.00 per use (session) if, say, you wanted to go once a week for maintenance.