The reason for the query is its tendency in the spine treatment realm to be an oft used initial therapy for deep tissue spine patients in an effort to assist with their usually well schooled combination of analysis/observation, massage, exercise, and stretching. The use of a therapy service provider whose place of business also includes access to a therapy pool [typically a heated water bromine solution in an indoor pool where both exercise and traction can be achieved. I have spent countless hours in a therapy pool both pre and post surgery as a means to try to build strength and relax everything. After a good workout in pool, a deep end traction with either a cervical collar or those pool noodles strung under the arms allow the back to hang and you can attain a traction effect. Once you have tried this and seem to have good results if any, you could graduate the traction effect under the watchful eye of the therapist by adding weights to your ankles [and they come in graduated sizes- I worked up to 5 pounds on each leg] and then let your self hang or do bicycling in the deep end of the pool.

That's it for now,
Hope you can get some relief Rae,
Mark56z