Abstract: A method and device are shown in which alternate amounts of tractive force are applied to portions of the spine at an angle to the axis of elongation of the spine. In particular, for treatment of the lumbar spine, the patient is placed on his back with his upper legs extending substantially vertically and his lower legs extending horizontally. A restraining harness is then placed about the patient's pelvic area and a lifting force is applied upwardly and forwardly in the direction of the patient's head and alternates between greater and lesser amounts of force, thereby providing a variable pelvic tilt to induce healing of the discs.