Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of the back is disclosed. The apparatus includes a table for supporting a patient lying on this back. Traction units are provided to place the patient's spine in traction, one side independent of the other, as he lies on the table. A back support is positioned underneath the patient's back for engagement with an area of the back to be treated. The back support is connected to a lift mechanism to move the back support laterallly toward one side or the other and vertically and in an inclined direction with is the resultant of a horizontal and vertical motion.

Abstract: A device for passive extension of the spine including first and second support panels abutting in end to end alignment for supporting a person's body in a prone position. The upper portion of the person's body is supported on the first panel and the lower portion of the person's body supported on the second panel. The first panel is pivotable with respect to the second panel about a transverse axis. A selected area in the lumbar or sacrum region of the spine is positioned over the transverse axis. The first panel supports the head of the person lying face down on the panel while providing clearance for the nose and mouth. The first panel and the portion of the person's body supported on it may be held at a selected angular position with respect to the second panel thereby holding the person's spine in a selected angle of extension. The angle between the first and second panels, and thus the approximate angle of extension of the spine, may be read directly from the device.