Vertetrac Dynamic Ambulatory 3D Traction
Vertetrac Dynamic Ambulatory 3D Traction in Singapore
What Is the Vertetrac?
The Vertetrac is a wearable lumbar decompression device that gently stretches the lower spine while the patient stands and walks, rather than lying strapped to a table. Manufactured by Meditrac (Israel) and used at ScolioLife Singapore under Dr Kevin Lau, this dynamic ambulatory 3D traction system applies decompression forces in multiple planes — vertical, horizontal, symmetrical and asymmetrical — so the spine can be unloaded in the position it naturally moves through every day.
Unlike static traction tables that immobilise the body, the Vertetrac lets the patient stay mobile during the session. This "traction on the move" approach pairs spinal decompression with light, natural movement — a key reason it is chosen for people who cannot tolerate lying still through conventional traction.
How Does the Vertetrac Work?
The Vertetrac works by creating space between the lumbar vertebrae while the patient remains upright and active. Fitted in a standing position, the device holds the spine in its natural lordotic curve and applies a controlled pulling force of up to 50% of the patient's body weight through adjustable side frames.
Tri-planar decompression — force is delivered vertically, horizontally, symmetrically and asymmetrically, allowing the curve and the side of greatest compression to be addressed individually.- No body entrapment — there are no restraints or table straps, so patients in acute pain who cannot lie supine can still be decompressed comfortably.
- Movement during the session — walking and light activity drive fluid exchange in and out of the disc, which research links to healthier disc biomechanics.
- Reduced pressure on the nerve root — lowering intra-discal pressure relieves load on the nerve root and dural sac, easing referred leg pain and sciatica.
- Compact and portable — the unit is small enough that suitable patients can be guided to continue care with a take-home plan.
Vertetrac vs Traditional Traction Tables
| Vertetrac Dynamic Ambulatory Traction | Conventional Traction / Decompression Table | |
|---|---|---|
| Body position | Standing, spine in natural lordotic curve | Lying flat, body immobilised |
| Movement | Patient walks and stays active during the session | Patient remains still and strapped down |
| Direction of force | 3D — vertical, horizontal, symmetrical and asymmetrical | Mostly single-plane vertical pull |
| Session length | Around 30 minutes, with minimal disruption to the day | Often longer, fixed to the clinic table |
| Restraints | No body entrapment — suited to acute pain | Restraints can be poorly tolerated in acute pain |
| Footprint | Compact, portable wearable frame | Large, fixed equipment |
Conditions the Vertetrac Is Used For
At ScolioLife Singapore, the Vertetrac is used as part of a wider non-surgical correction programme to help manage lower-spine conditions, including:
- Lumbar disc disorders — primary and secondary disc problems of the lower back.
- Herniated and bulging discs — including disc herniation causing spinal stenosis.
- Sciatica — nerve-related leg pain radiating from the lower back.
- Apophyseal joint and spondyloarthrosis-related back disorders.
- Sports injuries of the lumbar spine.
- Idiopathic scoliosis — in children, adolescents and adults, as one component of a complete scoliosis programme.
Who Should Not Use the Vertetrac
The Vertetrac is not suitable for everyone. A clinical assessment at ScolioLife is carried out before any session. It is generally not used where the following apply:
- Cauda equina syndrome or other significant neurological emergencies.
- Tumours (neoplasms) or infective and inflammatory disease of the vertebrae, such as Pott's disease.
- Cardiac, circulatory or severe respiratory conditions.
- Pregnancy beyond the fourth month.
- Recent injury or surgery — muscle, tendon or vessel injury of the lower back, spinal surgery within 3 months, vertebral fracture within 6 months, or fusion with internal fixation.
The ScolioLife Approach: More Than a Machine
At ScolioLife, the Vertetrac is never used in isolation. Dr Kevin Lau — a pioneer in non-surgical scoliosis correction with over 20 years of experience and published books — integrates dynamic decompression into a complete programme designed to address the root cause of spinal imbalance, not just unload the disc for an hour.
- Custom ScolioAlign™ 3D bracing where scoliosis is involved, to work on the curve three-dimensionally.
- Targeted scoliosis-specific and core exercises that reinforce the gains made during decompression.
- Nutritional and lifestyle guidance to support disc health and recovery.
- Measurable, repeatable tracking so progress toward your clinical goals can be reviewed objectively.
What to Expect in a Session
- 1. Assessment with Dr Kevin Lau — history, examination and review of any imaging to confirm the Vertetrac is appropriate for you.
- 2. Fitting while standing — the device is adjusted to your body and the spine is set in its natural curve.
- 3. Active decompression — around 30 minutes of light walking or gentle rehab movement while the device decompresses the lumbar spine.
- 4. Review and progression — sessions are scheduled and reassessed as part of your overall programme. Individual results vary.
Clinical Case Example
A 47-year-old woman presented with acute low back pain and severe left-sided sciatica with neurological symptoms. Imaging showed a severe left neural-foraminal disc herniation causing stenosis with mild cord pressure. Following a course of daily Vertetrac sessions for two weeks, then alternate-day sessions over two months, her pain, sciatica and neurological symptoms resolved, and follow-up MRI showed no disc herniation with only mild residual root oedema and no apparent cord pressure. Case reported by the device manufacturer (Meditrac); individual results vary.
Why Patients Choose ScolioLife®
- A third path beyond “wait and see” or surgery — the ScolioLife® Method pairs the ScolioAlign® over-corrective brace with scoliosis-specific 3D exercise rehabilitation in one integrated programme.
- Published outcome data — review our 86% success rate and exactly how it is measured. Individual results vary with age, curve type and compliance.
- One doctor-led methodology, three clinics — Singapore (Orchard Road), Kuala Lumpur and Surabaya, all led by Dr Kevin Lau, D.C., M.H.N., with 25+ years focused on non-surgical scoliosis care.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Vertetrac
Is the Vertetrac painful or uncomfortable?
No. Most patients find it more comfortable than lying on a traction table because there are no restraints and the spine is held in its natural standing curve. The pulling force is adjustable and is set to a level you tolerate well. Mention any discomfort during fitting so it can be adjusted.
How is the Vertetrac different from a spinal decompression table?
A decompression table immobilises you lying down and pulls mainly in one direction. The Vertetrac is wearable: you stand and walk while it applies decompression in multiple planes. The movement encourages fluid exchange in the disc, which static traction cannot reproduce.
Can the Vertetrac help with sciatica and a herniated disc?
It is commonly used for lumbar disc herniation, bulging discs and the sciatica they cause. By lowering pressure on the disc and nerve root, decompression can relieve referred leg pain. Suitability depends on your individual diagnosis, which Dr Kevin Lau will confirm at assessment.
How long is each session and how many do I need?
A typical session is around 30 minutes. The number of sessions depends on your condition and goals and is planned and reviewed as part of your programme. Individual results vary, so your plan is tailored after assessment.
Is the Vertetrac used for scoliosis?
Yes, as one component of a complete scoliosis correction programme. At ScolioLife it is combined with custom ScolioAlign™ 3D bracing, scoliosis-specific exercise and lifestyle support to address the curve three-dimensionally rather than relying on decompression alone.
Book Your Vertetrac Assessment in Singapore
Find out whether dynamic ambulatory decompression is right for your spine. UK patients fly to Singapore direct from London (about 13 hours), or start with a digital X-ray review online. Book an initial consultation with Dr Kevin Lau at ScolioLife, Tong Building, 302 Orchard Road, Singapore — or send your X-rays for a digital review using the form below. Take the first step toward non-surgical relief from back pain, sciatica and disc-related conditions.