Is traction or acupuncture best for a pinched nerve in lower back?

Traction/acupuncture: Great question: the real answer is nobody knows. They have never been compared head-to-head in any sort of controlled trial. They are both treatments that can be beneficial and i would suggest doing both of them. Consider epidurals too. When dealing with a pinched nerve, i think the most important thing is to know if there is nerve damage (an EMG will diagnose). If so, surgery is warrante.

Sciatica: Meds, exercise, physical therapy including mckenzie centralization techniques, traction, inversion table. Many things are used. Exercise is the number one solution for back pain and nerve pinch. Traction and acupuncture are adjuncts for pain control. Good luck.

Acupuncture: I agree w dr. Bowen, acupuncture is great to reduce pain & inflammation but it will not correct the cause of the "pinching". This is why it is important to be medically evaluated for the cause of your lower back pain. Acupuncture can act as excellent adjunct to your standard treatments. Take care.