Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intermittent lumbar traction and manual traction on a $L_{4-5}$ herniated disc. Method: The subjects were randomly divided into the intermittent lumbar traction group (n=10) and the manual traction group (n=10). The intermittent traction group had traction-treatment applied for 12 times in the first two weeks, and then 6 times in the next two weeks. The time the traction was applied was for 30 minutes. The manual traction group had flexion-distraction therapy applied for 12 times in first two weeks, and for 6 times in next two weeks. The time the traction was applied was 3 to 6 minutes per treatment. Results: The change of the muscle test (MT), the disc herniation index (DHI) and the sagittal $T_2$ weighted MRI was measured at pretreatment and 4weeks and 12weeks after treatment. Conclusion: We found that intermittent lumbar traction and manual traction could improved the MT and DHI and this could improve the rehabilitation of patients with lumbar herniated disc.