The present invention relates to an apparatus for stretching the vertebral column of a person, said apparatus comprising a table (1) equipped with a traction system having fixing means (24) for connecting a cable (21) to the person's feet, and traction means (23) acting on the cable to effect traction on the legs in order to stretch the legs and the column, and oscillating means (4) that act on the cable so as to obtain movements of lateral oscillation of both legs, said traction means and said oscillation means being able to be controlled by a control unit (3) in order to combine movements of lateral oscillation and movements of traction. This apparatus can be used to effect movements of lateral oscillation in order to achieve muscle relaxation in the region of the pelvis and the lumbar region, and thereby make the subsequent stretching of the lower back region more effective.