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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of Mechanical Lumbar Traction?
What is the purpose of Mechanical Lumbar Traction?
What is the minimum amount of traction force required in Mechanical Lumbar Traction?
What is the minimum amount of traction force required in Mechanical Lumbar Traction?
What is the purpose of the pillow in Unilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
What is the purpose of the pillow in Unilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
What position is used in Bilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
What position is used in Bilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
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What happens to the lumbar spine in Lumbar Positional Traction when the patient is in supine position with knees to chest?
What happens to the lumbar spine in Lumbar Positional Traction when the patient is in supine position with knees to chest?
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What is the purpose of flexing the hip and knees in Unilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
What is the purpose of flexing the hip and knees in Unilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
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What is the effect of Lumbar Positional Traction on the intervertebral foramen?
What is the effect of Lumbar Positional Traction on the intervertebral foramen?
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What is the difference between Bilateral Foramen Opening and Unilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
What is the difference between Bilateral Foramen Opening and Unilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
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What is the purpose of trunk rotation in Unilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
What is the purpose of trunk rotation in Unilateral Foramen Opening Lumbar Positional Traction?
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What is the position of the patient in Mechanical Lumbar Traction?
What is the position of the patient in Mechanical Lumbar Traction?
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Study Notes
Spinal Traction
- Spinal traction is the process of drawing or pulling the spinal column to apply a longitudinal force to the spine and associated structures, separating the vertebrae and opening the intervertebral space.
- It is a therapeutic tool used in exercise because of its effect on the musculoskeletal system and its use in stretching and mobilizing techniques.
Types of Traction
- Static or Constant Traction: may be continuous or prolonged (several hours) or sustained (few minutes to one-half hour).
- Intermittent Traction: traction is applied and withdrawn at frequent intervals.
Mode of Application
- Mechanical: using various types of equipment.
- Manual: administered by the therapist.
- Positional: through positioning to elongate the involved tissue.
Indications
- Muscle spasm.
- Hypomobility of joints from joint dysfunction or degenerative disk changes.
- Herniated or protruding disks.
- Nerve root compression.
- Facet joint pathology.
- Capsulitis of vertebral joints.
- Anterior/posterior longitudinal ligament pathology.
Contraindications
- Spinal infections.
- Spinal cancer.
- Spinal cord pressure.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoporosis.
Precautions
- Ligamentous strains and hypermobility.
- Acute stage of injury.
- Traction anxiety.
- Vertebral basilar artery insufficiency.
- Pregnancy (increased ligamentous laxity and risk for abdominal compression).
- TMJ dysfunction (cervical) if using chin strap.
- Can cause thrombosis of internal jugular vein if excessive duration or traction weight is used.
Cervical Traction
- The force used is approximately 20% of body weight.
- The human head accounts for around 8.1% of body weight (8-14 lbs).
- Greater force is needed to widen areas.
- Cervical traction setup involves placing the neck in 25-30° flexion, straightening the normal lordosis of the C-spine.
- The body must be in straight alignment, and the treatment duration is typically 10-20 minutes.
Cervical Treatment Setup
- Align the unit for 25-30° of neck flexion.
- Remove any slack in the pulley cable.
- Use an on:off sequence of 3:1 or 4:1 ratio.
- Following treatment, gradually reduce tension and gain slack.
- Have the patient remain in position for a few minutes after treatment.
Manual Cervical Traction
- The clinician sits at the head of the table facing the patient.
- The head is cradled to allow distraction of cervical vertebrae without hurting the patient.
- Traction is applied, and the head is slowly moved to maximize relaxation and comfort.
Cervical Traction Positioning
- Supine position: support the lumbar region and allow musculature to relax.
- The therapist stands at the head of the treatment table, supporting the weight of the patient's head in their hands.
- Flex the head until motion of the spinous process just begins at the determined level.
Mechanical Cervical Traction
- Harness traction device hung over a doorway.
- Amount of tension adjusted by the patient.
Lumbar Traction
- There are more types of lumbar traction than cervical traction.
- Lumbar traction force: no separation < ¼ BW.
- Can be delivered in either sustained or intermittent mode.
Lumbar Positional Traction
- Bilateral foramen opening: athlete in supine, hip/knees flexed.
- Unilateral foramen opening: sidelying position, pillow between iliac crest and lower border of ribs, flex hip/knees until LS is forward, trunk rotation toward superior shoulder.
- Supine: knees to chest, forward bend of lumbar spine, separation of spinous processes, and increased size of intervertebral foramen.
Unilateral Lumbar Positional Traction
- Sidelying position, pillow between iliac crest and lower border of ribs, flex hip/knees until LS is forward, trunk rotation toward superior shoulder.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of spinal traction, including its definition, goals, effects, indications, types, and application modes. It also explores the limitations, precautions, and contraindications of spinal traction. Test your knowledge of this important physical therapy topic!
