Traction Flashcards
What does lumbar traction with 60-120 lbs of force potentially achieve?
Reduces disc prolapse, retracts herniated material, reduces herniation size, increases spinal canal space, and widens neural foramina.
Name two main effects of spinal traction.
Distracts joint surfaces and reduces nuclear disc material protrusions.
What tissue changes can moderate load and prolonged traction cause?
Stretch soft tissue and increase joint mobility.
How does traction relax muscles?
Reduces pressure on pain-sensitive structures and stimulates mechanoreceptors.
What is the role of intermittent traction in muscle relaxation?
It interrupts the pain-spasm-pain cycle and stimulates GTOs to inhibit alpha motor neurons.
What is the effect of static traction on muscle activity?
Depresses the monosynaptic response via static stretch.
How does traction assist in joint mobilization?
It increases joint mobility and decreases joint pain.
How does intermittent traction help mechanoreceptor stimulation?
Provides repetitive oscillatory motion similar to manual joint mobilization.
What percent of body weight is needed to lengthen the lumbar spine?
25% body weight
What percent of body weight is needed to distract cervical facet joints?
7% body weight
Name one clinical indication for spinal traction.
Back or neck pain with or without radicular symptoms
When might spinal traction be most effective?
When symptoms are relieved by distraction and worsened by loading.
What are causes of nerve root impingement?
HNP, ligament encroachment, foraminal narrowing, osteophytes, swelling.
What is the main goal of traction in disc bulge or herniation?
Reduce HNP and nerve compression.
After traction, what should patients be educated on?
Posture, body mechanics, stabilization exercises, and self-traction.
What is traction’s role in joint hypomobility?
Provides general mobilization to multiple spinal levels.
How can you localize traction force to the upper lumbar spine?
Increase spinal flexion during traction
How can you localize traction to the lower lumbar spine?
Use neutral or extended spinal positioning
How do you target lower cervical areas during cervical traction?
Increase flexion
How do you target upper cervical areas during cervical traction?
Keep the cervical spine in neutral or extension.
What is spondylolisthesis?
Slippage of one vertebra over another due to a pars fracture.
What grades of spondylolisthesis usually require surgery?
Grades 3, 4, and 5
List a precaution for spinal traction.
Structural diseases like tumor, infection, osteoporosis, or steroid use.
What is a risk of medial disc protrusion during traction?
Increased impingement of the disc on the nerve root.
