Traction Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is therapeutic traction?
Applies longitudinal force to the spine
What is therapeutic traction intended to do?
- Mobilize spinal articulations (zygoapophyseal joints)
- Lengthen supportive ligaments
- Decrease muscle spasm
- Decompress vertebral discs
- Decompress compromised nerves (intervertebral foramen)
What are the types of traction?
- Continuous: sustained traction using small forces
- Intermittent: alternate traction with relaxation
Why would you use a continuous traction?
Allows the supporting structures to ‘rest’
What are the different methods of application?
- Postural
- Manual
- Automated
In what positions can the postural method be applied?
- Hook lying position
- Knees to chest stretch
- Side lying
What is the function for the postural application method?
- Widens the posterior elements and the intervertebral foramen
- Allows the patient to find a pain free posture
How do you determine which side to lye on for side lying postural traction?
- If the patient leans away from the painful side, that side should be up
- If the patient leans towards the painful side, that side should be down
What is inverse traction?
- Requires voluntary muscle relaxation
- Traction for about 70 seconds to promote complete relaxation
Blood pressure should not increase more then what?
20 mmHg
What are some contraindications to not perform traction on an individual?
- Hypertension (140/90)
- Heart disease
- Glaucoma
With what conditions should a medical consult be recommended?
- Diabetes
- Thyroid conditions
- Asthma
- Migraine headaches
- Detached retina
- Hiatal hernias
What is manual traction?
Therapist applied traction force
What position is most effective for lumbar traction?
Spine in neutral
What are the parameters for motorized traction?
- Requires 27-90 Kg of traction
- One half the patients weight is a good estimate for the required traction force
- Treatment time is 8-10 minutes
What is sustained traction effective in treating?
Lumbar disc problems
How long should a hold be held in intermittent traction of articular joints?
10-20 seconds
What does a neutral lumbar spine position allow for traction?
The largest intervertebral foramen opening
What happens to the intervertebral foramen during flexion?
Puts pressure on the disc nucleus forcing it to move posterior
What happens to the intervertebral foramen during extension?
Closes the foramen down as bony arches come closer together
What is the best mechanical body position for disc protrusions?
Prone position with normal to slightly flattened lumbar lordosis
What is the best mechanical body position for lordosis?
Controlled by using pillows under abdomen
What is the best mechanical body position to produce posterior intervertebral space separation?
Supine position with knees and hips at 90 degrees and supported
How much traction force is necessary to cause effective vertebral separation?
Range between 65 and 20 pounds
