MOD 2 Spinal Traction

Question 1

Which patients according to the treatment based classification (TBC) and/or CPGs would benefit from traction?

Answer 1

• LBP with referred LE pain
• LBP with radiating pain

Question 2

What are the indications for traction?

Answer 2

• degernative disc disease
• disc herniation
• paraspinal muscle spasm
• spinal joint hypomobility

Question 3

What is the purpose of spinal traction?

Answer 3

• create a joint separation effect which increases space of intervertebral foramen
• mobilize joints
• reduce disc protrusions
• elongate soft tissues

Question 4

What are the contraindications for spinal traction?

Answer 4

• acute trauma of inflammation
• infection
• fracture
• malignancy
• osteoporosis
• prolonged steroid use
• motion is contraindicated (post op)

Question 5

What is the evidence behind spinal traction?

Answer 5

• decreased ODI and FABQ
• decreased pain and disability

Question 6

What are the parameters you need to document for spinal traction?

Answer 6

• type
• patient position
• static or intermittent
• force
• time (total and on:off)
• treatment response