spinal traction

Question 1

what is spinal traction

Answer 1

mechanical agent that separates joints and elongates surrounding tissue (capsule, menisci, ligaments)

Question 2

what are the 2 kinds of traction

Answer 2

manually - by clinician; usually cervical

mechanically - using machine, BW or gravity; usually lumbar

Question 3

what are the effects of traction

Answer 3

distract joints

reduce disc protrusion

stretch soft tissue

relax muscle

mobilize joint

Question 4

goal of traction

Answer 4

reduce pain

Question 5

exp joint distraction

Answer 5

usually used to address compression of spinal nerve roots

separates 2 joints perpendicular to articulation

Question 6

% of BW for inc length of lumbar spine

Answer 6

25%

Question 7

% of BW for distraction of lumbar apophyseal or facet joints

Answer 7

50%

Question 8

% of BW for distraction of cervical vertebrae

Answer 8

7%

Question 9

exp reduction of spinal disc protrusion

Answer 9

distraction = suction effect by dec intradiscal pressure sucking displaced part back or from tension of PLL pushing any post displaced anteriorly

Question 10

spinal disc reduction is only applicable to what degree

Answer 10

protrusion and prolapse

malabo na for extrusion and sequestration

Question 11

weight to reduce lumbar disc protrusion

Answer 11

27-55 kg

Question 12

weight to reduce cervical disc protrusion

Answer 12

7-13 kg

Question 13

exp soft tissue stretching

Answer 13

inc length of soft tissues

Question 14

exp muscle relaxation in intermittent traction

Answer 14

d/t to dec pain - breaks pain-spasm cycle

oscillitatory movements stimulates GCT

stim GTO to inhibit alpha motor neuron firing = dec spasm

Question 15

exp muscle relaxation in static traction

Answer 15

prolonged traction = dec monosynaptic response = dec spasm and tension

Question 16

exp joint mob

Answer 16

inc mobility of spine

Question 17

effect of traction used in spinal disc bulge or herniation

Answer 17

distract joint

reduce protrusion of disc

Question 17

effect of traction used in spinal nerve root impingement

Answer 17

distract joint surfaces

reduce protrusion of disc - if IV herniation is the cause

Question 17

effect of traction used in joint hypomobility

Answer 17

distract joint surfaces

stretch soft tissue

mobilize joint

Question 18

effect of traction used in muscle spasm

Answer 18

relax muscle

dec pain

stretch soft tissue

Question 19

effect of traction used in subacute inflammation

Answer 19

decrease pain

Question 20

contraindications of spinal traction

Answer 20

if movement is contraindicated

acute injury or inflammation

joint hypermob or instab

peripheralization of symptoms with traction

uncontrolled HTN

Question 21

with uncontrolled HTN when should you stop treatment

Answer 21

if BP increases >10 mmHg or if HR increases >10 bpm for cervical traction

Question 22

precautions of spinal traction

Answer 22

structural disease or conditions affecting the tissue in the area being treated

when pressure from the belts may be hazardous

displaced annular ligament

medial disc protrusion

when nerve pain fully resolves

claustrophobia

Question 23

when are pressure from belts hazardous in lumbar traction

Answer 23

excessive abdominal pressure to pregnant patients or to those with hiatal hernia

pressure on the inguinal region in patients with compromised femoral artery

patients with cardiac and pulmonary conditions

Question 24

when are pressure from belts hazardous in cervical traction

Answer 24

(+) vertebral artery test or compromised cerebrovascular system

manual traction instead or pos for more pull on occiput

Question 25

why is medial disc protrusion a precaution

Answer 25

may inc impingement of nerve root = peripheralization

Question 26

why is when nerve pain fully resolves a precaution

Answer 26

mag kaka nerve block so dapat reduce traction force

Question 27

guidelines in spinal traction

Answer 27

small amount of force muna or manual muna

avoid coughing or sneezing

empty bladder muna or dont have a heavy meal

Question 28

in IT if spine is flexion

Answer 28

greater sep of posterior structures - facet joints and IV foramina

Question 29

in IT if spine is neutral or extension

Answer 29

greater sep on anterior structures - disc spaces

Question 30

when do we consider side-bending as a position

Answer 30

if pt has unilateral symptoms

Question 31

supine flexed localizes traction force to _____

Answer 31

upper lumbar and lower thoracic segments

Question 32

prone neutral localizes traction force to _____

Answer 32

lower lumbar segments

Question 33

greater relaxation and lesser EMG activity of paraspinal muscles are observed in what pos

Answer 33

prone

Question 34

maximum posterior elongation of the neck is achieved at what pos

Answer 34

25-35° of flexion

Question 35

which is better for cervical traction supine or sitting

Answer 35

supine bcs cervical spine is supported and NWB = more comfort, relaxation, separation