Spinal Traction

Question 1

Traction can be applied by (two ways)

Answer 1

Manually by the clinician and mechanically by traction machine

Question 2

Joint distraction is defined as

Answer 2

The separation of two articular surfaces perpendicular to the plane of the articulation; the widening of a joint space

Question 3

The amount of force required to distract spinal joints

Answer 3

This varies and in general the larger lumbar joints require more force to achieve joint distraction than do the smaller cervical joints

Question 4

Self traction is defined as

Answer 4

A form of traction that uses gravity and the weight of the patient’s body, or force exerted by the patient, to exert a distraction force on the spine

Question 5

Manual traction is defined as

Answer 5

Application of force by the therapist in the direction of distracting the joints

Question 6

Intermittent traction is defined as

Answer 6

Traction in which the force varies every few seconds

Question 7

Static traction is defined as

Answer 7

Traction in which the same force is applied throughout treatment

Question 8

Spinal traction and the effects on soft tissue stretching

Answer 8

Spinal traction will also increase the lengths of the soft tissues in the area, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and discs.

Question 9

Benefits of soft tissue stretching

Answer 9

Soft tissue stretching aids in spinal joint distraction and reduction of disc protrusion. Spinal range of motion increases and pressure on the facet joint surfaces, discs, and inter vertebral nerve roots decreases even after traction treatment is completed

Question 10

Differences between spinal traction and manual joint mobilization techniques

Answer 10

Spinal traction mobilizes several joints at one time and manual mobilization can be much more localized

Question 11

Traction is defined as

Answer 11

A mechanical force applied to the body in a way that separates, or attempts to separate, joint surfaces and elongate soft tissues surrounding a joint

Question 12

Mechanical traction is defined as

Answer 12

(electrical mechanical traction): Application of static or intermittent force by an electrical motor, through belts or a halter, in the direction of distracting the joints of the spine

Question 13

Clinical indications for the use of spinal traction may include:

Answer 13

Back or neck pain, with or without radiating symptoms when caused by a disc bulge or herniation, nerve root impingement, joint hypermobility, subacute joint inflammation, or paraspinal muscle spasm.

Question 14

Traction is less effective for

Answer 14

Large or calcified disc herniations

Question 15

Bulging of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal

Answer 15

Herniated nucleus pulposus/bulging disc

Question 16

Traction is most effective when applied:

Answer 16

soon after discal injury

Question 17

To maintain the effects of spinal traction patients should also use ______ _______ to reduce stress on the spine

Answer 17

other techniques

Question 18

Patients who have worsening symptoms with spinal loading and improved symptoms with decreased spinal loading are good candidates for:

Answer 18

spinal traction

Question 19

Forward displacement of one vertebra on another that can cause nerve root compression and pain

Answer 19

spondylolisthesis

Question 20

To relieve nerve impingement, sufficient traction may be use to increase the

Answer 20

neural foramen

Question 21

Should be avoided immediately after an injury, during the acute inflammatory phase. Uses repetitive motion

Answer 21

Intermittent traction

Question 22

Traction that is stable and remains the same

Answer 22

Static traction

Question 23

Joint hypomobility treatment with longitudinal spinal traction can be alleviated by

Answer 23

gliding and distraction

Question 24

Application of static force to the neck, through a halter, using a device hung on a door that can be adjusted to provide differing amounts of distractive force.

Answer 24

Over-the-door Cervical Traction

Question 25

Type of traction is useful for inflammation, symptoms aggravated by motion, and symptoms caused by a disc protrusion

Answer 25

Static Traction

Question 26

Type of traction is useful for symptoms caused by a disc protrusion or joint dysfunction

Answer 26

Intermittent Traction

Question 27

Traction force to the lumbar spine should generally not exceed __% of the patient’s weight

Answer 27

50

Question 28

Traction force to the cervical spine should start at how many pounds?

Answer 28

8-10

Question 29

Traction force of the cervical spine should not exceed how many pounds?

Answer 29

30

Question 30

What is the initial/acute phase total time for lumbar and cervical traction?

Answer 30

5 to 10 minutes

Question 31

When traction is used for joint distraction, decrease muscle spasm, or disc problems/stretch soft tissue for lumbar or cervical, what is the total time for traction?

Answer 31

20 to 30 minutes

Question 32

The traction force to the lumbar spine should start at how many pounds?

Answer 32

30-45

Question 33

Involves prolonged placement of the patient in a position that places tension on one side of the lumbar spine only

Answer 33

Positional Traction

Question 34

The application of force by the therapist in the direction of distracting the joints. It can be used for cervical and lumbar spine, as well as for peripheral joints .

Answer 34

Manual Traction

Question 35

If signs of ____ ______ are present, it is recommended that the application of traction be delayed until they resolve.

Answer 35

ACUTE INFLAMMATION

Question 36

Traction should always be applied with a _______ force at first, and then the patient should be monitored for adverse responses.

Answer 36

LOW

Question 37

Traction should not be applied in areas where joint __________ is detected on manual or radiographic examination or to areas that have been previously ________.

Answer 37

HYPERMOBILITY

DISLOCATED

Question 38

Traction should not be used if motion is contraindicated in the area to be affected. Examples include an ______,_______,or _________

Answer 38

UNSTABLE FRACTURE
CORD COMPRESSION
IMMEDIATELY AFTER SPINAL SURGERY

Question 39

Inversion traction should be avoided in patients with uncontrolled hypertension since inversion has been found to significantly increase _______ _______.

Answer 39

BLOOD PRESSURE

Question 40

Cervical traction should be applied with caution to patients with cerebrovascular compromise, as indicated by a positive _____ ______ _____, because poor placement of the halter may further compromise _______ to the brain.

Answer 40

VERTEBRAL ARTERY TEST

CIRCULATION

Question 41

Once a fragment of anulus has become displaced and is no longer connected to the body of the disc, traction is not likely to change the position of the disc fragment and therefore treatment with traction is _____ ______ to improve the patient’s symptoms.

Answer 41

NOT LIKELY

Question 42

It is recommended that mechanical traction not be applied to _______ patients because they may move in the halter or belts, becoming entangled or altering the amount of force they receive. It is recommended that only _____ traction techniques be used to treat these patients.

Answer 42

DISORIENTED

MANUAL

Question 43

The patient who wears dentures should be instructed to keep the dentures in place during treatment with cervical traction because their removal can alter the alignment of the _______ ______ and may cause problems if pressure is applied to these joints through the mandible.

Answer 43

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS

Question 44

Traction force should be kept low for the initial treatment and then gradually increased, within the recommended range, to the point of ______ _______.

Answer 44

MAXIMUM BENEFIT