Spinal Traction Flashcards
Traction can be applied by (two ways)
Manually by the clinician and mechanically by traction machine
Joint distraction is defined as
The separation of two articular surfaces perpendicular to the plane of the articulation; the widening of a joint space
The amount of force required to distract spinal joints
This varies and in general the larger lumbar joints require more force to achieve joint distraction than do the smaller cervical joints
Self traction is defined as
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
Manual traction is defined as
Application of force by the therapist in the direction of distracting the joints
Intermittent traction is defined as
Traction in which the force varies every few seconds
Static traction is defined as
Traction in which the same force is applied throughout treatment
Spinal traction and the effects on soft tissue stretching
Spinal traction will also increase the lengths of the soft tissues in the area, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and discs.
Benefits of soft tissue stretching
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
Differences between spinal traction and manual joint mobilization techniques
Spinal traction mobilizes several joints at one time and manual mobilization can be much more localized
Traction is defined as
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
Mechanical traction is defined as
(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
Clinical indications for the use of spinal traction may include:
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.
Traction is less effective for
Large or calcified disc herniations
Bulging of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal
Herniated nucleus pulposus/bulging disc
Traction is most effective when applied:
soon after discal injury
To maintain the effects of spinal traction patients should also use ______ _______ to reduce stress on the spine
other techniques
Patients who have worsening symptoms with spinal loading and improved symptoms with decreased spinal loading are good candidates for:
spinal traction
Forward displacement of one vertebra on another that can cause nerve root compression and pain
spondylolisthesis
To relieve nerve impingement, sufficient traction may be use to increase the
neural foramen
Should be avoided immediately after an injury, during the acute inflammatory phase. Uses repetitive motion
Intermittent traction
Traction that is stable and remains the same
Static traction
Joint hypomobility treatment with longitudinal spinal traction can be alleviated by
gliding and distraction
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.
Over-the-door Cervical Traction
Type of traction is useful for inflammation, symptoms aggravated by motion, and symptoms caused by a disc protrusion
Static Traction
Type of traction is useful for symptoms caused by a disc protrusion or joint dysfunction
Intermittent Traction
Traction force to the lumbar spine should generally not exceed __% of the patient’s weight
50
Traction force to the cervical spine should start at how many pounds?
8-10
Traction force of the cervical spine should not exceed how many pounds?
30
What is the initial/acute phase total time for lumbar and cervical traction?
5 to 10 minutes
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?
20 to 30 minutes
The traction force to the lumbar spine should start at how many pounds?
30-45
Involves prolonged placement of the patient in a position that places tension on one side of the lumbar spine only
Positional Traction
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 .
Manual Traction
If signs of ____ ______ are present, it is recommended that the application of traction be delayed until they resolve.
ACUTE INFLAMMATION
Traction should always be applied with a _______ force at first, and then the patient should be monitored for adverse responses.
LOW
Traction should not be applied in areas where joint __________ is detected on manual or radiographic examination or to areas that have been previously ________.
HYPERMOBILITY
DISLOCATED
Traction should not be used if motion is contraindicated in the area to be affected. Examples include an ______,_______,or _________
UNSTABLE FRACTURE
CORD COMPRESSION
IMMEDIATELY AFTER SPINAL SURGERY
Inversion traction should be avoided in patients with uncontrolled hypertension since inversion has been found to significantly increase _______ _______.
BLOOD PRESSURE
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.
VERTEBRAL ARTERY TEST
CIRCULATION
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.
NOT LIKELY
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.
DISORIENTED
MANUAL
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.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINTS
Traction force should be kept low for the initial treatment and then gradually increased, within the recommended range, to the point of ______ _______.
MAXIMUM BENEFIT
