Traction Flashcards
Uses for Traction
Distraction of Vertbral bodies Distraction and/or gliding of facets Tensing of segmental ligaments Widening of lateral foramen Stretching of spinal muscles Relaxation of spinal muscles
Types of Disc Herniation
1) protrusion
2) prolapse
3) extrusion
4) sequestered
What does traction help with?
Creates suction force to draw discs toward natural position
Alters pressure of intervertebral discs
Decreases pressure on injured tissue
Flattens lumbar curvature
Improves peripheral circulation
Indications
HNP (prolapse, protrusion, extrusion) Facet impingement/malalignment Facet joint hypermobility DDD/DJD Stenosis Muscle spasm
What does widening of the lateral foramen cause?
decrease in intradiscal pressure
symptoms decrease in LE due to compression on nerve root
How does it pull HNP back into normal position?
provides a suction effect and stretches PLL to push disc back into place
Facet Impingement
Manual is usually more effective but mechanical is used sometimes
how does Capsular impingement occur?
improper timing of contraction of multifidus or ligamentous dysfunction
Facet Hypomobility
if one joint is hypomobile surrounding joints may be hypermobile to maintain normal motion
DDD/DJD
Traction can reduce radicular S&S associated with nerve root compression from osteophyte formation
Central stenosis
Pain increased with extension
Traction may decrease symptoms may make them worse so monitor during treatment
What can cause Central stenosis
arthritis
central disc bulge
Hypertrophied ligamentum flavum
Contraindications
Acute injuries (except HNP) Unstable spine (spondylolisthesis) Vertebral fractures/dislocations RA Vertigo Fused segments Pregnancy Osteoporosis
Types of traction
Manual Positional Mechanical Bed traction Cottrell 90/90 Inversion boots Home doorway
Bed Traction
Rope, pulley, weights hanging over bed
No better than bed rest
