traction Flashcards
what is traction?
a tensional mechanical force applied to the body for the purpose of separating joint surfaces and elongating tissues. aka decompression
how can traction be applied?
manually or mechanically
when did traction of the spine gain popularity?
in the 1950s 1960s
is traction equally as effective throughout the body?
no differed depending on region. may not be as effective as once thought
what are some effects of traction?
distract joint surfaces
elongate/stretch soft tissues
reduce disc protrusions
what are some of the physical effects of traction on spinal joints?
traction has been shown to increase the spinal length and space between joints in both the cervical and lumbar spine
clinical value is unknown
how much do the IV joints separate during traction?
1-3mm
what patients may be most clinically relevant for traction?
those with spinal pain and radicular symptoms
what percent of body weight is needed to distract the cervical facet joints?
7%
how much movement is achieved at the spine with traction?
depends on area of the spine, amount of force, and length of time. force must be sufficient to elongate soft tissue before the joint space is separated
what percent of body weight is needed to distract the lumbar facet joints?
50%
what percent of body weight has been shown to increase the length of the lumbar spine?
25%
what are the effects of traction on the IV disk?
mechanical tension created by traction is thought to reduce disk protrusions
traction increases separation of the vertebral body which results in decreased central intradiscal pressure pulling the disk back towards the central position
tension of PLL may help push the disc back
what has lumbar traction using 60-120lbs or cervical traction using 7-13lbs been shown to do?
reduce disc prolapse
reduce size of disc herniation
increase space within spinal canal and spinal foramina
improvement in clinical signs
what are some effects of traction on soft tissues?
prolonged moderate loads have been shown to increase the length of tendons, muscles, and increase joint mobility
may cause relaxation of paraspinal muscles which decrease in EMG activity w/ traction
why do we see the some of these effects on soft tissue from traction?
because we are alleviating pressure on pain sensitive structures, changes in muscle tension that produces relaxation by stimulating GTOs, interrupt pain-spasm-pain cycle by stimulating mechanoreceptors resulting in a decrease in motor neuron firing
what is stimulated in grade 1 and grade 2 joint mobilizations?
mechanoreceptors
what is stretched in grade 3 and grade 4 joint mobilizations?
stretch surrounding muscles and joints
what is the most important effect of traction on the IV disk?
decreased central intradiscal pressure