Traction Flashcards
Lumbar Force
Full Separation= >50% body weight
Posterior separation=>25% body weight
Lumbar Duration
3-5 min for first time
Prior to mechanical traction…
check pt’s response to manual traction
Stability of spine
Lumbar table splitting
Split after 2-3 cycles during rest phase with intermittent or slowly after 2 min with static traction
Lock again before getting pt up
Cervical Force
5-20lbs
(probably closer to 10-12lbs)
Head weighs ~8lbs so judge accordingly
Static vs Intermittent
static: severe/irritable
intermittent: non-severe/non-irritable
Effects of spinal traction
- widening intervertebral foramen
- straightening of spinal curves
- distraction of vertebral bodies
- Combo of gliding/distraction of facets
- Tensing ligaments
- Stretching musculature
- Remodeling via creep phenomenon (static) or hysteresis (intermittent)
Contraindications to Traction
- Structural disease 2* to tumor/infection
- conditions where movement is contraindicated
- pt with vascular compromise
- cauda equina syndrome
- spinal cord compression
- RA, ankylosing spondylitis
- unhealed fracture
Cautions to Traction
- acute strain/sprain
- inflammatory conditions
- joint instability
- pregnancy
- osteoporosis
- claustrophobia
- hiatal hernia
- sciatica with neurological deficits/weakness
- protrusion in pt >60yo
- Immediately post-mob/manip
- if traction causes increase LBP/LEP
- Anxiety
Indications for Traction
- IDD
- HNP
- DDD/DJD
- Joint hypomobility
- Spinal Stenosis
Time of day
AM: acute disc pt with morning Sx (pn/stiff)
PM: pt with pn later in day (apply prior to onset)
Frequency
Acute Disc: 5 days/week
Chronic Disc: 2-3 days/week
Positioning Options
Supine w/ post pull
Supine w/ ant pull
Prone w/ post pull
Prone w/ ant pull
Post=flexion
Ant=extension
(Tabs out)
(supine w/ post pull OR prone with ant pull)
(Tabs in)
(Supine w/ ant pull OR prone with post pull)
