MBS Gazette July/Aug 2002: Traction And It's Relationship To Physical Therapy

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TRACTION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP
TO PHYSICAL THERAPY
by Stephen Questell RPTA
Advanced Physical Therapy

Patient in traction

There are two types of traction, cervical and pelvic or in easier terms neck and low back.

The main purpose of cervical and pelvic traction is to relieve pain. There are several theories as to how this is accomplished.

Œ By giving rest through immobilization and support of the weight of the head.

Possibly by separating the vertebral facet joint slightly, allowing fluid in the area to increase nutrients to the damaged cartilage and causing some stimulation of the joint mechanoreceptors (nerve endings).

Ž Possibly by tightening the longitudinal ligaments, pressing bulging disk material back into the center of the vertebral column.

By putting the head or low back in good postural alignment.

By elongating, fatiguing, or improving blood flow to the muscles around the cervical or lumbar spine, reducing muscle guarding.

‘ By decreasing the pressure between the intervertebral spaces.

Some of the most common reasons for using cervical or lumbar traction are:

1. Muscle guarding and spasms.

2. Torticollis—a contracture of the major muscle in the neck responsible for turning and tilting the head.

3. Bulging and herniated disks.

4. Degenerative arthritis.

5. Cervical or lumbar hypomobility.

The procedure in which these techniques are performed are simply by using
a halter, one similar to that of a horse. This places the head in a neutral position and secures it to the machine allowing the patient to get a direct pull of distraction in a straight position unless there is a specific reason to give a unilateral pull.

When pelvic traction is performed a corset is used and tightly fastened around the pelvis and abdominal area accomplishing the same results as cervical traction.

Theses types of procedures are always done by a licensed professional and the indications should always be followed as listed above. The benefits can be quite relaxing and may return a patient back to a normal daily routine without pain.

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