cervical traction

indications for cervical traction

- radiculopathy*

- hypomobility*

- muscle spasm

- pain

(+) cluster for neck pain with radiating pain

- Spurling's test

- cervical distraction

- cervical ROM

- UE sensory, strength, and reflex deficits related to nerve root

- (+) Valsalva test

- (+) = Neurodynamic test

in those with neck pain w/ radiating pain & mobility deficits, should traction be done for an acute or chronic patient?

chronic

contraindications for cervical traction

- osteoporosis/osteopenia

- RA/Ankylosing spondylitis

- joint hypermobility

- infections

- tumors of spine

- spondylolisthesis

- fractures/dislocations

- hx of steroid use or other medications that demineralize bone

- spinal implants/prothestic discs

- surgical stabilization/decompression

- down syndrome

why is cervical traction a contraindication for those with down syndrome?

because 10-24% of those with down syndrome have instability

PTs can do what % of their body weight for manual cervical traction?

50%

in order to facilitate stretch, what % of BW should be used?

7-10%

how many pounds is necessary for vertebral separation?

20-25 lbs (not exceeding 30)

what is the optimal angle of pull for increasing the intervertebral space? what about focusing on upper cervical? lower?

- 25 degrees

- <25 degrees

- >25 degrees

for those with radicular sxs what is the optimal angle of pull?

angle of flexion is just less than that which causes UE sxs

treatment time for cervical traction

- initial/manual: 5-10 mins

- chronic: 10 mins

when should you stop cervical traction?

if sxs peripheralize or neck pain increases

what is the "rebound effect"

after traction, keep the pt in the same position for about 5 minutes (with the traction harness undone)

which neck pain CPGs include cervical traction?

- neck pain w/ mobility deficits

- neck pain w/ radiating pain

CPR for cervical traction and exercise

- peripheralization with C4-7 mobility testing

- (+) shoulder abduction sign

- age >/= to 55

- (+) ULTT A (median nerve)

- (+) distraction test

why does flexion based sitting traction make sense for older adults?

stenosis (opening)