Cervical Traction
DESCRIPTION
Cervical traction is a therapeutic tool used in physical therapy for management of
neck pain and other conditions such as cervical radiculopathy. The human spine is
made up of spinal bones called as vertebrae, which are stacked upon each other. In the
neck region, there is a disc present between each of these vertebrae and they are
known as cervical discs. Cervical traction works on the principle of releasing abnormal
pressure build up over these cervical discs by separating the vertebrae in the neck.
Cervical traction helps in reducing the compressive forces over the affected portion on
the neck. It also helps in widening the spaces between the cervical bones, through
which nerves exit the spinal canal. This in turn provides relief to the compressed nerves.
Cervical traction also helps in pain management by stretching the muscles and joints
around the cervical area.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms that sometimes/ often come from your neck includes :
pain in the middle area of your neck
pain in one side of your neck
pain in one or both of your scapular region or /upper back region
pain or tingling / numbness in your arm or hand or both the extremities.
but many symptoms or signs coming from your neck might be felt at other different
areas, so it is important to consult your doctor to determine the cause of the
symptoms to decide accurate treatment plan.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Method of application of cervical traction :
Name of the method : “Halter’s method”
There are mainly 2 methods of ” Halter” , they are explained as below.
Types of halter’s method :
(1) Sunders occipital halter:
position of the patient: supine lying position
(2)Mandibular halter :
position of the patient: sitting position
(points to be remember)
For upper cervical spine traction=place the cervical spine in neutral or slightly
extended position.
For lower cervical spine traction=place the cervical spine in flexed position .(20 to
30 of cervical flexion)
Technique of application :
There are many methods to apply cervical traction to the neck.
they are as follow :
Manual Cervical Traction
(1)Manual cervical traction :
it is applied mainly for the diagnosis of the pathology.
in this method the head and of the patient is held in the therapist’s hand , and then the
therapist will give gentle traction to the neck.
sporadic periods of traction is applied.
(2)Mechanical cervical traction :
it includes placement of a halo device around the head.
the harness is attached to the machine that applies traction force .
through out the treatment the device is controlled by the control panel.
How to calculate Cervical traction weight?
Following are the most common Parameters are used to Calculate weight when
applying cervical traction.
Parameters of cervical traction:
Acute phase =
force -3 to 4 kg
hold/relax – static
duration – 5 to 10 mints
Joint distraction =
force -7% of body weight
hold/relax – 15secs/15secs
duration – 20 to 30 mints
Decrease spasm =
force -5 to 7 kg
hold/relax -5secs /5secs
duration – 20 to 30 mints
Disc problems =
force- 5 to 7 kg
hold/relax – 60secs/20secs
duration – 20 to 30 mints
Relative precautions :
Patients having following conditions should monitor for changes in their body,
in this circumstances traction may need to be discontinued or reduced.
Patients with displacement of annulus fibrosis
Patients with medial disc protrusion
Patients having difficulty in long time supine or prone position
Clustophobia
Patients with temporomandibular joint problems
Traction anxity
Cervical Home traction :
(1)Home supine traction units :
easily available in medical stores
the unit has low cost so anyone can buy for home treatment.
consist of a pulley system ,head straps , and posterior pads.
position of the patient :
supine lying with neck slightly flexed.
Method :
door-mounted pulley system is tie with patient.
stabilization is provided by a head strap.
posterior pads are tightened against occiput and mastoid processes.
the patient pumps a pneumatic device to the desired level of tension as decided by the
therapist.
no harness is used .
no pressure is applied over mandible.
(2)Wall or door mounted traction units :
position of the patient :
supine lying with neck slightly flexed.
Method :
readily available in pharmacies.
consist of a pulley often mounted over a door.
a plastic bag filled with water is utilized as a weight for appropriate tension.
the patient pulls on a rope until appropriate tension is reached.
it is having utilized harness without a chin strap.
occipital is secured and there is a no pressure over the mandible.
(3) Home pneumatic supine traction units :
position of the patient :
supine lying with neck being pulled in extension.
Method:
available at medical supply stores.
cost is higher in compare with previous ones.
it consist of a device that utilizes a sliding track.
head is placed on a pad and it slides on a rail.
this decreses the load neccesary to produce traction force and eliminate the friction.
in this there will be use of halter.
