Cervical Traction
What are the Indications for Cervical Traction?
Some of the most common indications are: A) Herniated disc; B) Radiculopathy; C) Any condition in which mobilization and stretching of soft tissue is desired; and D) Any condition in which opening the neural foramen is desired. Cervical traction has also been shown to relieve headaches and pain due to general soft tissue stiffness.
How Much Force Should Be Used For Cervical Traction?
Please refer to the evidence summary beginning on page 5.
We have found that 25-40 lbs of force for the mid and lower cervical spine is
often clinically effective in conditions where a separation of the intervertebral
space is desirable. Examples of these
conditions include radiculopathy caused
by herniated cervical disc, interforaminal
nerve root encroachment, degenerative
disc or joint disease or facet joint
impingement. In other conditions where
the muscles are primarily affected, less
force may be effective. Examples include
suboccipital or upper trapezius muscle
tension or shortening.
How much is too much? The Saunders
Traction device does not allow traction
forces of over 50 lbs, and we have
successfully used up to 50 lbs without
any adverse results when working up
to this level gradually, and no adverse
results with high force cervical traction
have been reported in the literature.
However, we have found that 50 lbs
is rarely needed for good clinical results,
and our experience and clinician
feedback confirms that 25-40 lbs is
typically an adequate and effective
force.
2,6,10
