What is lumbar traction used for?
What Is Lumbar Traction? Lumbar (low back) traction helps to separate the spaces between your vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine. In theory, slightly separating these bones can help take the pressure off pinched nerves (such as the sciatic nerve) to decrease your pain and improve your mobility.Mar 16, 2022
How long does it take for lumbar traction to work?
About 20% of patients will start seeing relief of pain within the first week. Around 40% of patients will have significant relief within 2–3 weeks. The remaining 20% will get significant relief between 4–6 weeks. Less than 20% will experience no relief or minimal relief.
Is lumbar traction painful?
Spinal traction can sometimes cause pain that is worse than the original condition. Those with osteoporosis and certain types of cancer should not use traction therapy. Spinal traction is known to cause muscle spasms. Most doctors are prepared for this to happen during or after therapy.
How often should I do lumbar traction?
A little post-treatment muscle soreness is common, but too much soreness or an increase in peripheral symptoms is a sign that the force may have been increased too quickly. Initially, clinical lumbar traction may need to be performed daily.
Is lumbar traction effective?
Summary evidence in recent systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines concludes that mechanical lumbar traction is not effective for treating acute or chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP); however, many physical therapists continue to use it, primarily as an additional modality.
Why traction is given?
Most often, traction uses devices such as weights and pulleys to put tension on a displaced bone or joint, such as a dislocated shoulder. The tension helps put the joint back in position and keep it still. Traction is also used to keep a group of muscles (such as the neck muscles) stretched to reduce muscle spasms.Sep 16, 2019
Does traction really work?
In brief. Based on current evidence, traction as a single treatment is not effective for patients with low-back pain, with or without sciatica. There are very few high-quality studies in this field.
Does traction help a pinched nerve?
A 2014 study found that mechanical traction was effective in treating people with pinched nerves and neck pain. Mechanical traction was more effective than exercising alone or exercising in addition to using over-door traction.
Is traction good for disc bulge?
Patients with greater herniations tended to respond better to traction. In conclusion, lumbar traction is both effective in improving symptoms and clinical findings in patients with lumbar disc herniation and also in decreasing the size of the herniated disc material as measured by CT.
Is traction used for sciatica?
One treatment for LBP and sciatica is traction, which has been used for thousands of years.Aug 19, 2013
How can I do traction at home?
2:075:15How to Decompress Your Lower Back at Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can also use the bed you can also use a sturdy table as long as it feels like it's high enoughMoreYou can also use the bed you can also use a sturdy table as long as it feels like it's high enough to be able to do this stretch. I'm going to place a pillow at the edge.
How do you apply lumbar traction?
0:093:07Lumbar Traction - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe belt should be low around their posts hips. After the belt is positioned. The clinician shouldMoreThe belt should be low around their posts hips. After the belt is positioned. The clinician should stagger his feet and gently mean back.
What is lumbar traction?
The set up for lumbar traction is similar to cervical traction except that a corset, rather than a head halter, is used. Several types of lumbar traction are described including gravity inversion traction, gravity lumbar reduction and auto-traction.
What is lumbar radiculopathy?
Lumbar Radiculopathy That Does Not Centralize (Traction) The clinical decisions of how to manage patients with leg pain that does not centralize with repeated movements and does not fit the hypomobility or instability classifications create a clinical challenge for physical therapists and physicians.
Does lumbar traction help with disc protrusion?
Epidurography and CT investigations have shown that high-force traction can reduce disc protrusions and relieve spinal nerve root compression symptoms. Despite these findings, lumbar traction is currently out of favor in the literature. Four reviews summarizing lumbar traction studies have concluded that there is no significant benefit for patients treated with lumbar traction compared with a control group. However, wide variations of methods and techniques were described in the studies cited. Some of the studies that showed lumbar traction to be ineffective were performed with low forces. In many of the studies, patient selection criteria were poorly defined. Most studies tended to group all patients with low back pain together and did not distinguish between subgroups or by diagnosis. The only two studies that looked specifically at traction for herniated disc did not use forces generally considered sufficient to separate the intervertebral spaces.
What is lumbar traction?
Lumbar traction is the process of applying a stretching force to the lumbar vertebrae through body weight, weights, and/or pulleys to distract individual joints of the lumbar spine.
What is the outer layer of the intervertebral disk?
The outer layer of the intervertebral disk, the annulus fibrosis, holds the vertebrae together and provides strength and flexibility to the back during movement.
Which vertebrae are the largest?
The lumbar vertebrae are the some of the largest and heaviest vertebrae in the spine, second in size only to the sacrum. A cylinder of bone known as the vertebral body makes up the majority of the lumbar vertebra e’s mass and bears most of the body’s weight.
Does lumbar traction help with herniation?
There is no proof that conservative treatments change the natural history but some offer slight relief of symptoms. A meta-analysis of 32 randomised trials showed no significant benefit of lumbar traction. Several studies have investigated the effect of lumbar traction on lumbar disc herniation.
Is mechanical traction good for low back pain?
Also the addition of intermittent mechanical traction to a standard graded activity program gives no extra advantage for people with low back pain. There is no difference in outcome of the graded activity program with or without the lumbar traction.
Is lumbar autotraction better than corset?
In the treatment of lumbago – sciatica lumbar autotraction is a better method than the use of a corset and rest. It gave an immediate relief of pain and a normalizing of the SLR test, also after three weeks. Traction and exercise therapy were significantly inferior to surgery.
Is lumbar traction effective?
Summary evidence in recent systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines concludes that mechanical lumbar traction is not effective for treating acute or chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP); however, many physical therapists continue to use it, primarily as an additional modality.
What is manual traction?
Manual. Manual traction is commonly used by clinicians, and it is claimed that it can deliver a more individualized dosage to specific, isolated joints. We will only discuss this type of traction briefly as it is not as well-researched as mechanical traction due to control limitations.
Is traction a singular treatment?
Traction is an intervention that may be used in certain cases – particularly those of low back pain with radiating symptoms, but it has potential side effects that need to be monitored, and there are populations for whom it is not appropriate. Traction should never be used as a singular treatment and instead be done in conjunction with other treatments if the patient meets criteria for usage. Patients should be educated appropriately on the intervention and efficacy and effectiveness that’s been studied.
What is spinal traction?
Spinal traction is a form of decompression therapy that relieves pressure on the spine. It can be performed manually or mechanically. Spinal traction is used to treat herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and many other back conditions.
Does spinal traction help with pain?
With the help of other physical therapies, many people find great success with spinal traction. Treatment reduces pain and the body is more capable of healing itself. Some people only need spinal traction therapy for a short period of time. Others need it throughout their lives.
What is the treatment?
Back pain that occurs because of certain disorders that affect the back or spine can be categorised as compressive and/or mechanical. A compressive pain is mainly because of a compressed nerve root like that in Sciatica and a mechanical pain roots from an injury affecting muscles, ligaments, discs and joints.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment actually involves stretching the spine that takes the pressure off from the compressed discs in case of spinal traction. Spinal traction also called cervical traction is relieves the pressure on the nerve roots of the spine.
Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)
The treatment can be given to patients with sciatica, slipped discs, degenerative disc diseases, pinched nerves, facet disease, herniated discs, bone spurs, bulged or protruded discs, spinal arthritis, spondylosis and foramina stenosis.
Who is not eligible for the treatment?
Patients who have certain complications like tumour in the spine, osteoporosis, cervical rheumatoid arthritis or an infection, or pregnant women, people with hernia and cardiovascular diseases are not eligible for the traction treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Although there aren’t any long term risks associated with spinal traction but certain short term side effects may occur like muscle spasms and pain which could be worse than the one before receiving traction. Some patients may experience a shooting pain down the limbs after a traction treatment.
What are the post-treatment guidelines?
Traction therapy significantly improves the patient’s movement and activities. Even then, after the therapy, it is advisable to carry on with light exercise and walking which should be continued throughout their life. There is normally no such restrictions in food intake since only includes the treatment of the structure.
How long does it take to recover?
Patients may require just two sessions of therapy to be beneficial but in case the pain progresses, 6-10 sessions would be sufficient to heal it completely, but some patients may require therapy all through their life.
What is the purpose of traction?
The purpose of traction is to stabilize a fracture or injury and restore tension to the surrounding tissues, muscles, and tendons. Traction can: Stabilize and realign a broken bone or dislocated part of the body (such as the shoulder) Help regain the normal position of the bone that's been fractured. Stretch the neck to reduce pressure on the spine ...
What is skeletal traction?
Skeletal traction is used for fractures of the femur (thighbone), pelvis, hip, and certain upper arm fractures. It involves inserting a pin or wire directly into the bone, then attaching weights through pulleys or ropes to it that control the amount of pressure applied. Skeletal traction is used for fractures that require a high amount ...
Why is traction so difficult?
Traction can be a very challenging treatment—physically, emotionally, and psychologically because you are severely limited in movement and so undoubtedly feeling quite vulnerable. This may be compounded by the pain that you have to deal with associated with a bone fracture or dislocation of some part of your body. Your doctor can play a big role in easing your anxiety by fully explaining the procedure, including what you can expect and how long the traction will be necessary. Communication with the health professionals who care for you during this difficult time can go a long way to assuage your anxiety and help you get through the experience of having traction.
How to reduce pressure on the spine?
Stretch the neck to reduce pressure on the spine by realigning the vertebrae. Lessen or eliminate muscle spasms and constricted joint, muscles, and tendons. The kind of traction used will depend on the location and severity of the broken bone or injury and the amount of force needed.
How long does it take to get traction?
Traction time can vary from 24 hours to six weeks, or more. If you are waiting for corrective surgery, skin traction may be short-term to immobilize the fracture until your doctor can operate.
What happens when a bone breaks?
When a bone breaks, the muscles and tendons can pull the extremity into a shortened or bent position. The traction can hold the fractured bone or dislocated joint in place. This can cause painful movement at the fracture site and muscle cramping.
Why are elderly people not good candidates for skin traction?
Elderly people are usually not good candidates for skin traction because their skin is fragile and may be injured from the traction. Traction may also be contraindicated if you have:
What is lumbar traction?
Lumbar traction is also done for treating lumbar herniated disc or protruding discs, degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis. Just like cervical traction, lumbar traction also increases the space between the vertebrae, and relieves back pain and promotes healing.
Why do we use spinal traction?
Spinal traction done for therapeutic purposes comprises of either manually or mechanically created forces in order to stretch and mobilize the spine. Spinal traction helps in relieving back pain by stretching the tight muscles of the spine, which result from spasm. Spinal traction also helps widen the inter vertebral foramen ...
What is cervical traction?
Cervical traction is designed in a way to relieve cervical nerve root compression and muscle spasms. A steady or intermittent force is applied to the neck in order to stretch the cervical muscles and soft tissues along with widening the spaces between the upper vertebrae by using a manual, i.e. hands only or mechanical force.
Is spinal traction bad for you?
Spinal traction is also contraindicated in other physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, hernia and in some cases of TMJ. Spinal Traction, if done in these conditions, can prove to be very harmful.
Is spinal traction contraindicated?
Spinal Traction Contraindications: If the structural integrity of the spine is impaired, such as seen in osteoporosis, infection, tumor or cervical rheumatoid arthritis, then spinal traction should be avoided. Spinal traction is also contraindicated in other physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, ...
What is the best treatment for back pain?
Surgical spinal decompression is another option for treating certain types of back pain. But it is usually used as a last resort. If other measures don't work, your doctor may suggest surgical spinal decompression for bulging or ruptured disks, bony growths, or other spinal problems.
How does spinal decompression work?
Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine. That changes the force and position of the spine. This change takes pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc.
What is posterior facet syndrome?
Worn spinal joints (called posterior facet syndrome) Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots. More research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of nonsurgical spinal decompression. To know how effective it really is, researchers need to compare spinal decompression with other alternatives to surgery.
What are the treatments for a swollen thigh?
Before or after therapy, you may have other types of treatment, such as: Electrical stimulation (electric current that causes certain muscles to contract) Ultrasound (the use of sound waves to generate heat and promote healing) Heat or cold therapy.
Can you have spinal decompression while pregnant?
Ask your doctor whether or not you are a good candidate for nonsurgical spinal decompression. It is best not to try it if you are pregnant. People with any of these conditions should also not have nonsurgical spinal decompression: Fracture. Tumor. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. Advanced osteoporosis.