Traction for back pain- How does it work?

Definition/Description

Lumbar traction is the process of applying a stretching force. This force is applied to the back at the lumbar spine, moreover at the vertebrae.

Types of Lumbar Traction

1. Continuous Traction – it uses low weights for extended periods of time, in this type thus only small amounts of weight be used.
2. Sustained Traction – This involves heavier weights, however are applied for short periods of time
3. Intermittent Mechanical Traction – it utilises a mechanical unit to alternately apply and thus release the traction force
4. Manual Traction – Manual traction is applied by the clinician’s hands
5. Positional Traction – This is applied by placing the patient in various positions using pillows, blocks, or also sandbags.

How does traction work?

1. Distracting the motion segment is thought to change the position of the nucleus.
2. traction has also been shown to reduce nucleus pulposus pressure.
3. It has also shown to increase foraminal area
4. some forms of traction stimulate disc or joint repair
5. conditions in which traction may be helpful are low back pain, radiating pain, herniated lumbar disc, also sciatica, etc.

In deciding what traction weight to apply, consider the following aspects-the amount of weight which will overcome friction between the body and the amount of force to exert an effect on the back or the lumbar spine.

Also read- https://vcurehealthcare.com/what-signs-of-professional-burn-out-can-look-like/

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