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Traction

Traction also has equivocal support but has clinical value when properly applied.

Traction with neck in slight flexion will decrease the lordosis and open the intervertebral foramina and separate the posterior articulations.

Traction can also be applied manually which can be combined with lateral and rotatory screech to increase range of motion.

FIGURE 103. Cervical traction applied to the supine patient causing cervical spine flexion with the angle of pull between 20 and 30 degrees.

FIGURE 104. Ineffective home door cervical traction. The patient is too close to the door to get the corred neck flexion angle. The door freely opens and closes, not permitting constant traction. The patient cannot extend the legs or assume a comfortable position. This type of home traction is not recommended.

FIGURE 105. Recommended home traction from chinning bar in sitting position.

After subsidence of acute symptomatology by the use of a collar, concomitant exercises and daily traction posture and modification of daily activities must be undertaken. The collar should never be used for prolonged periods nor be used without appropriate exercises.