Applications of Lumbar Traction

Applications

In a lumbar spine, adequate pull is imparted on the vertebral structures with weights and pulleys to achieve vertebral separation.

The mode of application of traction can be manual, positional, or mechanical. The traction may be applied as a continuous force or intermittently.

• Each patient should be carefully evaluated prior to treatment. It helps the physical therapist in making decision about the type of traction to be used, weight of traction to be loaded, and duration for which treatment should be given. The therapist should do the manual muscle testing and
• In the initial session, therapist

  should use less weight.

• Patient is positioned suitably and comfortably.

• A sling is attached around the hip region
• A chest sling is applied to the chest region to stabilize the upper body force
• The patient's shoulders and thorax are stabilized and the lower back region and hip region are relaxed and left free for mobility.

• A belt is attached to the sling tied across the hip region which imparts pull to the lower back region.
• To distract the lower back (lumbar) vertebrae, 70-150 pounds of pull is imparted.
• There is a scope of friction between the treatment table and patient's body. A split table is used to eliminate the lower body segment friction. Split table comprises of fixed upper part and mobile lower part so as to stabilize the upper segment of the vertebrae and distract the lower segment of the vertebrae.
• Force of 1/3^rd of the body weight is imparted as tractive force to the lumbar (lower back) spine.

• In case the patient is in prone (face towards the floor/bed) position, there is a scope of lumbar flexion (Bending of the lower back region inside towards the stomach) which needs to be controlled by use of pillows underneath the pelvis (hip region).
• Supine positioning (face towards the ceiling) of the patient helps to increase lumbar flexion (Bending of the lower back region inside towards the stomach).

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