The cervical traction it is an ancient technique through a mechanical agent or through the hands of the physiotherapist himself, a force is applied that manages to separate the articular surfaces and proceed to the stretching of the soft tissues adjacent to the cervical spine.
When applying physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques, especially in spinal pathologies, there is a wide variety of treatment methods that allow the improvement of the conditions of the affected spinal structures, among them what is known as cervical traction.
Index
What effects does cervical traction produce??
The cervical traction can be used to carry out the separation of the articular surfaces, resulting in reduced compression of the nerve roots; and in this way it is possible to alleviate the pain associated with the dysfunction of the cervical spine.
Although studies support that energetic traction is responsible for reducing disc protrusions, other articles indicate that light traction does not allow this type of effect to be achieved.
in addition, It must be taken into account that through this technique it also produces a relaxation of the muscles, especially of the musculatura paravertebral, which is the product of muscle stretch generated by traction, In addition to increasing joint mobility, reducing the pain of the origin of the same.
Indications for cervical traction
The main indications to carry out a cervical traction is the neck pain, that is caused by a herniated disc or a protruding disc that is currently generating a pinch on the nerve, hypomobility of the neck, a muscle spasm or inflammation of joint structures. This can be manual or mechanical..
The professional will be the one who has to assess each particular case and thus be able to determine if in his particular case, and according to the problem suffered, is indicated the cervical traction .
Contraindications of cervical traction
Just as there are indications for the cervical traction, keep in mind that there are also some contraindications in some situations, and in others, great care and precaution must be taken when applying it so that adverse consequences are not generated..
Among the contraindications of cervical traction it should be taken into account that it can cause instability in the spine, as well as acute sprains, osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, spinal cord compression, vertebral disc rupture, infectious processes, not recommended during pregnancy, malignant tumors and fragmentation of the intervertebral disc.
Lesions like tumors, infections, and other of the problems mentioned mean that they are causes in which the use of a cervical traction. These are just some of those situations., although it must be taken into account that although it seems that it is a simple mechanism, some control is necessary. The injury to be treated must be adequately assessed in the event that you want to avoid any type of accident or problem in this regard..
Benefits of cervical traction
There are different benefits for which it is recommended to undergo a cervical traction, among which we can highlight the following:
- Reduces muscle tone
- Reduce pain
- Increases range of motion
- increases flexibility
- Edema reduction
- Reduction of disc herniation
- Relief of nerve root compression.
Physiological Effects of Cervical Traction
Among the physiological effects of cervical traction It should be noted that there are some such as the following:
- Decompression: nerve pressure relief, rest from the burden of the spine, separate vertebrae, reduction of disc herniation.
- Mobilization: capsule tension, facet joints and intervertebral discs; nucleus pulposus migration; stretching of ligaments and tendons.
- anti-inflammatory response: reduction of inflammation; reduced muscle tone.
- Improved circulation: venous flow from the tissues; blood flow to tissues.
The cervical traction Helps relieve neck pain by reducing pressure on the nerves. Disc herniation is also reduced by the effect of traction. What's more, stretches the muscles and allows them to relax while removing stress from them.
Are cervical tractions effective??
Various studies have shown the efficacy of a cervical traction in a significant percentage of cervical injuries such as torticollis, pain associated with cervical hernias and in which there is involvement of the nerve roots. Nevertheless, Other treatments can be just as effective in this type of case.. It is one more treatment option that in certain cases can be very useful..
The situation in which one uses the most cervical traction It is in the case that there is a cervicobrachialgia, which is any lesion in which the nerve roots that go to the arms are irritated, usually due to herniated discs.
In other situations it can be a help to other treatments, although it is rarely necessary. Necks with a lot of osteoarthritis can tolerate treatment poorly and it is usually unloaded initially in this type of situation..
What problems do cervical tractions have??
The reality is that if the patients are chosen properly and a tolerance test is done in the consultation, problems that may arise as a result of cervical traction are minimal. Traction is carried out through a strap that rests on the jaw, which can give rise to a series of discomforts in the temporomandibular joint. This is a joint that is in front of the ear and that allows us to both open and close the mouth..
When there are very pronounced pains with a lot of muscle contracture due to pain, that can be counterproductive. Traction requires relaxation of the patient; and if due to pain the patient struggles against cervical traction, this can end up generating a greater amount of pain. For this reason, its use is avoided in the case of very acute pain.