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| Typical Number in Hospital: 5 | Cost Bands: 3 | References: 4 |
Traction is applied to the cervical or lumbar spine through harnesses fastened to the head or pelvic area. This widens the inter-vertebral spaces which relieves nerve root compression by the inter-vertebral discs. The compression of the nerve roots causes sensations of pain, burning, tingling in the neck, shoulders and arms, or in the back, buttocks, legs and feet. Traction force is determined by the patient's tolerance and is contra-indicated in some conditions. A limiting factor is the friction of the patient on the bed and therefore split beds have been developed where the lower half is free to roll independently of the upper half.
Traction may be applied as a static force by systems of weights, pulleys and springs, or in a cycling mode with period and intensity determined empirically. Electrical programmable types also exist.
Content and Design Copyright 2000 Dr. Malcolm C Brown. See Title Page for more details