Traction therapy, a study of resistance forces: Preliminary report on a new method of lumbar traction

Abstract

Physical evidence is presented to show that conventional hanging weight traction to the spine by means of head halter, pelvic belt or Buck's extension does not exert a stretch force upon the spine and in most instances no stretch upon the paraspinal muscles. Present methods of constant weight traction therapy to the cervical and lumbar spines do not provide traction at these levels. This is due to the fact that not enough weight is applied to overcome the surface traction resistance of the body segments. In the cervical spine, traction in the 30 to 45 pound range is the most effective form of therapy for herniated disks and other mechanical lesions in which traction is indicated. In the lumbar spine, 50 to 100 pounds or more is the most effective range. A new method of motorized intermittent lumbar traction is presented in which resistance is eliminated and unlimited stretch can be applied to the lumbar spine without the use of hanging weights. A brief preliminary clinical report is submitted. Clinical observations suggest that in these conditions reflex skeletal muscle spasm may have little to do with production of pain, or as commonly believed, the establishment of a vicious pain cycle.