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Cervical traction relieves pressure by stretching the posterior muscular, ligamentous and connective tissue components of the cervical spine. It expands the intervertebral joint space, opening the intervertebral foramen. (Colachis & Strohm, 1965; Harris, 1977; Jackson, 1979; Cyriax, 1982; Trestle, 1988; and Wong, et al, 1992.) Pain caused by muscle spasm, nerve root compression, osteoarthritis or facet joint dysfunction often reponds favorably to cervical traction therapy. (Mathhew, 1972; Murphy, 1991; Rosomoff, et al, 1992.) However, patients with hypermobility or instability problems may not respond favorably to traction and it could aggravate the symptoms. For example, the injury commonly known as "whiplash" can result in ligamentous instability that would contraindicate traction therapy.
See also: Contraindications for use.
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