CONTRAINDICATIONS OF TRACTION

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be

used because it may be harmful to the person.

There are two types of contraindications: Relative

contraindication means that caution should be used when two drugs or procedures are used
together. (It is acceptable to do so if the benefits outweigh the risk.)
Absolute contraindication means that event or substance could cause a life-threatening
situation. A procedure or medicine that falls under this category must be avoided.

History of Stroke and Aneurysm. In my opinion,

a personal history of stroke or other cerebrovascular,disease is an ABSOLUTE contraindication
to any attempt at cervical extension traction. In the case of lumbar extension traction, I believe
that the presence of aortic aneurysm also presents an unacceptable risk factor.

Spinal fracture or instability, spinal malignancy, and/or infection or disease of the cord or
column including advanced osteoporosis are all findings of sufficient seriousness as to be
considered absolutely contraindications to extension traction As per the Canadian Chiropractic
Association, cervical traction is strictly contraindicated in presence of cervical instability such as
unhealed fractures, acute vertebral fractures, ligamentous instability, severe osteoporosis etc.
Cervical traction in these conditions can lead to worsening of the symptoms.

Acute Cervical Injury: Cervical traction

should be avoided in presence on acute cervical injury as the mechanical force used during
cervical traction procedure may worsen the condition. Cervical traction may aggravate the
existing pain and inflammation and may lead to development of new strains, muscle sprains
and ligament injury over the neck region.

Osteomyelitis as a Contraindication of Cervical Traction: A large

number of physicians believe cervical traction should not be considered for management of
neck pain in the presence of osteomyelitis or bone infection. Additional pressure over the
affected area may lead to spread of infection to other area. It can also cause weakening of the
cervical bones and even fracture.

Spinal Hypermobility. In the

presence of neck condition associated with excessive joint motion or hypermobility, cervical
traction should not be a choice of treatment. Cervical traction can lead to an injury if a stretch
force is applied to hyper mobile vertebrae.

Tumors. Cervical traction

should be avoided in patients who are known to have tumors in the cervical region. Mechanical
force applied during cervical traction procedure can disrupt the existing tumor and could cause
damage over the spinal cord. This can also lead to metastasis or spread of malignancy to other
body parts of the patient.

Rheumatoid Arthritis. As per a study

done by Kisner and Colby, cervical traction is contraindicated in presence of rheumatoid
arthritis. This is because rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease which causes
weakening and damage of ligaments that support the cervical vertebrae. Any additional
traction force can lead to spinal cord injury from dislocation of the cervical spine. It should be
also noted that patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis or any other connective tissue
disease are at a higher risk of developing a condition called as atlantoaxial instability, if the
patient is exposed to cervical traction.

Claustrophobia is the fear of being enclosed in a small space or room and unable to escape or
get out. It can be triggered by many situations or stimuli, including elevators crowded to
capacity, windowless rooms, hotel rooms with closed doors and sealed windows, small cars and
even tight-necked clothing

Discitis, or diskitis, is inflammation that develops between the intervertebral discs of your
spine. These discs are located between your vertebrae. The spaces between them are called
intervertebral disc spaces. Swelling in these spaces can put pressure on the discs, leading to
pain.

Acute torticollis or Wry neck is a complaint where you develop neck pain and stiffness, which
is often accompanied by spasm of the surrounding neck muscles. This causes neck pain and an
inability to turn your neck through its full range of motion. Wry neck can also be referred to as
acute wry neck since the onset is sudden - or acute!

 Old age
 Ligamentous instability
 Clinical signs of myelopathy
 Uncontrolled hypertension
 Midline herniated nucleus pulposus
Restrictive lung disease

 Cervical hernia
 Active peptic ulcer
 Pregnancy
 Osteomalacia
 Systemic anti-coagulation treatment
 Severe diabetes or atherosclerotic disease
 Degenerative joint disease
 Sponyloarthropathies
 Congenital joint laxity
 Aseptic necrosis
 Local aneurysm