OSTEOARTHRITIS - CERVICAL SPINE

Cervical traction may benefit patients with osteoarthritis by promoting increased movement of the cervical spine and decreased pressure on the facet joints. Be sure that the cervical spine has been cleared for any of the Recommended for Use information mentioned within the General Guidelines section. Traction may also be more beneficial when used with other modalities such as cold, heat, ultrasound, etc.

SUGGESTED SETTINGS

GENERAL:
Tension: 10 - 30 pounds (may be increased up to 7-10% of patient body weight)
Treatment Time: 10-15 minutes

VARIATIONS:
Upper cervical region = 10 degrees flexion (slide stand in upper most position)
Middle cervical region = 15 degrees flexion (slide stand in middle position)
Lower cervical region = 20 degrees flexion (slide stand in lower most position)
Intermittent tension setting: 2:1 up to 4:1 ratio of tension to rest (e.g. 2-4 minutes on, 1 minute rest)

SESSIONS PER DAY: 1-3

RELATED RESEARCH

Cervical Osteoarthritis by WebMD
Cervical spondylosis is also called cervical osteoarthritis. It is a condition involving changes to the bones, discs, and joints of the neck. These changes are caused by the normal wear-and-tear of aging. With age, the discs of the cervical spine gradually break down, lose fluid, and become stiffer. Cervical spondylosis usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. more

Cervical Spondylosis by the Mayo Clinic
Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the joints in your neck. Also known as cervical osteoarthritis, this condition usually appears in men and women older than 40 and progresses with age. Although cervical spondylosis affects both sexes equally, men usually develop it at an earlier age than women do. more