How to Determine When to Stop Neck Traction for Rehabilitation?

How far should neck traction be applied before stopping?

Due to issues such as herniated discs and bone spurs, I have experienced numbness in three fingers on the right hand (from the thumb to the middle finger), along with soreness and numbness in my arm, shoulder, neck, and back.
I have been undergoing cervical traction for about 10 weeks.
The numbness in my fingers disappeared after the seventh week, but the soreness in my shoulders, neck, and arms occurs intermittently (possibly related to my daily posture).
When the soreness appears, it often lasts for several hours and is difficult to alleviate.
However, due to a lack of knowledge, I have noticed that during traction, my neck, shoulders, arms, and fingers become even more sore and numb.
I managed to reduce the weight from the maximum of 15 kg to 11 kg only by the tenth week, but after three sessions, I still experienced varying degrees of soreness and numbness, which were hard to resolve even hours after the sessions.

Questions:
1.
My fingers are no longer numb, but I still occasionally experience soreness in my shoulders, neck, and arms.
To what extent should I continue cervical traction before stopping?
2.
When I perform traction while not experiencing soreness, it instead causes soreness and numbness afterward.
Should I continue with the traction? What could be the underlying issue?

Mr. Ma, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/03

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation

If discomfort occurs during traction, it is important to immediately inform the therapist and physician to assess any changes in the actual condition and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
After rehabilitation therapy, symptoms may not be completely eliminated, but if the condition is stable, the frequency of treatment can gradually be reduced.
It is essential to incorporate appropriate exercises and maintain correct posture to manage the condition.
Online consultations cannot replace in-person visits; please discuss with a clinical physician and consider relevant examination results for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Reply Date: 2020/12/03

More Info

When it comes to neck traction for rehabilitation, especially in the context of issues like herniated discs and bone spurs, it is crucial to approach the treatment with caution and awareness of your body’s responses. Based on your description, you have been undergoing neck traction for approximately 10 weeks, and while some symptoms have improved, others persist, indicating that a careful evaluation of your treatment plan is necessary.

1. Determining When to Stop Neck Traction
The decision to stop neck traction should be based on several factors:
- Symptom Improvement: Since your finger numbness has resolved, this is a positive sign. However, the persistence of shoulder, neck, and arm pain suggests that while some progress has been made, your condition may still require further intervention. It is essential to assess whether these symptoms are decreasing in frequency and intensity over time.

- Pain Response: If traction consistently leads to increased pain or discomfort, this may indicate that the treatment is not suitable for your current condition. Pain that lasts for several hours after traction could suggest that your body is not responding positively to this form of therapy.
- Consultation with Healthcare Providers: It is vital to communicate with your physical therapist or physician about your experiences with traction. They can provide guidance on whether to continue, adjust the weight or duration of traction, or explore alternative treatments.
- Functional Improvement: Consider whether your ability to perform daily activities has improved. If you find that your range of motion and strength are not improving, it may be time to reassess your rehabilitation strategy.

2. Should You Continue Neck Traction?
Given that you experience increased pain after traction, it is advisable to reconsider its use. Here are some considerations:
- Pain as a Guide: If traction is causing discomfort, especially if it leads to increased pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms, it may be a sign that the treatment is not appropriate for you at this time. Pain is a critical indicator of how your body is responding to treatment.

- Alternative Therapies: If neck traction is not yielding positive results, you might explore other rehabilitation options. Physical therapy focusing on strengthening and stretching exercises, postural training, and manual therapy could be beneficial. These approaches can help alleviate pain and improve function without the potential adverse effects of traction.

- Underlying Issues: The fact that you experience pain after traction could indicate that there are underlying issues that need to be addressed. For example, muscle tension, nerve irritation, or improper posture during the procedure could contribute to your discomfort. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional can help identify these factors.

Conclusion
In summary, the decision to stop neck traction should be based on your symptom improvement, pain response, and functional ability. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers to tailor your rehabilitation plan effectively. If traction consistently leads to discomfort, it may be time to explore alternative therapies that can provide relief and support your recovery. Always prioritize your body's signals and seek professional guidance to ensure a safe and effective rehabilitation process.

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