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Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) seriously damages the physical and mental health and organ function of patients, so timely and effective intervention and treatment is particularly important. Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes that the treatment of AIS patients should pay equal attention to bones, muscles and tendons first and so on. Among them, Traditional Chinese medicine characteristic nursing technology can restore and treat injured soft tissues and play an important role in the treatment of AIS patients. This paper reviews the application of cupping therapy, moxibustion, Chinese martial arts (Yi Jin Jing, Tai Chi and Wu Qin Xi), Chinese medicine fumigation, and traction therapy in rehabilitation of AIS patients. It introduces the treatment concept, method, treatment effect, advantages and disadvantages, and to provide scientific basis for the treatment of AIS patients. (青少年特发性脊柱侧弯严重损害患者身心健康及脏器功能, 及时有效的干预治疗尤为重要。中医强调治疗青少年特发性脊柱侧弯应遵守筋骨并重、以筋为先等原则, 其中中医特色护理技术能起到理筋的作用, 在青少年特发性脊柱侧弯治疗中发挥着重要的作用。本文总结拔罐疗法、灸法、传统功法(易筋经、太极拳和五禽戏)、中药熏蒸、牵引疗法等中医特色护理技术在青少年特发性脊柱侧弯康复中的应用, 对治疗理念、方式、治疗效果、优缺点进行综述, 为青少年特发性脊柱侧弯的治疗提供科学依据。)

Objective: To assess the clinical effectiveness of the balance chiropractic therapy (BCT) compared with traction therapy (TT) for patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Methods: Subjects were enrolled from four hospitals. Eligible patients will be randomized to one of the two arms: the treatment group and the control group. In the treatment group, patients received the BCT for 20 days, while patients in the control group received TT. Patients visited the physician at 1- and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was pain severity measured with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included cervical curvature measured using the Borden method, a composite of functional status measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI), patient health status (evaluated by the SF-36 health survey) and adverse events (AEs) as reported in the trial. Results: Of the 240 randomly assigned patients, 120 participants were assigned to the BCT and 120 to the TT. 231 (96.3 %) provided follow-up data at 1 and 3 months. There were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (P > 0.05), indicating good comparability. According to the results, after BCT and TT treatment, the pain VAS score, cervical curvature, NDI scores and SF-36 scores of two groups was significantly improved (P

Cervical vertigo is a common complication of atlantoaxial joint dislocation. However, there is no consensus on the effects of different therapies on the recovery of the patients suffering cervical vertigo. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of traction therapy on reducing cervical vertigo induced by atlantoaxial joint dislocation. A total of 96 patients were randomized to receive traction therapy or traditional therapy for two weeks. The overall clinical efficacy was measured based on the 30-point cervical vertigo symptom and function evaluation form. The therapeutic effects were also evaluated based on lateral atlantodental space (LADS), vertigo scale, neck and shoulder pain scale, headache scale, daily life and work scale, psychosocial adaptation scale, and quality of life. Compared with the traditional therapy group, the traction group demonstrated markedly higher overall clinical efficacy (P=0.038). Both the traction therapy group and the traditional therapy group showed significant decrease in LADS (P

Introduction: Penile traction therapy (PTT) aims to non-surgically reduce curvature, enhance girth, and recover lost length. Available clinical practice guidelines however lack clear recommendations regarding their use. Aim: To present a comprehensive review and recommendation regarding the available evidence to the use of PTT in Peyronie's disease (PD). Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on Pubmed and Medline for relevant studies from all times until 2019. Studies of PTT (monotherapy and in combination) in patients with PD with any documented degree of curvature and in either the acute or chronic phase of the disease were included. Full texts not published in English language were excluded. Main outcomes measures: Several scenarios, including preclinical data have been investigated. For each topic covered evidence was analyzed and expert opinion was stated. Results: The paucity of high-level studies precluded any strong recommendations, however, specific statements on this topic, summarizing the ESSM position, were provided. The available data about the use of PTT in PD are still poor, and the impact of this therapy for the treatment of PD has not been clearly stablished. Available data in the clinical setting are still poor, and the impact of these devices on PD evolution has not been clearly established. Conclusion: PTT seems to be a valid treatment option for PD, although there is not enough evidence to give any definitive recommendation in any clinical scenario. García-Gómez B, Aversa A, Alonso-Isa M et al. The Use of Penile Traction Devices for Peyronie's Disease: Position Statements from the European Society for Sexual Medicine. Sex Med 2021;9:100387.

Treating men with Peyronie’s disease remains a challenging problem facing clinicians working across urology and sexual medicine fields. Patients can often be left disappointed by current treatment paradigms, and an overall lack of suitable molecular targets has limited the options for novel, effective medical therapy. Managing men with Peyronie’s disease often involves careful counselling alongside multifaceted and possible combination treatments to help improve symptoms whilst ameliorating potential side effects of therapy. We review the latest medical literature and evidence in the contemporary management of Peyronie’s disease.

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most costly diseases in the developed world. This study aimed to investigate the effects of underwater traction therapy on chronic low back pain. The primary objective was to prove that underwater traction therapy has favorable effects on LBP. Our secondary objective was to evaluate whether it also leads to improvement in the quality of life. This is a prospective, multicenter, follow-up study. A total of 176 patients with more than 3 months of low back pain enrolled from outpatient clinics were randomized into three groups: underwater weight bath traction therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); weight bath; and only NSAIDs. The following parameters were measured before, right after, and 9 weeks after the 3-week therapy: levels of low back pain in rest and during activity were tested using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire, and the EuroQol-5D-5L Questionnaire. The VAS levels improved significantly (p < 0.05) in both underwater weight bath traction therapy groups by the end of the treatment, whereas the improvement in the third group was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the improvements measured in the groups receiving traction therapy were persistent during the follow-up period. There were no significant changes in the Oswestry Index or the EuroQol-5D-5L without VAS parameters in any of the groups. Based on our results, for patients suffering from LBP pain who underwent underwater weight bath traction therapy, there were favorable impacts on the pain levels at rest or during activity. Clinical trial registration ID: NCT03488498, April 5, 2018 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the results of the integrated treatment of discogenic radiculopathy in athletes using the paravertebral administration of the drug containing chondroitin sodium sulphate (Hondrogard) and traction of the lumbar-sacral spine. Evidence of a higher efficiency of this combination based on subjective and objective control of treatment compared to schemes that do not use these techniques are provided.

A computer simulation model was developed to compare the result of cervical traction therapy in inclined and sitting traction positions. The behavior of the model was shown to match with the intervertebral changes in the upper and lower spine from the data of a radiographic experiment. Both the results of the experiment and the simulation also showed that in the inclined position, the amount of posterior separations in the upper cervical spine remains constant regardless of traction angle, while the posterior separations at lower cervical spine increases along with traction angles. Using the simulation model, parametric studies were conducted to investigate the intervertebral space changes in response to different traction angles in the inclined and sitting positions. When using the sitting position, the subject's hip joint stiffness was shown to cause larger variations in the intervertebral space than in the inclined position. In addition, variations in the tension/compression stiffness was shown to cause the largest changes in the resulting separations in both positions but the variations in anterior space changes were larger in the sitting position. Our study suggests that the inclined position is less sensitive to variations in the subject's body parameters and is able to provide a more reliable and predictable traction result than the sitting position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computer simulation model was developed to study the dynamic behavior of the cervical spine during cervical traction therapy in inclined and sitting traction positions. The model improved upon an old model with additional components to represent the behavior of the intervertebral discs and the posterior ligaments. The simulation result of the new model was compared against the cervical traction data from a radiographic experiment in both positions. The simulation results of the old model and new model were compared to illustrate the improvement. Using the new model, we compared the timing response of cervical traction in the inclined and sitting positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional waist rehabilitation bed is designed for the traction therapy of human spine and gait rehabilitation training. The rehabilitation bed has four degrees of freedom, the rotation in the x, y and z axis, and the movement in the z axis, which realizes traction treatment of lumbar spine rotation around coronal axis, vertical axis, sagittal axis and gait rehabilitation training. Considering the stability and safety during the rehabilitation process, the kinematic model of coronal-axis-rotation part, vertical-axis-rotation part and rehabilitation bed are established. Using MATLAB, the model and numerical simulation were carried out to obtain the curve of joint change when the waist rehabilitation bed was used for different functions, which verifies the effectiveness of the mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is a serious and common degenerative disease of the cervical spine due to irritation and compression of the nerve roots of the cervical spine, resulting in a series of clinical symptoms based on sensory, motor and reflex disorders, such as numbness and pain in the neck, shoulders, upper limbs and fingers. Acupuncture is highly effective in treating CSR and has become a common treatment accepted by patients. This study aims to systematically review and analyze existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of CSR., Methods: We used the following eight databases for literature data search: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine Disc ( CBMdisc), Wanfang Database and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP). The search consisted of randomized controlled studies of acupuncture for CSR between 2000 and 2020 and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's "Risk of Bias Assessment Tool."RevMan 5.4 software was used for statistical analysis only. Study screening, data extraction and statistics, and assessment of the risk of bias of the included studies were performed independently by two reviewers., Result: 27 studies with 3124 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis of the total efficiency index for acupuncture for CSR were [RR = 1.14,95% CI (1.09,1.19)]. The results of the meta-analysis of the PPI index were [MD = -0.35, 95% CI (-0.61,-0. 09)]. The results of META analysis of the total effective rate, VAS score, PRI(A) score, PRI(S) score and PRI(T) score showed heterogeneity in the studies included for each outcome index, and sources of heterogeneity were sought through subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis to ensure more stable and reliable data results. The results of the combined meta-analysis showed that the treatment group was significantly more effective than the control group and more effective in lowering the nerves to reduce the pain index in patients with CSR, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). This indicates that acupuncture treatment is superior to traction for CSR., Conclusion: Acupuncture is significantly more effective than traction therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis and can reduce the pain index of patients with CSR., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

New information on the results of scientific research may change the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of diseases, which makes adjustments in treatment approaches. Cyclic local traction therapywas created in USA by the group of scientists for NASA (Axiom Worldwide, Tampa, FL) and approved by FDA in 2003. The year 2023 is the 20 th anniversary of its successful application in practical medicine. Evaluating the effectiveness of the method, it has been shown that after undergoing treatment in patients with chronic back pain, the height of the intervertebral discs increases, pain syndrome and frequency of taking pain medications decreases, daily activity and duration of walking without pain increases. It is assumed that the treatment effect was achieved due to the «vacuum» effect, which could contribute to the regeneration of the intervertebral disc. It is also known about the possibility of intervertebral disc herniation reduction after a course of traction therapy and it was believed that this was ensured by «retraction» of the hernia back into the intervertebral space under the influence of the longitudinal ligament. However, fundamental studies of the past century and the present indicate the presence of other mechanisms affecting the structures of the vertebral motor segment, especially the processes occurring inside the intervertebral disc and contributing to the regression of the intervertebral disc herniation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the supposed therapeutic program - using massage, therapeutic exercise, and Traction- to decrease the degree of cervical disk herniation. And improve grip's strength, arms strength, and neck flexibility. Also, decrease pain, and muscles temperature. Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials on patients with cervical disc herniation, with an age average = 41.36 years, the height average = 167.72 cm, and the weight average = 67.86 kg. The program was applied over 6 weeks by therapeutic sessions, and it follow-up for two months. Was used the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the degree of herniated disc, Dynamometer for muscles strength, Inclinometer for flexibility, Electro thermometer for muscles temperature, and VAS for pain. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the two measurements pre- and post to all patients. Conclusion. Patients with cervical disc herniation can benefit from the supposed therapeutic program to improve their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the survey of 148 patients with an lumbar degenerative disease, there have been studied immediate and medium-term results of the comprehensive conservative treatment of the patients with and without application of traction exposure on the spine. It was found out that the traction of the spine leads to a quicker and more durable relief of symptoms in comparison with the control groups where traction therapy wasn't carried out. Application of the traction-extended therapy in three planes with a usage of robotized set for dry skeletal traction of a new generation KinetracKNX-7000 is proved to increase the effectiveness of treatment for the patients with stated pathology, fasten regress of the pain syndrome and clinical symptomatology, lead to more durable and lasting remission of the desease, in comparison with the patients that had traction of the spine in one plane only during the treatment.

Traction therapy is one of the most common conservative treatments for low back pain. However, the effects of traction therapy on lumbar spine biomechanics are not well known. We investigated biomechanical effects of two-step traction therapy, which consists of global axial traction and local decompression, on the lumbar spine using a validated three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar spine. One-third of body weight was applied on the center of the L1 vertebra toward the superior direction for the first axial traction. Anterior translation of the L4 vertebra was considered as the second local decompression. The lordosis angle between the superior planes of the L1 vertebra and sacrum was 44.6° at baseline, 35.2° with global axial traction, and 46.4° with local decompression. The fibers of annulus fibrosus in the posterior region, and intertransverse and posterior longitudinal ligaments experienced stress primarily during global axial traction, these stresses decreased during local decompression. A combination of global axial traction and local decompression would be helpful for reducing tensile stress on the fibers of the annulus fibrosus and ligaments, and intradiscal pressure in traction therapy. This study could be used to develop a safer and more effective type of traction therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Traction therapy, which is known to be a treatment method for scoliosis, one of many muscles disease, has been used since Hippocrates introduced it. However, the effects of traction therapy are still not clear. In addition, the meridian sinew theory, which is related to muscle treatment and is mentioned in the book on meridian sinews in the Miraculous Pivot of Huangdi's Internal Classic, has not been the subject of much study. For these reasons, experimental spinal models were made for this study to observe and analyze the lengths of vertebral interspaces after intermittent traction therapy, which is known to be excellent among muscle treatment methods, with various tensile forces. The results showed that the effects of intermittent traction therapy were unclear and that it might be harmful, especially when the pain was induced by muscle weakness. Because the results of this study on intermittent traction therapy were different from those expected from osteopathy or craniosacral theory, better studies of the subject are necessary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Loss of penile length is a recognized and common consequence of Peyronie's disease (PD). Traction therapy (TT+) has been reported to decrease post-op length loss as well as increase stretched penile length (SPL) prior to surgery. Aim. The aim of this study was to study patient outcomes with penile length change and patient satisfaction after surgery following tunica albuginea plication (TAP) and partial plaque excision and grafting (PEG) with or without postoperative TT. Methods. Retrospective analysis was performed from our cohort of Peyronie's reconstructive surgery between 2007 and 2010. SPL was measured dorsally from pubis to corona and recorded at the initial office visit and then compared to most recent postoperative visit. Patients were then stratified by procedure and whether TT was used (TT+ and TT−; TAP N = 52 [27 TT+ and 25 TT−] and PEG N = 59 [36 TT+ and 23 TT−). Traction therapy was initiated for >2 hours a day for 3 months typically starting 3-4 weeks postoperatively. A non-validated mailed questionnaire assessed patient perceptions. Results. Mean length change seen in TAP (TT+) was 0.85 cm (0.25-1.75) vs. −0.53 cm (−1.75 to 0.5) in TAP (TT−) ( P < 0.001). The mean length change seen in PEG (TT+) was 1.48 cm (0-6) vs. PEG (TT−) 0.24 cm (−1 to 2.5 cm) ( P < 0.001). Sixty-one percent of surveys were returned; 85% lost length prior to the initial office evaluation, with an average of −2.5 cm lost. Importantly, in those who used traction, there was no perceived length loss, 58% reported a mean erect length gain of 1.1 cm. However, only 54% of all patients were satisfied with their current erect length. Conclusions. Loss of length in men with PD remains a serious concern. It appears that postoperative TT can result in length preservation, and in many, a measured and perceived length gain following correction of the curvature. Rybak J, Papagiannopoulos D, and Levine L. A retrospective comparative study of traction therapy vs. no traction following tunica albuginea plication or partial excision and grafting for Peyronie's disease: Measured lengths and patient perceptions. J Sex Med 2012;9:2396-2403. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder of the penis whose etiopathophysiology remains unclear. At this time, there is no known reliable nonsurgical treatment. This study reviews our experience with external penile traction therapy to correct the deformity associated with this disorder. Aim. To evaluate prolonged external penile traction as a nonsurgical treatment for PD. Methods. Ten men with PD completed this noncontrolled pilot study of traction therapy using the FastSize Penile Extender. Nearly all (90%) had failed prior medical therapy. Traction was applied as the only treatment for 2–8 hours/day for 6 months. All subjects underwent pre- and post-treatment physical examination including measurement of stretched flaccid penile length (SPL) and biothesiometry. Main Outcome Measures. Curvature and girth were measured during erection before and after treatment with dynamic duplex ultrasound. Assessment of erectile and sexual function was further assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function and Quality of Life Specific to Male Erection Difficulties (QOL-MED) questionnaires. At 3 and 6 months post-treatment, SPL was measured and subjective assessment of deformity by the patient was recorded. Results. Subjectively all men noted reduced curvature estimated at 10–40 degrees, increased penile length (1–2.5 cm) and enhanced girth in areas of indentation or narrowing. Objective measures demonstrated reduced curvature in all men from 10–45 degrees; average reduction for the group was 33% (51–34 degrees). SPL increased 0.5–2.0 cm and erect girth increased 0.5–1.0 cm with correction of hinge effect in four out of four men. International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function domain increased from 18.3–23.6 for the group. Changes in quality of life by QOL-MED were not found to be statistically significant in this small series. There were no adverse events including skin changes, ulcerations, hypoesthesia or diminished rigidity. Conclusion. Prolonged daily external penile traction therapy is a new approach for the nonsurgical treatment of PD. Further study appears warranted given the response noted in this pilot study. Levine LA, Newell M, and Taylor FL. Penile traction therapy for treatment of Peyronie's disease: A single-center pilot study. J Sex Med 2008;5:1468–1473. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Editors'' preface: The management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) has proven to be very challenging in North America, as evidenced by its mounting socioeconomic burden. Choosing among available nonsurgical therapies can be overwhelming for many stakeholders, including patients, health providers, policy makers, and third-party payers. Although all parties share a common goal and wish to use limited health-care resources to support interventions most likely to result in clinically meaningful improvements, there is often uncertainty about the most appropriate intervention for a particular patient. To help understand and evaluate the various commonly used nonsurgical approaches to CLBP, the North American Spine Society has sponsored this special focus issue of The Spine Journal, titled Evidence-Informed Management of Chronic Low Back Pain Without Surgery. Articles in this special focus issue were contributed by leading spine practitioners and researchers, who were invited to summarize the best available evidence for a particular intervention and encouraged to make this information accessible to nonexperts. Each of the articles contains five sections (description, theory, evidence of efficacy, harms, and summary) with common subheadings to facilitate comparison across the 24 different interventions profiled in this special focus issue, blending narrative and systematic review methodology as deemed appropriate by the authors. It is hoped that articles in this special focus issue will be informative and aid in decision making for the many stakeholders evaluating nonsurgical interventions for CLBP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Retropharyngeal abscess commonly develops among infants and small children, and is associated with the severe inflammation of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes located in the retropharyngeal space. Retropharyngeal abscess causes cervical pain, swelling, contracture of the neck, and in rare cases inflammatory torticollis, all of which result from an inflammatory process that irritates the cervical muscles, nerves or vertebrae. Here we report a rare case of retropharyngeal abscess with a complication of torticollis. A 4-year-old girl suffered from severe retropharyngeal abscess spreading through the deep cervical fascia, as judged by magnetic resonance imaging of the neck. Blood analysis showed high degree of inflammatory reactions, and so the patient was transferred to our hospital ward. The inflammation caused spasms of the prevertebral muscles, eventually leading to torticollis. The surgical drainage was performed immediately under general anesthesia, and an anti-inflammation therapy with intravenously administered meropenem trihydrate and clindamycin was used together with traction therapy to relieve the symptoms of the patient. We must be careful about the existence of epidural abscess and infectious spondylitis when the retropharyngeal abscess causes torticollis. In conclusion, an anti-inflammation therapy using antibiotics, along with traction therapy, was effective to relieve the symptoms. In addition to repeated clinical examinations, cooperation with orthopedists and careful follow-up are necessary. We also discussed the relationship between acute torticollis and retropharyngeal abscess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating men with Peyronie's disease remains a challenging problem facing clinicians working across urology and sexual medicine fields. Patients can often be left disappointed by current treatment paradigms, and an overall lack of suitable molecular targets has limited the options for novel, effective medical therapy. Managing men with Peyronie's disease often involves careful counselling alongside multifaceted and possible combination treatments to help improve symptoms whilst ameliorating potential side effects of therapy. We review the latest medical literature and evidence in the contemporary management of Peyronie's disease., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.Competing interests: This reviewer is associated with Endo Pharmaceuticals (maker of Xiaflex / CCH) - consultant, advisor, research funding and fellowship support.No competing interests were disclosed.No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2020 Babu A and Kayes O.)

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cervical disease. Method: 88 cases of cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group, 44 cases in each group. The control group was treated with massage combined with traction. Based on the treatment of the control group, the observation group was treated with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. For both groups, 7 days were 1 course of treatment and efficacy was determined after 4 courses of treatment. Result: The effective rate of the control group was 81.8%, and the observation group was 90.1%. There was a significant difference between each group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive treatment of cervical disease is remarkable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a debilitating condition that affects a sizable number of men worldwide. Current treatment options consist of oral therapy, intralesional injections, and surgery. Penile stretching has been used as a treatment for PD, including penile traction therapy (PTT) and vacuum erection devices (VEDs), with numerous trials completed or underway., Aim: To present and summarize the current literature on penile stretching for the treatment of PD., Methods: Using PubMed, we performed a literature review of studies from January 1990 through July 2018 that focused on penile stretching for PD management. PTT and VED were included in the search criteria., Main Outcome Methods: Penile curvature correction was effective, and stretched penile length was improved., Results: PD therapies that use penile stretching as a mechanical intervention to alter tissue characteristics were studied. PTT has been successful in primary penile lengthening and curvature correction in the acute phase of PD. PTT also improved length retention in men undergoing plication and incision/grafting procedures. Combination of PTT and intralesional injection therapy for PD treatment requires further investigation. There are fewer studies investigating VEDs and their role in PD management, but initial small trials suggest a role in curvature correction and penile lengthening., Conclusions: Penile stretching is an effective therapy for PD. Data from limited trials suggest a role for PTT and VEDs in the management of PD, although further research is needed. Cowper MG, Burkett CB, Le TV et al. Penile Stretching as a Treatment for Peyronie's Disease: A Review. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:508-515., (Copyright © 2018 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cervical traction is commonly used for treating neck pain. However, few studies have investigated the biomechanical impact such traction has on soft tissues., Objectives: To analyze the biomechanics of cervical traction therapy in a supine position with and without neck support (NS and non-NS)., Methods: A finite element model of the cervical spine was constructed to investigate the mechanism behind cervical traction therapy. An axial traction force of 100-N was loaded on the upper surface of C0 to simulate traction weight. Neck support traction was simulated by additionally constraining anterior-posterior motion of the surface of the C4 vertebral lamina. The average von Mises stress, tensile force and motions of related tissues were calculated and compared between the two conditions. Stress in the posterior annulus fibers under flexion was also recorded for comparison., Results: At the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels, NS traction resulted in less of a decrease in the lordotic angle. At these levels, the highest average stress was distributed in the posterior annulus fibers with non-NS traction and both traction therapies produced greater stress on the posterior annulus fibers than physical flexion. The intradiscal pressure in all intervertebral discs between C4-T1 decreased during both traction therapies., Conclusion: Neck support traction therapy produced less tension on the posterior annulus fibers and ligaments posterior to it at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels. In order to minimize the potential harm to soft tissue in clinical practice, it may be beneficial to use a neck support according to the targeted level., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)