Cervical traction therapy with and without neck support: A finite element analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Spinal therapy
• Finite element analysis

Background:

• Cervical traction is a common treatment for neck pain.
• Limited research exists on the biomechanical effects of cervical traction on soft tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the biomechanics of cervical traction therapy.
• Compare supine traction with and without neck support (NS).

Main Methods:

• A finite element model of the cervical spine was developed.
• 100-N axial traction force applied to C0.
• Neck support simulated by constraining C4 motion; compared with non-NS traction.

Main Results:

• Neck support (NS) traction showed less lordotic angle decrease at C4-C5 and C5-C6.
• Non-NS traction and both therapies increased posterior annulus fiber stress compared to flexion.
• Intradiscal pressure decreased in C4-T1 discs with both traction types.

Conclusions:

• Neck support traction reduced tension on posterior annulus fibers and ligaments at C4-C5 and C5-C6.
• Using neck support may be beneficial for minimizing soft tissue harm in clinical cervical traction.