Pain and cervical traction variation during manual turning [proceedings]

An experiment using a dummy with a cervical traction recorder was used in place of a patient. Nurses and orderlies from the Spinal Unit carried out manual lifting and turning techniques, used in the conservative treatment of spinal injury. Variation in manual traction continues throughout a turn. Traction force may be quadrupled or quartered. Inco-ordination between the individuals lifting, causes bending forces in the neck. This, together with sharp variation in traction, elicits pain. Manual traction, lifting, and turning, should be totally avoided, by employing kinetic nursing, provided by the use of the Roto Rest Spinal Bed.