Question

A 40 yo male pt presents to an OP clinic with diagnosis of LBP. The pt has nerve root impingement on his left side caused by narrowing of the IV foramen between L3-L4. The plan of care includes exercises and mechanical traction using a motorized traction device. During the first pt visit, the MOST appropriate setting for using the traction device would be:

A) 15% body weight in supine with both knees flexed

B) 25% of body weight in prone with no pillows

C) 25% of body weight in supine, knee extended with trunk bending to the right side

D) 50% of body weight in left side lying with both knees flexed

Answer 1

The most appropriate settings for the use of a mechanical traction device in a patient with lower back pain and nerve root impingement is 15% body weight in a supine position with both knees flexed.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a patient with a diagnosis of lower back pain (LBP) and nerve root impingement due to narrowing of the intervertebral (IV) foramen between L3-L4, mechanical traction is commonly used as part of the physical therapy management. The most appropriate setting for a traction device during the initial patient visit, given that general guidelines suggest starting with a lower weight, would be A) 15% body weight in supine with both knees flexed. This position helps to reduce the pressure on the discs and provides a neutral positioning for the spine, which can alleviate pain and assist in the opening of the intervertebral foramen where the nerve root impingement is located.

The other options may apply additional stress on the spine or not provide the alignment necessary to address the specific condition effectively, especially for an initial therapy session. It is also important to emphasize progressive loading, starting with a lower percentage of body weight and monitoring the response before increasing the traction weight in subsequent sessions.