Prone traction for ‘irreducible’ disc problems (2010)

This interventional study (which we discuss online) demonstrates that when an extension directional preference is NOT apparent an irreducible disc and potential nerve root irritation or compression may be a cause. The patient is extended (in this case 10 times)…non-response or peripheralization of leg-symptoms can be a valid clinical clue. When NO facilitated motion can be elicited to centralize pain traction (prone with mild-to-moderate flexion in this case) is the rational additional treatment. When prone positioning is untenable then supine becomes the default treatment posture. Either way traction often allows an ‘initial’ extension-non-response (irreducible) to become reducible over-time.