
There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of whether cervical traction can cause strokes. While some studies have found a link between the two, others argue that the benefits of cervical traction outweigh the risks. Cervical traction is a manual maneuver that involves placing the spine in an extreme position and adding a quick, low-force, shallow movement. This can result in a tear in the inner lining of the vertebral artery, which can lead to a stroke. However, the true incidence of this injury is not known, and it is a rare occurrence. Some argue that the benefits of cervical traction, such as relief from neck pain, outweigh the risks, while others caution that the potential risk of a stroke is serious enough to avoid the treatment altogether.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can cervical traction cause stroke? | It is rare but cervical traction can cause stroke. |
What is a stroke? | A "brain attack" where blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off. |
What causes a stroke? | A tear in the inner lining of the vertebral artery, which is located in the neck and supplies blood to the brain. |
What is the risk of cervical traction causing a stroke? | The risk is rare but serious and potentially irreversible damage may occur. |
What are the symptoms of a stroke? | - Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body |
- Loss of vision or dimming of vision in one or both eyes
- Loss of speech or difficulty talking or understanding speech
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
- Loss of balance or unstable walking
- Sudden partial or total loss of any senses
- Confusion or agitation
- Memory loss
- Passing out or fainting | | What to do if you experience stroke symptoms? | Call 911 immediately. |
What You'll Learn
Can cervical traction cause a stroke?
Cervical traction is a form of spinal manipulation that involves placing the neck in an "end" position and then applying a quick, low-force, shallow movement. While this practice is generally safe, there is a small risk of serious adverse events, such as damage to the wall of the vertebral artery, which can lead to a stroke.
The vertebral artery is located in the neck and supplies blood to the brain. A tear in the inner lining of this artery, known as a vertebral artery dissection, can cause a blood clot to form, blocking blood flow to the brain and resulting in a stroke. While rare, this type of injury can occur after spinal manipulation, and the risk may be greater with multiple manipulations.
Some studies have found an association between cervical manipulative therapy and vertebral artery dissection stroke, particularly in young and healthy patients. However, the true incidence of this injury is not known and may be underreported. It is important for practitioners to warn patients of this potential risk and obtain informed consent before performing cervical traction or other types of spinal manipulation.
Additionally, patients experiencing neck pain or neurological symptoms should seek medical evaluation to rule out the possibility of a vertebral artery dissection before undergoing spinal manipulation. While chiropractic care can provide relief for some people, it is important to consult with a medical doctor first to determine the best course of treatment.
In conclusion, while cervical traction can be a safe and effective treatment for some neck-related problems, there is a small but significant risk of stroke associated with this procedure. Patients should be fully informed of this risk and carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before undergoing cervical traction or other types of spinal manipulation.
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What is cervical traction?
Cervical traction, also known as neck traction, is a non-invasive procedure that provides temporary relief for a variety of cervical pathologies. It is a type of stretching that is often used to treat neck pain. The term traction refers to the use of a pulling force to treat joint, bone, or muscle problems. This technique can be used in physical therapy or orthopedics to treat long-lasting muscle spasms, and muscle, joint, or bone problems.
The concept of traction uses force and counterforce to pull in opposite directions. This usually involves pulling one way and adjusting a bed or using your body weight as a counterweight in the other direction. This is often done to help align bones for proper healing.
There are three types of cervical traction: manual, mechanical, and over-the-door. Manual cervical traction is performed by a therapist who uses their hands to gently pull the patient's head and neck away from their body. Mechanical cervical traction involves attaching a harness to the patient's head and neck while they lie down, and then connecting the harness to a machine that applies a traction force. Over-the-door cervical traction is a more practical method that can be used in outpatient practices or at home. It involves strapping a harness to the patient's head and neck while they are seated, and then attaching the harness to a rope in a pulley system over a door. Weights can be added to the end of the rope to increase the force.
Cervical traction has been used to treat a range of cervical pathologies, including cervical disc disease, cervical spine fracture, facet joint dislocation, atlantoaxial subluxation, and myofascial tightness. It is considered a safe procedure with rare complications, but it is important to adequately screen patients for conditions that may be contraindicated.
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What are the risks of cervical traction?
While cervical traction is considered a quick, easy, and non-invasive treatment for neck pain, there are some risks to be aware of.
Firstly, cervical traction is not suitable for everyone. People with certain health conditions, such as untreated high blood pressure, recent neck injuries or surgery, or chronic cervical disc degeneration, should avoid this treatment. Additionally, those with anxiety about being restrained or claustrophobia may not be comfortable with the procedure. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using cervical traction, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
During the procedure, if you experience any nerve pain in your extremities, a sudden disappearance of pain, or any neurological symptoms, it is important to stop the treatment immediately and seek medical assessment.
In rare cases, cervical traction has been associated with a small risk of stroke. This occurs when the treatment damages the wall of the vertebral artery in the neck, leading to a tear in the inner lining. This can cause a blood clot to form, which may break off and lead to a stroke. However, the precise incidence of this complication is challenging to determine, and the benefits of cervical traction may outweigh the risks for many individuals.
Overall, while cervical traction is generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing this treatment.
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What are the benefits of cervical traction?
Cervical traction is a treatment used in physical therapy to help treat neck pain and cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves). It involves gently stretching the neck and separating the discs and joint surfaces in the cervical spine (neck).
Benefits of cervical traction:
- It can be used to help decrease compressive forces in the neck, which can help take pressure off the discs that reside between the vertebrae (spinal bones) in the neck.
- It can open up the spaces where nerves exit the spinal canal, which can help relieve pressure off a compressed nerve.
- It can help stretch the muscles and joint structures around the neck.
- It can be used to treat neck disorders such as degenerative disc disease, herniated or bulging discs in the neck, arthritis, radiculopathy, and muscle spasms.
- It can be used to treat cervical radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated (pinched) where it comes away from the spinal cord.
- It can be used to treat cervical degenerative disc disease, which is when discs break down due to wear and tear, osteoarthritis, or an injury to the cervical spine.
- It can help treat spondylosis, which is when a person has osteoarthritis in their neck, causing pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and headaches.
- It can be used to treat foraminal stenosis, a narrowing that can happen around the nerves that come out of the spine, causing pain in the affected area.
- It increases mobility by helping to alleviate stiffness or injury in the neck muscles, which are some of the most used muscles in the body.
- It can help with herniated discs, providing an alternative to surgery.
- It can help with cervical spondylosis, a condition that affects the nerves connected to the spine.
- It can help reduce the effects of whiplash and spasms, which are common injuries after a car accident.
- It can help relieve joint pain, from cricks in the neck to stiffness.
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What are the alternatives to cervical traction?
While cervical traction is a popular treatment for neck pain and related injuries, there are several alternative treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
- Doing moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise such as walking and cycling
- Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and fish, and low in saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking or vaping, and avoiding second-hand smoke
- Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women
- Getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night
- Reducing stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
Medication
Medications can be prescribed by your doctor to help lower your risk of a stroke. These include:
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelet drugs
Surgical Procedures
- Thrombectomy: A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in your upper thigh and moved up to your neck or brain. A device called a stent retriever then traps and removes the clot, restoring blood flow.
- Angioplasty and stenting: A catheter is pushed into the affected artery, and a tiny balloon or small mesh tube called a stent is inserted into the artery to hold it open.
- Carotid endarterectomy: Removes sticky plaque that is blocking blood flow through a carotid artery.
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Frequently asked questions
Cervical traction can cause a stroke, but it is rare. The vertebral artery in the neck is vulnerable to mechanical dissection due to its horizontal course along the first cervical vertebra. Cervical traction can put the vertebral artery under traction as the head is extended and rotated, which can lead to a stroke.
The most common symptoms of a stroke include:
- Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
- Loss of vision or dimming in one or both eyes
- Loss of speech or difficulty talking or understanding speech
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
- Loss of balance or unstable walking, usually combined with another symptom
If you think you are having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Immediate treatment can save your life or increase your chances of a full recovery.