In the acute phase, for disc protrusion, elongation of soft tissue, and muscle spasm in the lumbar spine, the traction force is approximately what percent of body weight?

• A. 50%
• B. 25%
• C. 10%
• D. 40%

Answer: (B)

In the acute stage of lumbar disc protrusion with soft-tissue elongation and muscle spasm, a gentle traction force is used to avoid aggravating symptoms while beginning to relieve nerve root irritation. The appropriate starting load is about one-quarter of body weight. This low force helps lengthen the posterior structures just enough to reduce pressure without provoking pain, and it aids in relaxing the spinal extensor muscles so that the traction can be tolerated. For example, a 160-pound person would receive about 40 pounds of traction.

As the patient improves, traction can be gradually increased toward greater percentages (often up to around half the body weight) in subacute or more rehabilitative phases to achieve more effective separation and soft-tissue stretch. The other options represent forces that are either too small to produce meaningful effect in the acute phase or are more appropriate for later stages.