Which duty cycle is recommended for disc protrusion?

• A. Static traction is recommended or when symptoms are aggravated by motion
• B. 3:1 hold/rest ratio
• C. 1:1 hold/rest ratio
• D. 2:1 hold/rest ratio

Answer: (A)

In disc protrusion, the aim is to relieve nerve root compression with a sustained, gentle stretch. If symptoms are worse with movement, using static traction provides a constant force without the fluctuations that come with intermittent loading, helping to gradually reduce intradiscal pressure and retract the protruded material. Intermittent duty cycles (like 2:1, 1:1, or 3:1) alternate between tension and rest and can provoke or worsen symptoms in acute disc protrusion, whereas static traction avoids those dynamic changes. So the preferred approach is applying static traction or using it when motion aggravates symptoms.