Ask a PT Response: "Cervcial traction is not a diagnosis. It is a treatment option utilized to help with treating patient's who have conditions such as a discogenic syndrome, spondylosis, spinal stenosis, etc. There are various home cervical traction units which can be issued such as over the door traction unit, pneumatic, etc. Exercises are usually prescribed by physical therapist as well to assist with treating a patient who has some of the conditions mentioned above. Exercises will vary somewhat depending on the diagnosis."

 

Our user responded: "She was diagnosed with mild to moderate cervical spondylitic disease characterized by multilevel endplate disease, degenerative disc disease and anterior spondylitic spurs."

 

Ask a PT Response: "That is alot going on at the neck of your mother! If she has insurance or medicare, it may be a good idea for her to see a physical therapist to have an evaluation performed and a plan of care established. You previously mentioned cervical traction, this is a treatment option for your mother which can be provided by the physical therapist. If there are joint mobility issues, the therapists can also perofrm manual therapy and joint mobilization techniques. Range of motion and stretching exercises can be performed as well. Strengthening exercises such as cervical isometrics are also commonly prescribed by physical therapists. Modalities such as hot pack or ultrasound are also possible treatment options as well to help decrease tissue irritability and promote tissue pliability. I know my answer is not very specific but I definitely think it would be a good idea to see a PT so that your mother can obtain a treatment plan which is tailored specifically to her conditions and needs."