Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

What is a contraindication for applying continuous cervical traction?

1. Cervical degenerative disc disease

2. Cervical facet joint dysfunction

3. Cervical nerve root impingement

4. Cervical stenosis

The correct answer is: Cervical stenosis

Continuous cervical traction should generally be avoided in cases of cervical stenosis due to the potential for exacerbating the narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina, which can lead to increased pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. The goal of traction is to relieve pressure and enhance mobility in the cervical spine, but when stenosis is present, traction can create further complications. In cervical stenosis, the space available for the spinal cord and nerve roots is already limited. Applying traction may stretch the surrounding tissues in a way that could worsen the condition, potentially leading to increased pain, neurological symptoms, or additional injury. Therefore, cervical stenosis serves as a clear contraindication for continuous cervical traction. In contrast, conditions such as cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical facet joint dysfunction, and cervical nerve root impingement may actually benefit from traction, as it can help to alleviate symptoms by decompressing structures of the cervical spine. Thus, understanding the specific implications of cervical stenosis is crucial when considering treatment options involving traction.