Which statement best describes how to determine traction duration for neck pain?

• A. Begin with continuous traction for 30 minutes
• B. Start with short durations (5–10 minutes) and monitor response; intermittent traction is often used
• C. Begin with 20 minutes and increase by 15-minute increments regardless of response
• D. Use immediate full tolerance traction for 40 minutes

Answer: (B)

When using traction for neck pain, the emphasis is on starting with brief sessions and watching how the patient responds to guide progression. Beginning with short durations, such as 5–10 minutes, lets you assess tolerance and observe changes in pain, muscle tension, and comfort without overloading the neck structures.

Intermittent traction is often preferred because it provides a controlled stretch while allowing periods of rest. This helps reduce muscle guarding, minimizes dizziness or discomfort, and makes it easier to gauge how the patient responds to the traction. If the patient tolerates it well and symptoms improve, you can gradually increase the time or adjust the load, always tailoring to the individual’s response.

Starting with a longer, continuous duration or increasing time regardless of how the patient feels can provoke intolerance or adverse effects, and applying full tolerance for an extended period right away ignores the need to pace treatment. So, beginning with short durations and using intermittent traction with careful monitoring is the safer, more effective approach.