• David Shahar and Sayers Mark G L MGL.
• School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia.
• Spine. 2019 Apr 1; 44 (7): 447-453.

Study DesignNon-controlled clinical trial.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of a simple home spinal traction device on sagittal cranio-cervical posture and related symptoms.Summary Of Background DataForward head protraction (FHP) and cranio-cervical malalignment were shown to be consequential in the development adverse musculoskeletal radiographic findings and symptoms in that region.MethodsParticipants (n = 13, 18-36-year-old) were drawn from a mildly symptomatic population, all presented with cranio-cervical malalignment and considerable FHP. Participants used a simple home spinal traction device for 12 weeks, 10 min/d. Sagittal cervical radiographs and the SF36 health survey were obtained pre/post intervention and guideline compliance was recorded. Radiographic evaluation included typical measurements of sagittal cranio-cervical alignment and FHP (e.g., atlas plane line, vertical axis line, sagittal cranial angle, absolute rotation angle). Standard paired samples t tests, chi-squared, and effect size analyses were used to assess pre- and post-intervention changes.ResultsEach of the key radiographic variables recorded significant moderate to very large positive changes as a result of the intervention. Similarly, Chi-squared analyses indicated that saggital cervical spine configuration tended to become more lordotic (P = 0.007), with four participants shifting from a kyphotic to a lordotic presentation. SF36 health survey data demonstrated mostly significant positive changes throughout all tested domains, and moderate positive changes were recorded across all radiographic cranio-cervical mesured paramenters (e.g., decreased FHP, increased cervical lordosis, and cranial extention). Participants indicated high level of protocol compliance.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that the unsupervised daily use of a simple home spinal traction device (Thoracic Pillow) proved effective in bringing positive plastic changes to the sagittal cranio-cervical alignment and reduction in symptoms in the tested population during a short intervention period.Level Of Evidence3.

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