Hi Sana,

There are three things that come to mind when traction of the lumbar spine produces pain. Quadratus Lumborum, Psoas, and a dural or plexus adhesion/injury. QL and Psoas splinting of the lumbar spine is always a factor when dealing with acute pain. In fact PSOAS IS EVIL and the source of almost all shear injuries in the lumbar spine (IMHO). What I would do in your situation is to simply activate the stretch reflex without lengthening the muscle (as this will cause it to splint the minute the patient attempts to move) in iliacus and psoas. The pain should be decreased after that technique. Now if you would do a traction after that technique is up to you. The less stimulus the lumbar spine receives at this point the better though. If the brain even thinks that there is going to be some kind of unforseen force going through that area, psoas will contract hard and splint the lumbar spine.

QL splinting and dural/plexus injuries and adhesions should be considered only after the psoas release has been attempted because, as I have said before, PSOAS IS EVIL!!!!!!!!!

Adamo