Thoracic Distraction (Decompression) Test

Purpose of Test: To identify the impact decompression has on the patient’s symptoms.

Test Position: Long sitting.

Performing the Test: Patient’s arms are crossed. While kneeling or standing behind patient, slip your hands beneath patient’s axillary areas to grasp the patient’s forearms. Lean back, lifting the patient off the table, and dig your hip into the patient’s low back. It is important to lift with your legs and not your back, so that you do not injure yourself.

Diagnostic Accuracy: Unknown.

Importance of Test: As disc height decreases and bone spurs accumulate, the space for nerves to enter and exit the vertebral canal gets smaller. The decreased space can result in greater pressure on the nerve roots, causing pain and weakness. With distraction, the joint space is increased to relieve the pressure on the nerve roots, thus decreasing the symptoms.

Note: tests should only be performed by a properly trained health care practitioner.