Which of the following statements about the distraction test is correct?

• A. It narrows the intervertebral foramina and worsens symptoms
• B. It increases nerve root compression
• C. It reduces vascular flow to the cord
• D. It reduces nerve root compression and pain improves, supporting radiculopathy

Answer: (D)

Distraction (traction) testing looks at whether nerve root irritation is coming from compression in the foramina. By gently pulling the spine apart, the spaces where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal open up, reducing contact and pressure on those roots. If this maneuver relieves the patient’s radicular pain, it strongly suggests radiculopathy due to nerve-root compression, because the symptoms improve when the compression is mechanically reduced. It doesn’t narrow the foramina or increase compression; nor does it affect blood flow to the cord. So the description that best fits what the distraction test does and what a positive result means is that it reduces nerve root compression and pain improves, supporting radiculopathy.