What muscles are used when using vertical traction?

Muscles used during cervical vertical traction:

* Trapezius: The trapezius muscle is a large, superficial muscle that runs from the base of the skull to the middle of the back. It is responsible for elevating and rotating the scapulae (shoulder blades) and for extending and rotating the head.

* Levator scapulae: The levator scapulae muscle is a thin, strap-like muscle that runs from the base of the skull to the superior angle of the scapula. It is responsible for elevating the scapula.

* Splenius capitis: The splenius capitis muscle is a thick, triangular muscle that runs from the base of the skull to the spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae. It is responsible for extending and rotating the head.

* Splenius cervicis: The splenius cervicis muscle is a thin, strap-like muscle that runs from the spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. It is responsible for extending and rotating the neck.

* Semispinalis capitis: The semispinalis capitis muscle is a thick, triangular muscle that runs from the spinous processes of the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae to the base of the skull. It is responsible for extending and rotating the head.

* Semispinalis cervicis: The semispinalis cervicis muscle is a thin, strap-like muscle that runs from the spinous processes of the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. It is responsible for extending and rotating the neck.

* Multifidus: The multifidus muscle is a deep, segmented muscle that runs from the sacrum to the base of the skull. It is responsible for extending and rotating the spine.

* Erector spinae: The erector spinae muscle is a large, superficial muscle that runs from the sacrum to the base of the skull. It is responsible for extending and rotating the spine.

* Obliques: The oblique muscles are a pair of muscles that run from the rib cage to the pelvis. They are responsible for rotating and bending the torso.

* Transverse abdominis: The transverse abdominis muscle is a deep, flat muscle that runs across the abdomen. It is responsible for compressing the abdomen and stabilizing the spine.