After completing traction for the traction subgroup, which exercise is considered most appropriate?

• A. Abdominal curl
• B. Abdominal draw-in
• C. Prone press-ups
• D. Single knee to chest stretch

Answer: (C)

After traction, the goal is to reintroduce spinal extension in a controlled, low-load way to promote stability and centralize symptoms. Prone press-ups provide a gentle extension stimulus with the patient lying face down, which helps open the anterior disc space and load the lumbar extensors in a safe progression. This supports reducing nerve irritation and rebuilding extension control.

Abdominal curl involves lumbar flexion, which can increase posterior disc pressure and may aggravate symptoms after traction. Abdominal draw-in focuses on activating the deep core with minimal spinal movement, which is helpful for stabilization but doesn’t advance the extension-based progression typically targeted after traction. A single knee to chest stretch also places the spine into flexion, which is generally less favorable soon after traction when extension-based loading is preferred.

So, prone press-ups are the best next step because they start to restore spinal extension and stabilizing control in a safe, progressive way.