Patients with back problems may hear about a term like traction therapy, but not everyone knows what it is. But this is an effective tool for stretching the spine. And the need for this arises in a large number of people around the world. Stretching is done only on special equipment and only under the close supervision of doctors.
But what is this therapy and what is its essence? Is there any use or is it all a myth? Matters that require litigation. And let's start with the essence.
What is the essence of therapy?
The spine of any person is a holistic system, conditionally divided into main sections:
- cervical;
- thoracic;
- lumbar;
- sacral.
All this is formed by 33-35 separate bones called vertebrae. In the normal state, they have relatively little mobility relative to each other. The distance between the vertebrae is also within normal limits. Thanks to this, in fact, we can bend forward or backward, as well as rotate the body, lift weights and make other movements.
But under certain circumstances, the vertebrae begin to shift, due to various factors that can conditionally be divided into two groups:
- Long-term exposure - improper weight lifting, maintaining a sedentary lifestyle.
- Instant factors - getting injured (fractures, bruises, dislocations and other cases).
The result of this displacement of the vertebrae is their compression with each other, which affects the intervertebral discs. Now we smoothly approached the main question - what is the essence of the mentioned treatment? From Latin extensio means “pull” or “drag”. This, in fact, is the basis of therapy - stretching the spinal column contributes to the return of bones to their normal and natural position.
The benefits of traction therapy for the spine
A similar technique for the treatment of the spine has significant and invaluable benefits.
- Significantly increases the distance between the vertebrae, changed under the influence of various factors (pathological condition, trauma).
- An effective method of combating vertebral hernias - the discs no longer exert excessive pressure from the vertebrae. As a result, their destruction is prevented.
- Posture improves - as a result of correction of vertebral displacement, the entire spinal column is brought into a normal physiological state.
- The state of the vessels that supply the bones with nutrition along the entire length of the spine improves.
- Due to the influx of blood, as well as due to the improvement of the metabolism process, bone tissue is restored, which eliminates puffiness.
In the Russian Federation, traction therapy has been used for more than 50 years. This non-surgical technique helps prevent most diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Certain contradictions
Despite the above arguments, as well as on different types of spinal stretch marks, such therapy has supporters and opponents. Moreover, even modern specialists still can not agree on the benefits and harms of traction treatment.
At the same time, the majority of patients who have already completed a wellness course note positive trends, thereby proving the effectiveness of the procedure.
But, despite this, the opinion regarding this method of solving problems with the back is still ambiguous. All these pros and cons of spinal traction are mainly due to the following explanation. Just blindly performing the procedure is clearly not enough, because it is necessary to take into account the individual structural features of the skeletal structures of the patient. Also, one cannot do without constant monitoring of the state of this important part of the back, which implies the use of X-rays and MRI.
You should not ignore all this and independently prescribe yourself such a course of therapy - the result can be exactly the opposite. And instead of benefit, harm will be done, and its severity will directly depend on the condition of the spine at the time of its extraction.
Risk group
Some people may be at risk, which is formed by the following factors:
- Patients who suffer from osteochondrosis.
- Severe injury.
- Age over 50 years.
- Recovery period after back surgery.
Due to the too active stretching of the spinal column, which is typical in the case of the use of an inversion table for the spine, tissue of the discs separating the vertebrae will inevitably be injured. These gaps are microscopic and invisible - while a person does not experience any pain. But at the same time, over time, their character intensifies, which negatively affects the integrity of the intervertebral disc.
If the case is quite neglected, then a hernia simply cannot be avoided. In such a situation, the fibrous ring (membrane) is completely destroyed. The consequences of such a pathological condition can be eliminated only by surgical intervention.
In other words, before deciding to draw the spine, it is imperative to consult a specialist. And even more so, one should not rely on advertising alone, which can always guarantee only a positive and effective result.
Indications for traction therapy
It was stated above that spinal traction should be carried out in accordance with the individual characteristics of the patient. And now we are smoothly moving to the one to whom such a procedure is shown:
- hernia of intervertebral discs (not all varieties);
- pain syndrome of a neuralgic nature;
- fractures
- three-plane spinal deformity (scoliosis);
- fibrous ring crack;
- ankylosing spondylitis in the initial stage of development;
- spondylarthrosis of the cervical spine.
- degenerative processes in the spine against the background of the course of osteochondrosis (dorsalgia and other discomfort).
That is, such a procedure will be useful to people who have diseases in relation to the bone structure. But can the question of how to cure a hernia of the spine be resolved? The answer in this case will be positive. There are several ways to do this, which will be discussed a bit later.
Moreover, the traction technique has one important advantage, which is to increase the distance between the vertebrae. Any other procedure does not have this effect.
Therapeutic gymnastics can only increase the flexibility of the spine, contributes to the activation of blood supply in relation to problem areas. But at the same time, with exercises alone, it is impossible to return the bones to their original position.
Contraindications to therapy
However, along with the indications, there are certain situations where even this type of wellness therapy can only do harm instead of benefit. Moreover, regardless of which apparatus for spinal traction is used. These include factors such as:
- Foraminal or sequestered type of hernia.
- Inflammation.
- Osteoporosis.
- Obesity.
- Violation of the functionality of the blood supply to the spinal cord.
- The presence of neoplasms.
- Exacerbation of any pathology of a chronic form.
- Malignant tumor of any part of the body.
- Predisposition to bleeding.
In addition, it is highly undesirable to carry out such a procedure for pregnant women and children. Neglect of these cases can lead to serious complications. For this reason, the importance of a preliminary examination of the patient should not be underestimated.
Methods for drawing the spine
There are several ways to stretch the spine. But skeletal traction is often used when it is stretched along its height. There are two main types: vertical and horizontal stretching. In the first case, the patient’s lower back is fixed, as well as the head and shoulders, while the body is pulled in the opposite direction. In the vertical method, the patient is in a supine position on an inclined surface, and the spine is stretched due to its own weight.
But here it is worth taking into account one more important point, which, without a doubt, will interest everyone who is interested in getting rid of problems with the back or neck: how many times a week do spinal traction?
But regardless of this, the traction technique for treating the spine is carried out using special surfaces and often with additional devices.
Features of dry spine extraction
In this case, a special table or couch is used, and it is possible to be in a lying position not only on the stomach, but also on the back. Depending on the location of the disease, different parts of the body are fixed with straps:
- If the problem affects the cervical region - the head.
- Pathological conditions of the thoracic region - shoulders and chest.
- With pathology of the lumbar region - the lower part of the body.
After fixing the patient on a traction table, special weights are attached to the belts, it is under their influence that the spine is gradually stretched. The mass of these cargoes is calculated for each patient individually and, during the course of the treatment course, it increases to the necessary limit. As for the duration of the procedure, it ranges from 30 to 40 minutes, but sometimes it can last up to 2 hours.
Therapy helps to improve the flow of blood and lymph directly to the affected area - the neck, vertebrae of the chest or lumbar. In addition, additional nutrition with micronutrients (including oxygen) of the muscles is carried out. Due to this, the tone is naturally normalized.
In order to increase the effectiveness of treatment when using a traction table, it is necessary to lie in the same position for 30 minutes immediately after the procedure, but not less. On the same day, you should wear a special compress and avoid physical stress (exercises are also contraindicated).
Water element
This type of therapy refers to a passive technique for stretching the spine. Due to its simplicity and effectiveness, it has gained great popularity, and recently, an increasing number of people began to trust her.
The essence of the technique is an integrated approach to patients. That is, stretching of the spine occurs under the influence of simple or enriched with mineral salts of water in combination with a person’s own weight. All this helps to improve blood flow throughout the body and nutrition of bone tissue of the intervertebral discs.
To the services of all those in need, there are entire motels with underwater traction of the spine. And in most cases, such water procedures are prescribed as a warning or treatment of an intervertebral hernia, which occurs as a result of ongoing pathological changes. The process of its formation is due to the increased tension of the fibers of the connective tissues of the disk capsules due to the large load from the vertebrae.
Excessive mobility of the bones causes the muscles to contract more strongly, which is a protective reaction of the body. At the same time, there is too much pressure on the intervertebral discs, as a result of which the disc capsule cannot cope with such a load. As a result, a hernia.
You can only remove muscle blockage by force. After all, it is necessary to bring them into a relaxed state, which is impossible to accomplish with the help of medications. Underwater traction perfectly copes with this task.
Moreover, in a sanatorium with underwater traction of the spine, water is saturated with special minerals, which contributes to effective treatment.
Using a special apparatus
The previous technique is good, but in its own way. If you want to quickly achieve the desired result, you should use the services of hardware therapy. In this case, not only is the effect on the spine, but also there is a massage and vibrational effect on its different departments.
For this purpose, a variety of equipment is used:
- Stationary devices - they, as a rule, have large dimensions, which allows them to be used in a hospital environment of a specialized institution or clinic. In this case, the procedure is carried out in a fully automated mode, but under the close supervision of a specialist.
- Small-sized devices - due to their size, they can just be used at home. The apparatus for spinal traction “Panacea” is very popular. With it, you can carry out the procedure in a horizontal position.
- System simulator NT-01 - in addition to stretching the spine, the device allows you to strengthen your back muscles. Contraindication for its use is chronic hypertension.
- Autogravity simulator “Gravitrin” - as its name implies, the spine is pulled by the weight of the patient. Heated and vibration models are available. They help strengthen the muscle tissue of the back and increase blood flow in problem areas.
But here it is worth clarifying one important point - independent purchase and use of the device can do nothing but harm. In this regard, it is necessary to obtain qualified advice from a specialist.
Only an experienced doctor is able to make the correct diagnosis and recommend the optimal course of treatment. It's time to find out information about the Glisson loop, the reviews of which are promising.
Glisson loop
Another effective way to stretch the spine, which is recommended for use in certain circumstances:
- osteochondrosis;
- the presence of compression of the intervertebral disc;
- the rigidity of the deep cervical muscles;
- hernia;
- protrusion of the vertebral discs of the cervical spine;
- vertebral deformity (bulging and subluxations).
With these conditions, the Glisson loop allows you to not only stop the pain syndrome. In this case, a positive effect on the susceptibility of the environment, organs of vision, memory. And this applies not only to the cervical spine, but also to its other areas (chest, lower back).
As many reviews of Glisson's loop from experts testify, the technique actually has high efficiency. Due to this, it was widely used, not only as a health-improving course, but also in physiotherapy exercises.
The Glisson loop is especially effective in cases of deformity of the cervical spine, as well as when pinched nerve roots, not to mention inter-disc hernias. The device helps to relax the muscle system, restore flexibility and mobility of the body.
In addition, numerous reviews note positive trends in the elimination of spasms of the cervical muscle tissue.
Inversion table
The question about how to cure a hernia of the spine was mentioned above, and now it is the turn to get acquainted with an effective means to eliminate this problem. Intervertebral hernia is a fairly common disease of the human musculoskeletal system. However, in most cases, the problem affects the lumbosacral spine. The reasons for its appearance may be different situations:
- Sharp and strong movements.
- Under the influence of heavy physical exertion.
- Being in one position for a long period of time.
In fact, the inversion table is a special type of simulator used to treat pathological conditions of the spinal column. In this case, the patient in the course of therapy is in the upside down position. At the same time, the spine is extended along with an increase in the distance of the intervertebral discs.
In other words, it looks more like a special worktop that can take on a different angle of inclination. The inversion table for the spine is equipped with leg mounts and handrails to maintain balance. The duration of the procedure is up to 10 minutes. spend it daily. In this case, every day you should change the angle of inclination, starting with the smallest and gradually bringing it to a position upside down.
Effective inversion table exercises
In addition to simply hanging upside down, you can perform simple exercises on the simulator:
- Being upside down, try to pull up the hips and buttocks. In the case when this is impossible to do, bending of the legs at the knees is allowed.
- Having fixed the legs, you should raise the upper part of the body by a third. Hands can be placed under the head or put on the chest.
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