Spinal traction for hernia: what is it and how is it done?

What is spinal traction?

The essence of the technique is to stretch the spine under load , which is created by its own weight or additional loads. The purpose of traction is to eliminate muscle spasms and restore the normal position of displaced vertebrae.

The principle of such treatment has been known for a long time and has undergone many changes that have reduced the negative consequences. Problems may arise when using the method, since intense stretching sometimes causes muscle tears, severe divergence of the vertebrae and an increase in the hernia. But modern hardware technologies make it possible to strictly control loads, which significantly reduces the risk of negative consequences.

What is the effect of this technique? The load directed along the spine increases the gap between the vertebrae, and this leads to the elimination of pinched nerve roots. As a result, pain is relieved, blood circulation and metabolic processes are restored. The compressed disc is gradually released and returns to its normal position. This will not happen if the deformation has already become irreversible.

Stretching the spine involves creating a reverse load, which helps open the vertebrae

An important condition for the successful result of the hood is the gradual increase in exposure .
The process itself consists of several procedures carried out with a slow increase in load. The set of measures includes various manipulations that are performed when stretching a certain part of the spine. Naturally, the hoods of different zones differ significantly.

Symptoms

• Pain (may increase or decrease with walking, physical activity, hypothermia)
• Sensory disturbances: numbness, unpleasant tingling, burning, coldness.
• Motor restrictions
• Visible deformity in the spine
• Reflex muscle tension at the site of injury, followed by muscle atrophy
• Periodic visibility of changes in the spine - lordosis and kyphosis increase, lateral deformation appears - scoliosis.
• Functional changes in the brain and internal organs.
• Change in gait
• Problems with potency in men
• Reduction in volume, “shrinkage” of one of the lower extremities.

Indications and contraindications for use

In case of intervertebral hernia, spinal traction is recommended if:

• The pain syndrome is moderate.
• A herniated disc compresses blood vessels.
• X-ray shows curvature of the spine.
• There are no spasmodic areas, the muscle corset is very weak.

Self-therapy with this method is extremely dangerous; it can provoke a number of irreparable consequences. Even in a medical facility, under the supervision of doctors, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of this procedure. Therefore, having decided to pull out, you need to carefully analyze all the circumstances .

You need to know that there are contraindications to spinal traction . These include:

• There is severe pain in the spine.
• Exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
• Malignant tumor in the spinal cord.
• Heart problems.
• In the presence of liver and kidney diseases.
• Spinal injuries.

In addition, the procedure is not recommended for elderly patients or those who are overweight. Stretching of the spine in this case leads to increased deformation of the vertebrae and an increase in the hernia.

A few words about hernia

Few people have heard of intervertebral hernia, and since the disease is becoming more common, more and more people, turning to a doctor with pain, receive just such a diagnosis. A hernia is a pathology associated with damage to the intervertebral discs. This, one might say, is an acute form of osteochondrosis. When a herniation occurs, the intervertebral disc is damaged, its outer and fairly hard shell ruptures, and through the resulting gap, the softer, gel-like internal contents protrude. This disease is accompanied by severe pain and, under certain circumstances, can lead to disability for the patient.

The disease is also characterized by the development of inflammatory processes and the inability to perform a number of normal activities. As a rule, a hernia is provoked by a lack or excessive amount of physical activity, a long absence of movement (for example, prolonged sitting or standing motionless in one place, etc.), sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, hereditary factors, underdeveloped muscle corset.

Hernia treatment should begin without delay. Otherwise, as a result of compression of the spinal cord roots, there is a high risk of paralysis of parts of the body and problems with the functioning of internal organs.

It is important to remember that you can suspect a hernia quite early - at the first sign of pain, it is important to see a doctor. And the earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of coping with the pathology faster and easier.

Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs to relieve inflammation, analgesic drugs to eliminate pain. Taking vitamins and a number of other medications that improve the nutrition of the tissues of the spinal column.

Giving up bad habits, including foods that are good for the musculoskeletal system in the menu. Weight control.

Elimination of excessive physical activity. Exercise therapy classes. Spinal stretching exercises.

Acupuncture, electrophoresis and so on. Any procedures recommended by a doctor.

Advantages and disadvantages

There is no clear opinion about the effectiveness of treating the spine using the traction method, despite positive reviews from patients.

But if the procedure is carried out by an experienced instructor, then the risk is minimal.

Video: “Proper traction of the spine during hernia”

A few words about hernia

Few people have heard of intervertebral hernia, and since the disease is becoming more common, more and more people, turning to a doctor with pain, receive just such a diagnosis. A hernia is a pathology associated with damage to the intervertebral discs. This, one might say, is an acute form of osteochondrosis. When a herniation occurs, the intervertebral disc is damaged, its outer and fairly hard shell ruptures, and through the resulting gap, the softer, gel-like internal contents protrude. This disease is accompanied by severe pain and, under certain circumstances, can lead to disability for the patient.

We advise you to study - Exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis

A herniated disc is the displacement of part of a deformed intervertebral disc.

The disease is also characterized by the development of inflammatory processes and the inability to perform a number of normal activities. As a rule, a hernia is provoked by a lack or excessive amount of physical activity, a long absence of movement (for example, prolonged sitting or standing motionless in one place, etc.), sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, hereditary factors, underdeveloped muscle corset.

Symptoms of a herniated disc

Hernia needs immediate treatment

Table. Methods used for treatment.

Types of traction

There are various ways to stretch the spine. The type of traction is selected individually.

Basically, clinics only have equipment for dry spinal traction . There are special simulators with attachments for the procedure. Straps and cables are attached to the patient, smoothly stretching the body in different directions.

The tension is weak, but still helps to reduce muscle tension and increase the distance between the vertebrae . The necessary load, which is attached to the tension cables, has its own specific mass. Before the procedure, the simulator used is adjusted, taking into account the diagnosis and doctor’s indications.

The duration of the procedure is no more than 1 hour . The patient sometimes experiences discomfort, but without pain.

Dry traction of the spine is performed by qualified specialists, having previously studied the patient’s condition and his individual characteristics. This method, in combination with other treatment methods, will be most effective, even if there is severe loss of vertebral mobility. By the way, the method is used only in a hospital .

Horizontal

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Horizontal stretching is performed on an inclined plane of 25 degrees

With this type of traction, the procedure is performed on an inclined plane . One method involves treatment on a board or couch, elevated 25 degrees on the side where the head is located. The patient is fixed with soft rings that are threaded into the armpits. The session lasts from 20 minutes to 1 hour. The general course of treatment lasts 20 sessions.

Another method of traction is performed in a horizontal position. The patient lies on his stomach, and the table is raised in the leg area. The loops are attached to the ankle joints. The duration of the procedure is no more than 30 minutes. There are 15 sessions .

This method is usually used for lumbar hernia, but is prohibited for heart disease. This traction is recommended for young people.

Vertical

There are several methods. The method of Yumashev and Popelyansky , used for cervical hernia, is especially popular. The procedure is done on a special chair using a Glisson loop.

The vertical method is used to stretch the cervical spine

A vertical stand about 190 cm long is fixed to the chair, on which another bar in the form of a rocker arm (length about 50 cm) is fixed. At the ends of this bar there are blocks with a cable thrown over them, which is connected to a loop and a load. Slight flexion of the neck causes tension.

To prevent the neck from straightening, instead of a Glisson loop, a special clamp made of dense fabric is used for the back of the head and a loop for the jaw. The weight of the load increases gradually.

underwater

This type of traction is a new technique for the treatment and prevention of spinal pathologies . But thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness, it has gained great popularity.

The success of water traction lies in the fact that warm water and light load relax the muscles, accelerate blood flow and increase the area between the vertebrae . Most often, such traction is used to treat a hernia. It will not be possible to completely eliminate this muscle block without the use of mechanical methods. Medicines are powerless, and underwater extract copes with this task perfectly.

With the help of water, you can better relax your back muscles, which improves the effectiveness of traction

There is another mechanism for the healing effects of traction. When the vertebrae are stretched, a vacuum effect occurs in the disc area, and according to physical laws, this causes the hernial protrusion to be pulled back into the disc . After a course of stretching, the intervertebral hernia is significantly reduced.

Water traction is done using two methods : vertically and horizontally.

With vertical traction, the procedure is performed in a pool about 2.5 meters deep. The patient is secured with straps to a special vertical stand and lowered up to his neck into water. If necessary, additional weights are suspended from the legs.

Horizontal traction is carried out in special baths on a shield, which is placed in the water at an angle (the larger it is, the more intense the load). The patient's head is attached to the top of the shield, while the legs are free.

There are two modes for underwater traction:

1. Continuous. Traction occurs throughout the entire session.
2. Variable. Extension alternates with relaxation according to a given program.

Scheme of the procedure

The water temperature is not higher than 35 degrees . First, the patient simply stands in the water for about 5 minutes to calm down and relax the muscles. Then the patient is secured on a frame or shield. The first procedures are carried out without additional loads. The session lasts about 6 minutes.

Over time, with each new procedure, the load is increased by 2 kg , and the stay in water is increased by 1 minute. For men, the maximum load is increased to 18 kg, and for women to 10 kg. In the middle of the course, the load begins to be reduced, following the reverse order. The full course is 12 sessions.

After the procedure, you still need to stay in the water for 5 minutes . Then a gradual rise from the water is carried out. After stretching, you need to lie down on a hard surface for about 1 hour and then you can get up. Please note that it is imperative to secure the spine with a corset or elastic bandage.

Pay attention to what types of physical activity have the effect of spinal traction:

• Indications and contraindications for the use of underwater spinal traction
• You can learn how to properly exercise on the horizontal bar with a herniated disc here
• About the rules for doing water aerobics for a herniated disc on the page

Carrying out the procedure

During treatment, you must strictly follow medical recommendations, for example, restrictions on physical activity. Your doctor may also advise you to stop taking certain medications.

Treatment is carried out using different methods depending on what type of spinal traction is prescribed to the patient. However, in any case, the session can always be stopped, for example, if a person feels unbearable back pain. So, with a hardware hood, an alarm button is provided at hand. If you press it, dry traction stops.

It is worth considering that during spinal traction, you may feel a moderate increase in back pain. This is not something to be afraid of. Such sensations mean that during traction the intervertebral discs are unloaded, increasing in size, so they begin to put slight pressure on the nerve endings. Such reactions during hoods are observed in about a quarter of patients, but quickly go away on their own.

Self-traction at home

If you have a lumbar hernia, you can stretch the spine at home. But before starting self-therapy, you need to consult a specialist to determine the state of the body and develop a set of exercises.

You can hang a horizontal bar in your apartment and hang on it for 5 minutes several times a day.

A special gymnastic complex will help stretch the ligaments of the spinal column and move the vertebrae apart.:

1. Position: lying on the floor, arms along the body. You should pull your knees up to your chin one by one. Make 10 movements with each leg.
2. Lie down on the floor. Pull your feet towards your buttocks. Wrap your hands around your knees and tilt your head towards them. Fix the pose. At least 3 repetitions are done.
3. Standing position. Raise your arms up and pull each one in turn to its maximum height. Do 10 repetitions.

Pain is not allowed during gymnastics . The number of repetitions should not be exceeded.

It is advisable to exercise daily. The effect will be noticeable after 3 weeks of training.

Video: “Underwater spinal traction”

Exercises on the horizontal bar

To achieve a stretching effect, exercises on a horizontal bar or crossbar, which can be installed at home, are excellent. To get rid of the disease, 1-2 approaches per day will be enough. You should not suddenly jump off and climb onto the bar, so as not to further injure your spine. The horizontal bar should be located low enough, at a distance of arms outstretched.

1. So, to get rid of a hernia, hanging on a horizontal bar is perfect. To complete the task, grab the bar with a forward or reverse grip, alternating the method of your position. You should be in this position for 10 to 30 seconds.
2. The next exercise is a corner. When performing a hang, carefully lift your legs to a 90° angle. If this method is difficult for you, you can bend your knees. In addition to the fact that this task helps straighten the spinal column, you can become the owner of excellent abs, because the abdominal muscles are also involved.
3. Pull-ups are one of the most effective exercises. At first, do your workouts using a stool. In this way, the spine is stretched with little support on the legs. It will be possible to switch to full-fledged exercises only after a year. Muscles stretch for a very long time, so the results will not be visible immediately.