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Dry spinal traction is one of two therapeutic traction options that is in high demand. This popularity is explained by the fact that less equipment has to be used to complete the plan, and the preparatory stage is shortened.
The main objective of the technique is to help with compression syndrome of almost any type. Manipulation copes well with complex pathological conditions associated with destabilization of the activity of the vertebral discs, as well as with single diseases.
Most often, doctors send for traction treatment of patients who have severe muscle spasms, as well as deviations in terms of pressure indicators inside the vertebral discs. No less often, the procedure is prescribed as an effective remedy for eliminating a pronounced pain syndrome with hernias and protrusions.
If the patient has pain impulses that come from the side of the spinal column, then this disrupts the usual motor activity. Dry traction on the table successfully neutralizes these negative manifestations. This happens due to the fact that during traction, the distance between the vertebrae and joints increases, further expanding the holes between them.
The method compares favorably with analogues in that it is a harmless aid, which is based on stretching the main “pillar” of the body evenly.
To increase the effectiveness, doctors resort to auxiliary tools in the form of special installations that help to work out the cervical region well, and then other areas in turn.
Indication for appointment
Numerous reviews of satisfied patients confirm that the method bears fruit if you strictly follow the medical instructions from the very beginning, and also adhere to the rules of correct rehabilitation.
Before the doctor issues a referral to the diagnostic room, the patient must undergo numerous clinical studies. It’s not just about the standard x-ray. Often this is not enough, so imaging with an MRI or computed tomography will be required.
It is necessary to take into account the presence of chronic diseases in the patient, as well as information from the medical record, individual characteristics of the body, and the results of other tests. To sign up for a cycle of sessions, the patient must have officially confirmed one of the following diagnoses:
- osteochondrosis;
- scoliosis;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- post-traumatic back pain;
- neuralgia from infringement of the nerve roots;
- hernia with localization in the intervertebral space.
Also, indications for referral for treatment can be pronounced pain in the back, regardless of the specific department, as well as headaches. Weakness in the lower and upper extremities, insomnia and memory impairment for unknown reasons can also become additional arguments in favor of issuing permission to undergo therapy.
The risk group included people of certain professions:
- athletes;
- drivers;
- office workers, seamstresses, shoemakers who spend more than two hours a day without a break in sedentary work.
Manipulation is prescribed for those who are at the stage of recovery after a recent operation on the musculoskeletal system. With its help, it will even be possible to smoothly restore the performance of joints and muscles after a long period, accompanied by low physical activity, mobility of body parts.
Features of the dry approach
In most medical centers, the traction service is carried out only on a dry basis, which is explained by the presence of this type of equipment. The simulator for performing stretching tasks is a special couch or chair with thematic attachments for the convenience of a person.
During the preparatory stage, cables and straps are attached to the patient, which are designed to stretch the body in different directions, but very smoothly. If you do everything in jerks, without having the proper tools, you can only achieve muscle or joint ruptures associated with severe pain.
During the procedure, the tension force remains relatively small. This helps to weaken the tension of the muscle fibers, followed by an increase in the space between the vertebrae.
To achieve greater efficiency, experts suggest using a separate cargo. Its weight is determined in each case individually, based on the current state of the patient admitted to the hospital. Because of this, the medical staff will rebuild the simulator each time before visiting the next patient, based on his testimony.
The duration of the intervention should not exceed more than one hour. A feeling of some discomfort is allowed, but if the patient is haunted by pronounced pain, then this is a sign of an incorrectly configured simulator.
Usually, traction is prescribed as a whole course, since a single visit will not show much progress. The exact number of visits will be announced by the attending doctor, who will take into account all the features of his patient.
After the end of each intervention, the person must remain motionless for some time, and then put on a special support belt. Some ordinary people try to use belts for professional athletes lifting a large load instead of a medical corset. But, despite some similarity, the functional responsibilities assigned to them are different.
Traction classification
There are two types of dry traction. They differ in the position of the person and include the following categories:
- horizontal;
- vertical.
The first point involves being on an inclined surface or in a hammock position. And with the vertical version, preference is given to the direction from top to bottom, or from bottom to top. In most cases, doctors insist on the use of an auxiliary load, the weight of which will vary depending on the number of sessions completed.
When a patient has problems with the development of osteochondrosis with localization in the cervical region, relatively small loads are attracted. But if the lesion is located in the lumbar or sacral region, then it is allowed to attract heavier loads with an eye to the current state.
The most common stretching scheme is the following algorithm:
- for the main tool they take the Glisson loop;
- a stand is mounted to the back of the chair in a vertical position, the length of which reaches 190 cm;
- a bar is added to the rack, but already in a horizontal position, the installation becomes similar to a rocker;
- the front of the plank is about 35cm;
- blocks are attached on both sides of the bar, throwing a cable over them;
- one end of the cable is connected to the Glisson loop, and the other end is attached to the load.
Tension is maintained by slight flexion of the spine at the neck. Stretching the neck is strictly prohibited. If it is not possible to independently control the process, then the medical staff will give the victim a special fixator for the back of the head. It is made of dense canvas fabric, taking care of the presence of a jaw loop.
Integrated approach and contraindications
One of the most controversial points when using dry traction is the need to combine the procedure with some other treatment options. Previously, many doctors stood on the fact that traction is sufficient as an independent treatment program, but now the strategy has changed. Experts insist on an integrated approach, which will feature drug therapy.
It is also impossible to avoid rehabilitation, which involves wearing a special corset, developing muscles, as well as visiting physiotherapy exercises.
If you trust a true professional, then after a few sessions you will feel a significant improvement in well-being. A positive effect of therapy is also observed in the presence of symptoms characteristic of nerve infringement.
The therapy additionally has a positive effect in improving blood circulation in the affected area. Thus, it turns out to achieve a significant acceleration of tissue regeneration, as well as the neutralization of muscle hypertonicity. The spine is returned to normal mobility.
But in order to get all the positive effects voiced, you must first make sure that there are no contraindications. The main of them are recognized as the acute stage of the course of the disease, as well as a violation of the spinal circulation. It will be dangerous to carry out if the patient has previously been diagnosed with osteoporosis, instability of the vertebrae.
Among other prohibitions, inflammatory processes are distinguished, and the location of their focus does not play a significant role. The same applies to detected oncological neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature with metastases.
Traction is not carried out if the victim has ailments in terms of the skin, urolithiasis, or the activity of the cardiovascular system is destabilized. A pacemaker is also a contraindication.
A relative contraindication is epilepsy. If the disease is compensated, there have been no attacks for a long time, then the procedure is possible.
With hernias of the spine, there is a danger of aggravating the condition. Possible fractures, displacement of fragments. With large hernias, traction is not performed.
Separately, you need to pay attention to your well-being during interventions. If the pain worsens, you should immediately contact your doctor.