Underwater extension of the spine: description of the procedure, contraindications, effectiveness and feedback

Today, many people face diseases of the spine. They perfectly know how unpleasant and painful these pathologies are. To combat such ailments, many methods are used, one of which is traction, or, scientifically, traction. There are irrefutable facts that indicate that such procedures have been carried out for more than two hundred years. They provide an excellent result. However, along with such facts, there are other data. They testify that such treatment does not always give a positive result. There were cases when tractions were conducted without proper involvement of professionals, and the results were very sad.

Consider the underwater extension of the spine. What is the essence of the method, under what diseases it will bring the maximum effect. In addition, we will disassemble, at what illnesses it is necessary to refuse extension.

The essence of the procedure

Underwater traction of the spine is a stretching of the vertebrae under the patient's own weight. Sometimes, for better traction, we also use additional loads. If necessary, the procedure can include manual intervention.

There are several methods of stretching. A trajectory can be:

• Dry or underwater;
• Horizontal or vertical;
• With vibration or with warming.

But, despite the variety of methods, the essence of the procedure is the same: stretching the vertebrae. This allows you to remove spasm in the muscles, reduce pain, return the discs in place.

How does the procedure work?

Underwater spinal traction is performed as follows:

1. The patient is securely fixed with special fasteners (straps) on the stand in the form of a platform.
2. Then the person with the whole structure is lowered into a pool filled with water, or into a deep bath.
3. The belts start to stretch. Due to this effect, stretching appears.
4. The pressure on the intervertebral discs is significantly reduced. At this point, the spine looks like a straight spring.

Underwater traction of the spine is used to treat a variety of different pathologies associated, one way or another, with human bones (fractures, hernias, osteochondrosis, rheumatoid arthritis).

Efficacy of the procedure

However, in medicine this method of treatment causes many conflicting opinions. More than one generation of scientists and doctors are arguing on this issue. Some doctors are sure that the process of stretching the spine provides nerve compression, relieves pain. Other doctors argue that traction is not capable of eliminating the cause of the pathology. After all, traction can not change the destructive processes occurring in the bone system.

In addition, doctors emphasize that underwater spinal traction sometimes leads to quite serious complications:

• Intervertebral hernia;
• Microfractures of muscles;
• Lumbago.

By the number of negative consequences this method of treatment is equated to manual therapy. The question arises: is this procedure effective or harmful?

No matter how much controversy on this score, one can not disagree with the positive effect of traction on the body. The procedure providing stretching of the spine, provides the muscles of the back with elasticity. Therefore, the vertebral column as a whole becomes stronger.

To achieve positive results from this therapy, it is necessary to make a lot of efforts. And you should start by finding a good specialist. It is very important that the stretching takes place under the control of a competent doctor. It is he who will carefully study your pathology and choose the proper treatment method. The effectiveness of this procedure depends on this.

When this technique is used

Initially it should be remembered that only the doctor can prescribe these measures, having carefully studied the examinations.

Most often, under the following pathologies, underwater spinal traction is recommended:

• With a hernia;
• Osteochondrosis;
• Spondylosis of the deforming species;
• Lumbulgia;
• Radicular compression;
• Kyphoscoliosis;
• The initial stages of Bekhterev's disease;
• Lumboishialgia, which caused limited movement and worsened flexibility;
• Compression radiculopathy.

Contraindications to therapy

Like any medical procedure, spinal traction has a number of limitations. Failure to do so or ignoring them can seriously harm the body, and sometimes even lead to disability. That is why it is necessary to remind once again, initially consult with an experienced doctor, and only after his approval, consider the underwater extension of the spine.

Contraindications to this procedure:

• Disorders of cerebrospinal circulation;
• osteoporosis;
• Instability of the spine in the patient;
• Sequestered hernias ;
• Spinal inflammatory syndromes (epiduritis cicatricial or arachnoiditis);
• Pathologies in acute form, accompanied by severe pain;
• Fractures of the spine;
• Overweight (over 100 kg) and elderly age (over 60 years);
• Poor tolerance of traction (the procedure leads to increased pain);
• Rehabilitation after laminectomy;
• Bans for balneotherapy and hydrotherapy (for tuberculosis spondylitis, cardiopulmonary decompensation, tumors of the spine or spinal cord, predisposition to bleeding, skin diseases).

Underwater traction can occur in two ways:

• In a horizontal position;
• In the vertical.

Let's consider both options.

Horizontal Extension

This method is recommended by many specialists. After all, it allows you to get excellent results by changing the load. Underwater-horizontal spinal traction, unlike other methods, is the safest procedure.

To apply this therapy patients are placed on a platform in the bathroom that is moving. The upper part of the body is fastened with belts, and weighting is hung on the lumbar region. Then, the bottom of the platform is lowered slightly (at an angle of 15-30 degrees).

Stretching in vertical position

This method is not suitable for all patients. Underwater vertical spinal traction is a more intensive procedure.

It takes place in large pools. In addition, the patient no longer lies, but is in an upright position. This procedure fixes only the upper part of the body. The head is also fixed with the help of a reliable head-holder. Legs with vertical extension should not touch the bottom of the pool.

The waist and the hip area are worn with special belts, on which the loads are placed. Weight weighting is selected by the doctor and can vary from 2 kg to 20. This method is good because it allows you to pull the entire spine. Within 20-40 minutes, while the procedure lasts, the patient can not move. After all, reliable attachments hold down any movement.

This method is almost never used in practice. After all, it is based on a rough selection of cargo. In addition, with this method it is quite difficult to influence precisely the area that needs such an extension.

Recommendations depending on the disease

In addition to vertical and horizontal stretching, the procedure can be intense or gentle. The choice depends on how severe the pain is, at what stage the disease is. The correct diagnosis is very important here.

Distinctive features:

1. Gentle method. It is a stretch that occurs under the action of its own body weight. Additional loads in this method do not apply.
2. Intensive method. If you need a stronger pull, then the procedure includes loads (from 2.5 kg). The weight of the load depends on the weight of the patient. This increases the session time - up to 40 minutes.

If there are concomitant diseases, such as a violation of venous circulation, the doctor can prescribe a special complex of underwater spinal traction, supplemented with baths with sodium chloride. When radiculopathy is recommended, hydrogen sulphide or turpentine. And if you suffer from acute pain, then you will appoint a bath with joy.

To improve the effectiveness of the method, it is often combined with a hydromassage. This greatly improves the therapeutic effect.

The peculiarity of the curative effect

What is the essence of the therapeutic effect of this procedure? The whole secret lies in water, or rather, at a certain temperature. It is very important that it is 36-37 C. It is at this temperature that you can achieve the necessary effect, which will help in the fight against the disease.

The bath of underwater extension of the spine, the water in which it reaches the above mentioned indices, provides such effects:

• Reduces muscle tone;
• Reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings in the spine;
• The spaces between the disks become larger;
• Expands the holes through which the nerve endings of the spinal cord pass;
• Relaxes the muscles, due to this the pain subsides;
• Eliminates spasms.

So, gradually, the necessary ratio between the vertebrae is restored, the disc is unloaded, the pressure is reduced and, of course, the spinal root is released.

Cost of procedures

Unfortunately, it can not be called a cheap procedure underwater traction of the spine. The average price varies from 1200 to 1600 rubles. A procedure may need 10-12.

Patient's opinion

Despite the doctors' perennial argument about the effectiveness of the procedure, most patients note a significant improvement after underwater spinal traction was performed. The reviews indicate that the technique helps with hernia, scoliosis, spondylosis.

People note that pain discomfort significantly decreases after 3 procedures. A 5 session allows you to move freely.

However, do not forget that the choice is always with the doctor. After all, only a doctor can evaluate the indications, weigh the contraindications and decide how necessary and important the patient is for the procedure of spinal traction.