neck traction

[xrds]

my physiotherapist has suggested i have neck traction to relieve impinged nerves while waiting to see a neurosurgeon, i dont know much about this, but at this point i am willing to try anything for relief. what do people think about traction, has it worked for you?

[xrds]

thankyou for your reply, tractions alot more in depth than i imagined, i kind of expected a 1 off thing and walla, fixed. I cant have the cortisone because i have already had 3 this year in a different part of the body, apparently thats the limit per year for cortisone. i just hope the traction does work, no matter what the process is. thankyou

[caregiver222]

I have just read your other post and would not recommend range of motion exercises without the concurrence of your physician. Otherwise, the axial traction protocol remains the same as above. I would suggest you consult a pain specialist. The cortisone injections have a short half-life and they tend to cause further degeneration of the cartilidge, which is why they are discouraged. On a short term basis, oral steroids will reduce inflammation, which will give the structures a change to rearrange themselves and relieve pressure on the nerve. Oral prednisone is not a good idea, and if provided for use in traction usually the medication is only prescribed for the first five days. Be very careful not to get "addicted" to the use of the prednisone.

[caregiver222]

Axial traction is best performed for short periods, of from three to ten minutes with an hour or so between treatments, for the entire day to start. Ten to fifteen sessions the first day.  In addition to the traction "range of motion" exercises are necessary, through the limits of pain. This will be the hardest part. Usually, at the beginning, an anti-inflammatory such as prednisone (oral - 20-25 mg per 100 lbs)) is administered, or Ibuprufin. The traction devices cost $35-$40 U.S. Throw away the water bag and set up the bar and rope so as to gently suspend yourself from a hook fastened in the bean of a doorway and gently lower yourself above a chair until you no longer feel discomfort. Don't fully suspend yourself.  Muscle relaxants are contraindicated. Expect to do this for at least two weeks. Then four times a day, twice in the morning, separated by an hour, and twice in the evening, for another three weeks.

It is important to have an MRI before this treatment to insure you do not have an unstable bone structure that would be damaged. Thus, I would wait until I have a consultation with a physician. X-rays are fairly worthless for diagnosis.  It works well with so-called whiplash injuries, subluxation disorder, or those secondary to sudden head flexure.  The procedure may cause damage for those with degenerative spinal disease.