neurology

[PJSPAD]

cervical home traction unit....is it dangerous to use  or not?

[PJSPAD]

Thank you so much for your insight on this matter. I don't believe the therapist has mentioned the water to me probably because he's noticed that I have never walked into that place without a bottle of water in tow...regardless of that fact, I agree that it should have been brought to my attention to the importance of it. I always drink purified water...it just makes me feel better throughout the day. I have now discarded the muscle relaxers although I've only taken 1/2 a pill only twice thus far.I will however use the 400mg of ibuprofen to help promote the decrease of inflammation...if my symptoms subside...I will stop the ibuprofen,but will continue the therapy as you have suggested and see where this takes me.I am not opting for surgery...only in a true emergency! I am being very mindful of my posture, drinking plenty of water, continuing neck exercises (certain ones) and the traction unit. I am out on short term disability at this time and hope to return in November, therefore, with this in mind I have shown the therapists what my job entails ,so,what they are now doing is basically mimicking my job to prepare me for my return to work...which is a very physical job ...as to (hopefully) not make matters worse.Thank you  again,,, for all your input ,and I wish you the best of health! PJ













not make matters worse. My job is very physical so I have a deep concern about it although /i have come to the conclusion that I might just have to learn to manage it...somehow..so I will have to help myself to the best of my ability and hope all turn out well and not worse. So, thank you for conveying info. to me and Best of Health to you!!

[caregiver222]

Generally the unit I described is more appropriate for C2-C4 abnormalities. The unit you have provided more pressure to pull the vertebra apart, which is often necessary for the C6 and C7 regions. First off, the discs contain a lot of water so you must remain hydrated. This is an essential part of therapy. You MUST remain well-hydrated during the period of treatment. This means an electrolyte, such as Gatorade. Many physicians fail to recommend this. There is no reason to fear using a traction unit, nor will it make the condition "worse", as long as instructions are followed and the use is for short intervals. You need to continue therapy long after the symptoms have gone. How long is a question of judgement.  Meds for muscle spasms, are generally inappropriate although many physicians prescribe them. They invariably cause relaxation and loss of muscle tone, which agravates the situation. Anything is "possible" although the probability of "making the condition worse" is extremely low. The discs need an opportunity to return to normal size and position and this will not take place without traction. If they are completely crushed and inflammed traction may not help that much. Traction should be initiated early after symptoms appear. The general idea is to permit the discs to regain a normal configuration. Muscle relaxants are provided to permit the muscles to relax so the vertebra can be pulled apart. This is a mixed bag. They do relax, which assists in repositioning the disc, however when the unit is removed the relaxation causes more compression than ever. The drugs degrade muscle tone. The anti-inflammatory drugs are very helpful, regardless of side effects, for the short term.

[PJSPAD]

Thank you for  allowing your time and submitting knowledge on behalf of my concern. I had received an MRI and am under the advice and care of a neurosurgeon as well as a physical therapist...might I add, for the past three months. The diagnosis  is as follows: (2) herniated discs located at C6/C7 and entrapment of a nerve; 3 bone spurs were noticed also..and many many unbelievable headaches going on for a good two years plus.The type of cervical unit that I've received ,however, is unlike your description, therefore, I cannot follow the given advice ,although, I do appreciate it. This type is a unit where I lye on my back and fit my neck and head(by strapping a band) into the device and than, rotate two side knobs for a snug fit.... pump the unit up to 20 psi or less at this point for myself, and hold that position for ten minutes. My concern is ...could I possibly make the current condition worse even though that advice was recommended to me.  I'm getting mixed reviews on this matter...."whatever you do, do not allow traction" , nor surgery,and ,on the other hand...the advice is completely opposite. Also, rest is best ,then there's the advice....you want to stay active. Than, there's always the comments as well, " you can't ever resolve this...just learn how to manage it, and my Dr.s theory is "IF"  there is no tingling , numbness, needles,burning, etc., he does not perform surgery...ONLY, when there is concern with the arm pain, hence, the pinched nerve. I was given anti -inflammatory drugs  along with a med. for muscle spasms, however, only taking the pain pills when absolutely necessary. I have off and on pain...mostly more painful at times than not. What to do....what to do...!  Kind Regards, once again. PJS

[caregiver222]

Before using a cervical home traction unit an MRI of the cervical spine should be taken, and a consult with a neurologist. You need to make sure there is not a hairline fracture or structural abnormality that can be worsened. The home units come with a water bag to hang. The therapy works best if there are several short periods of traction every day followed by an interval of rest in between. Discarding the water bag and suspending yourself (gently) from a hook in the middle of a door frame above a chair seems to work best. Each session should last from three to ten minutes. You lower yourself carefully and do not permit the full body weight to hang. You only want to pull the verterbae apart enough to feel relief from discomfort. Excessive use of the home device can cause loss of muscle tone or strain. When starting home traction therapy a short period of prednisone is sometimes recommended. Otherwise use a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprufin. Initially only use traction. After several days begin full "range-of-motion" exercises, moving the head around through the limits of pain. Before doing this obtain clearance from a physician. In addition, isometric exercises are helpful. Place your hand against your head and force it against the hand for thirty seconds. Do this at intervals around the head, selecting eight points equally spaced. Initially you need a dozen very short sessions a day. Postural exercises placing your back against a wall and insuring your spine is aligned are also recommended.