Medical procedures - underwater backbone traction
Medical procedures:
Underwater backbone traction
Underwater backbone traction is an effective method of treatment of the spine diseases, which combines the effects of two factors - warm water and traction. The procedure allows you to get rid of the pain in the lumbar and back with osteochondrosis, herniated intervertebral discs, radiculitis and other serious diseases.
Backbone traction in water is considered to be a more gentle method due to the fact that muscles relax in water, blood circulation improves and this makes it possible to use it even you have pain syndrome. Underwater extension can take place either in a bath / pool with mineral water, or fresh water. Depending on the chemical content of water, the therapeutic effect is enhanced.
The procedure of underwater traction is usually carried out on special installations that allow to dose the power of traction, taking into account the peculiarities of the resting muscular corset. Doctor examines in detail the previous x-ray examination of the backbone, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography of the patient before the appointment of this procedure.
There are horizontal and vertical underwater traction.
In health resorts of Belarus vertical underwater backbone traction is usually used. This type of traction is considered to be more intense, it allows to relieve pain in a short time and achieve a longer remission in comparison with other methods of treatment. During the procedure, a person is placed on a special metal table and after fixation with the chest corset and hip belt and lowered into the pool with warm water. Special weights regulate the traction force.
In some cases, traction under its own weight using airbags or metal handrails are used.
Horizontal backbone traction is safer because it allows you to dose the load on a specific part of the spine more accurately. A person is placed on an inclined surface, fixing the upper part of the body and placing loads of various masses in the pelvic region.
In the end of the procedure, the person is shifted to a couch, where he calmly rests in a horizontal position for about 30 minutes, and after completing the course of treatment for 2 months it is recommended to wear a supporting corset and sleep on a hard bed. The number of procedures is prescribed strictly by the doctor.
Indications for underwater backbone traction:
- herniated disc;
- radiculitis and other radicular syndromes;
- osteochondrosis;
- scoliosis;
- spondylosis deformans;
- lumbodynia with neurological manifestations;
- initial manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis.