How and why is the traction of the spine with a hernia

Stretching of the spine with a hernia, or, as doctors and patients also call it today, stretching is a simple and effective method of treating a disease that is used by many doctors in therapeutic practice.

Nevertheless, a hernia of the spinal column is a serious pathology that, without medical supervision, can lead not only to a significant decrease in the quality of life, but also to disability. Naturally, if a person wants to use the traction technique for treatment, he needs to consult a doctor.  

The essence and meaning of the procedure

Traction with a hernia helps to cope mainly with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the back. These processes mainly lead to the fact that the bone and cartilage tissues of the spine become thinner, lose their ability to prevent pathological influences from the outside, which is why a number of patient complaints appear.

One of the complaints, pain, is just a consequence of the development of a hernial protrusion, which, by putting pressure on the nerve trunks, provokes discomfort. Often it is precisely degenerative-dystrophic processes that lead to a hernia of the back.

The spine during protrusion becomes very vulnerable to external influences. In this regard, perform traction at home without receiving advice on the procedure from a specialist. Incorrect traction can lead to complications of a hernia, which is already a difficult pathology.

The essence of the procedure for a hernia of the spine is very simple. External influence leads to the fact that the interdiscal spaces slightly increase, the muscle structures are stretched, and the pressure in the intervertebral discs decreases. The procedure also helps to solve the problem of muscle spasm, relieving a person from pain.

Traction allows not only to reduce the hernial protrusion, but also to help improve local blood circulation. Due to this, regenerative processes in the tissues are stimulated, the general condition of the patient is facilitated.

Types of traction

Spinal traction with a hernia today can be performed in several ways. When choosing the optimal method, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient's back, the location of the intervertebral hernia, and the severity of the pathology.

In total, there are three main ways to perform the procedure.

Horizontal

The horizontal type of procedure is recommended for patients mainly with lumbar protrusion. This is the simplest and oldest type of back stretch, which has not yet gone out of practice.

The essence of the technique is very simple, all the patient needs to do is:

• lie down on any vertical surface, which will have a slight extension in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe head end;
• fasten your hands in loops specially prepared for this, which will help ensure a comfortable position during the procedure;
• using special weights or the weight of your body, stretch the spine.

The horizontal procedure is different in that it easily allows you to control the intensity of traction. Additionally, there is a simple gymnastics that will increase the effectiveness of the procedure.

With a hernia of the lower back, you can:

• lying on your back, press your neck to the surface, bending your chin to your chest, pull the toe of one leg forward and the heel of the other back, then change legs;
• lying in the same position, try to press the entire spine to the floor, while not straining it too much (at the same time, the arms are extended above the head, and the legs should be straightened and brought together at the shins);
• lying on your back, try to press your heels, buttocks and shoulders as much as possible into the floor, taking a deep breath, freeze like this for a few seconds.
  Performing these exercises against the background of traction of the spine with a hernia will increase the effectiveness of the entire procedure as a whole.

vertical

Vertical traction is another simple procedure that is as old as horizontal traction. In this case, it is possible to stretch the spine very simply, under its own weight. Vertical stretching of the spine with a hernia at home is possible and even recommended if the hernia was caught at the initial stages of its formation.

Interestingly, the disadvantage of such a procedure is the inability to control the load on the back.

Vertical traction can be performed either with a simple horizontal bar on which the patient can hang, or with the help of specially designed gravity boots. Gravity boots are a device that is fixed on the legs and allows you to strengthen yourself on the crossbar upside down without fear of falling.

It is believed that it is much easier to stretch the spine with the help of gravity boots, since relaxation of the muscles without fear of falling can be achieved faster.

The vertical type is used not only for a hernia of the lumbar spine, but also for lesions of other departments. At the same time, stretching exercises are not performed because there is no need, or they are performed in a minimal amount.

There is another plus to using gravity boots. With their help, you can improve cerebral circulation, as it is possible to facilitate blood flow to the brain.

underwater

Underwater traction of the spine with a hernia is the most gentle method. Such traction is feasible only in a medical institution, but by no means at home.

The procedure is performed in the pool, which must be equipped with special handrails and shields to facilitate the procedure. Water, which has a softening effect, allows for more efficient traction, as it reduces the intensity of discomfort during the procedure.

There are two ways to carry out underwater traction.

The first method is the vertical procedure of K. Moll. It is practically not used in Russia, since Russian orthopedists consider it not only ineffective, but also harmful. But in Russia, the traction therapy technique developed by Lisunov is widely used.

Traction, which is performed using a special apparatus, is carefully controlled. It is possible to accurately calculate the optimal load for each individual patient, smoothing out unpleasant effects with water procedures.

Despite all the advantages of Lisunov's traction therapy, before using it, it is still recommended to consult with the attending physician, who monitors the process of hernia development.

Use of weights

With an intervertebral hernia, a good effect in the treatment of a sore back can be achieved using the stretching technique with weights. A simple set of exercises promotes a rush of blood to the affected area, which also triggers regenerative processes.

The following simple exercises are recommended:

• it is necessary to take the “lying on the back” position and, bending the legs at the knees, stretch the arms along the body, and then raise the back in the lumbar region so that the shoulder blades touch the surface on which the person lies as much as possible, freeze for a few seconds, and then lower again ( perform 4-5 repetitions);
• starting position "on all fours", the patient needs to raise the right arm and left leg, trying to put them on the same line and freeze for a few seconds, and then repeat the same with the left arm and right leg (each pair of limbs should have 3-4 repetitions);
• it is necessary to lie on your stomach with your hands under your head, and then raise your head, arms and part of the body, as far as stretching allows, above the floor, freezing for a few seconds, while not lifting your legs and pelvis from the floor, so as not to lose emphasis (2 -3 repetitions);
• it is necessary to lie on the stomach again, but this time, stretching the arms along the body, lift the upper half of the body, without lifting the legs from the floor and stretching the arms in their direction.

Such stretching of the spine at home should be regular. If the vertebrae with a defect in the lower back or another department are loaded irregularly, it will not be possible to achieve a lasting effect.

When to Use Traction

Is it possible to carry out the procedure in any case, as soon as there are any problems with the spine? The opinions of the attending physicians on this matter vary greatly. Some of the practicing orthopedists believe that stretching manipulations are getting rid of all troubles, while others, on the contrary, perceive this procedure as not only not useful, but also bringing direct harm to the patient's health.

In some diseases, such as osteochondrosis, traction is more harmful to the spinal column than actually useful. Pain, of course, can be reduced, but the effect will be very short-lived and doubtful.

Osteochondrosis is associated with damage to the fibrous ring of the disc and it is only natural that additional tensile stress will only worsen the situation. Even if it is possible to ensure that the pain syndrome disappears, it will soon return again.

But the procedure is effective for hernial protrusions and some types of injuries of the spinal column. For example, its use is justified for fractures or vertebral instability. Thanks to this, it is quite easy to put the vertebrae in place, after which they can be fixed in an anatomically correct position.

Carrying out the procedure at home

Very many people suffering from various diseases of the musculoskeletal system are advised to stretch the spine in order to alleviate their own condition. However, is it possible to perform procedures at home?

Unfortunately, even doctors cannot answer this question unambiguously. On the one hand, the vertical and horizontal pull types do not require any specialized equipment. On the other hand, many patients, trying to be treated without going to the doctor, incorrectly diagnose themselves, in the end only worsening their condition with the help of various types of traction.

With water procedures, everything is somewhat simpler, since they are performed only in a hospital.

In principle, most doctors agree that it is still possible to perform spinal stretching at home. The main thing is that the procedure is performed after the patient has been accurately diagnosed. Without an accurate diagnosis, it is strictly forbidden to perform any actions.

In addition to an accurate diagnosis, many orthopedic doctors also recommend that patients do not refuse a trial procedure in a medical institution. Through a trial procedure, it is often possible to identify a number of problems that may interfere with the procedure at home.

The method of spinal traction for hernial protrusions in the spine has established itself as a simple but effective way to get rid of the disease.

The main thing in this case, as doctors say, is to carefully assess the condition under the supervision of a specialist, and then regularly perform the procedure in order to achieve a clinical effect. As with any medical procedure, spinal traction for protrusion cannot be performed without approval from the attending physician.