Those people, who have encountered problems with spinal dysfunctions, are well aware of how painful this disease is. Many techniques have been developed to relieve pain and restore working capacity. But one of the most effective methods of treatment in vertebrology is traction (lat. traction – traction). It is known that procedures for stretching the spinal column have been practiced since the time of Hippocrates (5th century B.C.). The scientific substantiation of this method of treatment appeared more than 50 years ago. Traditionally, underwater and so-called “dry” traction of the spine are distinguished. Underwater vertical traction of the spine according to the Moll-Buschelberger method is a kind of “calling card” of the Hungarian resorts. Dr. K. Moll (1953) called his invention “súlyfürdő – loading baths”.
In the trade union sanatorium “Khmelnyk” complex therapy, including, first of all, underwater traction of the spine in a pool with radon water, allows you to stop the pain syndrome in a short time and achieve a longer remission than with other methods of treatment.
What is the essence of the method
The success of water traction lies in the fact that under the influence of warm radon water and a small load on the spine, muscles are completely relaxed, the distance between the vertebrae increases, blood circulation and metabolism in the intervertebral discs improve. In addition, to the thermal factor, radon water has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is important to know that when the adjacent vertebrae are stretched, a vacuum effect is created, which contributes to the retraction of the hernial protrusion into the disc.
Dry traction of the spine and joints in the sanatorium “Khmelnyk” is carried out using a specialized mechanotherapeutic unit for dosed traction and vibration-thermal, roller massage. This is a modern device (Ormed-Professional), the extension levers of which allow you to work at various angles, both vertically and horizontally.
Traction therapy of the spine is indicated in such cases:
- intervertebral hernia of any part of the spine (hernial protrusion localized in the lumbar region lends itself best to therapy);
- lumbalgia and lumbago;
- scoliosis and other spinal deformities;
- sciatica and other radicular syndromes;
- osteochondrosis and spondylarthrosis;
- deforming spondylosis;
- early stages of ankylosing spondylitis.
Contraindications for spinal traction:
- exacerbation of the pathology of the spinal column with acute pain syndrome;
- caudaequina syndrome;
- development of hernia sequestration (separation of its part);
- severe instability of the spine;
- compression of the spinal cord and impaired blood supply;
- spinal column injuries;
- individual intolerance to the procedure; history of spinal surgery;
- osteoporosis;
- age over 60 years;
- obesity (weight over 100 kg);
- tumor lesions of the spine;
- bone tuberculosis; t
- he last stage of heart and lung failure;
- tendency to increased bleeding; some dermatological diseases;
- acute infectious process in the body.
Before performing spinal traction by any technique, an X-ray examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT of the spine is mandatory. With the correct determination of indications, underwater traction of the spine is physiological, low-load, and safe for patients.