Friday, June 21, 2013

The Benefits Of Using A Home Cervical Traction Device

By Lana Bray


Back injuries can be quite severe at times and often require therapy of various sorts to either relieve pressure within the spinal column or to realign the spinal column. A car or sports accident are two of the common causes of back injuries, but internal injuries could play a role here as well. Doctors may recommend that their patients who suffer from back pain try using a cervical traction device.

The therapy involves certain maneuvers that cause the spine to be pulled back into the correct, or near correct position once more. Although it sounds awkward, it is not necessarily a painful procedure. The pulling motion on the spine also enables pain relief, therefore, it is very beneficial to the patient.

While there are products that can be purchased for this type of treatment, such as specially designed pillows, a person can also perform the treatment at home with a few household objects. The benefits of the treatment include pain relief from pinched nerve roots, injured spinal disks and moving joints. This type of therapy can also be used along with medication that has been prescribed by a doctor.

Nothing fancy is required at home, only a door, a string, or rope, and a towel. A hand towel that is slightly smaller than a bath towel is ideal. Choose a door that has a handle, and that can be shut properly. Perhaps a carpeted area is best as well, as you will be lying on the floor. The process won't take long, just a few minutes.

The rope is fastened to an end of the towel, so that it hangs lengthways, and also to the door handle. Remember to close the door so that it acts as a sturdy support system. Tie the cord at a length that just allows the hanging end of the towel to reach the ground. Once these items are in place, you can begin the therapy session.

Facing upwards, lie down on the floor with your head at the door, so that you can place it inside the 'towel sling' that you have just made. It is now important to get into the correct position. Your head will be resting within the sling. It should not be not be on the floor, but in a slightly 'up' position that is comfortable. Be careful that your neck is not angled backwards or forwards, and that your back and neck is as straight as possible.

The recommended time for staying in this position is seven minutes when it's your first time. Make sure that you do not go over this time, therefore, use a stopwatch. On the second day, the therapy will be for eight minutes, and on the third day, nine minutes. You are therefore adding a minute per day. Stop when you are at fifteen minutes.

There is no recommended number of sessions that should be completed. It can be done as long as it is relieving pain, or up until pain relief is experienced. This home cervical traction device is not dangerous in any way, and will not cause further pain. Before trying or buying anything though, it is probably best to confirm your options with your medical adviser.




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