This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

;) Thank you Dr F


Nigel

Your welcome Nigel. Most traction tables are designed to be used with the patient supine. The supine position puts the cervical spine in slight extension, which closes the joints. To compensate, good tables have adjustable arms to increase the angle of pull so that the neck is slightly flexed. In contrast, the flexion-distraction tables I mentioned can be used supine or prone. Flexion of the cervical spine performed in the prone position coupled with long axis traction (distraction) is much more effective at opening and decompressing joints. The same is true for the rest of the spine. I used to put patients on traction for a minimum of ten minutes. Ten minutes of hand traction would be physically stressful and a waste of a doctors time.

Thanks Dr, I was wondering about other positions and the whole spine work out.

I had to smirk about the Medieval prototypes that were used in other ways, must have got someone thinking though, they put them to better use after speaking to the 'patients or Inmates' back then!

;)
Nigel

Dr Flanagan is there anything I can do at home to decompress my spine? Any equipment? Any recliner? I spend most of my time in a recliner. Not much I am able to do. I can feel the difference when I can stretch my spine. My contracted muscles relax and I am stronger.

Dania,
Inversion tables can be helpful but they can be difficult for people with disabilities to get on and off as well as getting up from inversion. There are a few chair models that are easier to get on an off but you would still need enough strength in your arms and hands to pull yourself up from inversion. Inversion is better for low back problems but it also stretches the thoracic spine. In the three quarter or full position the weight of the head tractions the cervical spine. On the downside, inversion increases intracranial and intraocular pressures and may be contraindicated in patients with optic neuritis or signs or increased intracranial pressure problems.

Would a roller table or intersegmental traction table help? I remember getting a wonderful stretch out of one when I was having lower back problems. They are supposed to improve CSF flow too.

I'm guessing not. But thought I'd ask anyway.

I had an excellent total body and intersegmental traction table. I used it frequently. Patients liked it. It can be very helpful for rehabilitation of the spine. Any type of movement of the spine creates pressure gradients. Pressure gradients in the spinal canal move CSF.

I recently purchased a decompression belt from Dr. Ho (saw on TV) and my NUCCA Dr. Adamszuk said it is fine to use but only when standing for a long time or possibly lifting because she doesn't want me to lose muscle. Definitely don't sleep with it - although some do. You can find Dr. Ho's belt online but I read where there are copycats that aren't as good.

Dr. Ho's decompression belt is simply a variation of an inflatable back support. It is highly unlikely that it decompresses the lumbar joints, discs or spinal canal. Back supports can be helpful for acute conditions or occasional heavy lifting but shouldn't be used all the time.

I know it sure does make me "taller" when driving because I have to adjust the rear view mirror! lol

Sitting or standing more upright will definitely make you taller. Hunching over will make you shorter.

Dr Flanagan what is your opinion on this?????? Pure bunk or is there something to this?

There is absolutely no science behind the technique. Rather than using standard exams and protocols the doctor relies on signs from the musculoskeletal system called a "dropped occiput," as his sole criteria for case management, which is ridiculous. It's worse than the dentist doing Hollywood stunts using non-standard muscle tests of the upper extremities to check TMJ function and proprioception.