Traction of the spine in water. Underwater spinal traction types, videos, efficiency. Stretching in a vertical position

Underwater traction of the spine is a relatively new technique for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the spinal column, which has recently become increasingly popular due to its simplicity and high efficiency.

The success of water traction (traction) lies in the fact that under the influence of warm water and a small load on the spine, the muscles are completely relaxed, the distance between adjacent vertebrae increases, blood circulation and trophic processes in the intervertebral discs improve.

Traction of the spine can be dry, which is carried out under the action of the body's own weight lying on an inclined plane, and underwater, when the traction occurs in water. The second method is more gentle and safe, in addition, it combines the positive effect of warm ordinary or mineral water. Let us consider in more detail how underwater traction of the spine occurs and what it is capable of.

Spinal traction is prescribed only by a doctor

What is the essence of the method

Most often, spinal traction in water is used to treat or prevent a herniated disc. This defect is formed due to the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes inside the cartilaginous tissue of the discs. A great contribution to their development is made by the critical tension of the connective tissue fibers of the disc capsule, which develops as a result of increased pressure of adjacent vertebrae on the disc.

In the development of the latter phenomenon, the main role is played by a sharp contraction of the intervertebral and deep muscles of the back. This mechanism develops as a protective reaction to increased mobility and instability of the vertebrae in osteochondrosis. The muscles, contracting, bring together and stabilize the damaged segment of the spinal column, but at the same time exert too much pressure on the disc, the capsule of which cannot withstand and a hernial protrusion develops with all the consequences.

It has been proven that it is impossible to eliminate this functional muscle block without the use of special methods of mechanical action on the back muscles. Medicines can't do that. But the underwater spinal traction perfectly copes with this task.

When stretching, the distance between the vertebrae increases and the pressure on the damaged intervertebral disc decreases.

During traction, deep vertebral ligaments and muscles are stretched. This creates negative pressure and promotes disk decompression. In addition, warm water greatly contributes to the process of relaxation of muscle fibers, so the extraction takes place without much effort and in a “safe mode”.

During traction, the distance between the vertebrae increases, the compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels is eliminated, their swelling decreases and, accordingly, the symptoms of the pathology (pain, neurological manifestations). Also, in the process of traction, the ability of the intervertebral disc to retain water increases, which helps to restore its normal height.

It is important to know about another mechanism of the therapeutic effect of spinal traction. When adjacent vertebrae are stretched, a vacuum effect is created in the region of the intervertebral disc, which, according to the laws of physics, contributes to the retraction of the hernial protrusion into the disc. This contributes to a decrease in the size of the intervertebral hernia after a course of traction.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

Water traction 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 underwater spinal traction:

• exacerbation of the pathology of the spinal column with acute pain syndrome;
• development (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;
• the last stage of heart and lung failure;
• tendency to increased bleeding;
• some dermatological diseases;
• acute infectious process in the body.

Thus, such a procedure as underwater traction of the spine can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor and after a thorough examination and additional examination methods. Otherwise, traction can further harm your health.

Varieties of underwater traction

There are 2 main methods of water traction of the spine:

• vertical
• horizontal.

It is carried out in special pools 2-2.5 m deep. In this case, the patient, fixed to a special rack with straps, is immersed in water up to the neck. In some cases, additional weight may be attached to the legs. This method is called “according to Moll”.

Horizontal underwater traction

There are several options for such an extract: according to Lisunov, according to Oliferenko, according to Kiselev. Such tractions are carried out in shallow pools or bathtubs on a special shield, which is placed in a container with water at a certain angle (the larger the angle, the higher the load). In this case, the head is attached with straps to the head end of the shield, and the legs remain free.

Also, traction can occur in ordinary fresh water or in special mineral water. As a rule, specialized sanatoriums offer the second variant of traction. For example, radon, sodium chloride, turpentine, hydrogen sulfide baths have an additional therapeutic effect.

Horizontal water traction procedure

It is worth mentioning the stretch mode. There are two of them:

1. Continuous, when traction force acts on the spine throughout the session.
2. Variable, when traction is regularly replaced by relaxation according to a given program.

The second option is considered more efficient.

How is traction

The water temperature in the pool reaches 32-35°C. At the beginning of the session, the patient just needs to stay in the water for 5-7 minutes to relax and relax the muscles. Then it is fixed on a shield or hemmed on a special frame. The first 2-3 procedures are carried out without the use of additional weights, the extraction takes place due to the weight of one's own body. The session time is 5-6 minutes.

With good tolerance, with each subsequent procedure, the load is increased by 1-2 kg, and the time spent in the pool by 1 minute. The maximum load in women is brought to 8-10 kilograms, and in men - up to 15-18, the session time is up to 10-12 minutes. Upon reaching these indicators in the middle of the treatment course, the load and time are reduced in the reverse order.

For a full course of treatment, 10-12 sessions are required with an interval of one day.

After the extraction, the patient should still be in the water for 5-6 minutes. Next, a smooth rise from the pool is carried out for four minutes to a horizontal level.

Further, a person must lie down on a hard surface for 1 hour, after which a transition to a vertical position is possible. Without fail, the spine is fixed with an elastic belt or corset.

The price for an underwater traction course depends on the equipment used and the clinic where the procedure is performed. On average, it ranges from 1300-2500 rubles.

Spinal traction is a fairly common procedure used in the treatment of a large number of back diseases. The problem with the procedure is that it is quite traumatic, even when performed by an experienced specialist.

To minimize the risks of back injury and to increase the effectiveness of treatment, an underwater spinal traction is performed. procedure perform in special pools, which may be available at the hospital, but in most cases they are attached to sanatoriums.

1 What is underwater traction: a description of the technique

With underwater traction of the spine, a moderate stretching (stretching) of individual vertebrae and the muscular corset of the back occurs. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve stabilization of the vertebrae and relaxation (albeit temporary) of the back muscles.

Most diseases of the spine are in one way or another connected precisely with the instability of the vertebrae (take at least spondylolisthesis) and overstrain of the muscular corset. In this case, most often muscle strain is a consequence, while the cause is an independent disease (osteochondrosis, hernia).

Spasmodic muscles prevent normal blood flow in the tissues of the back and the circle closes: the disease leads to spasm, the spasm prevents tissue regeneration.

During traction, a smooth stretching of the muscle corset occurs, including with a partial tear of the muscle fibers (in this case, this is useful - they are then restored and strengthened due to the resulting scars). Also, when stretched, the vertebrae "fall into place."

1.1 Indications for underwater spinal traction

Underwater traction of the spine is used for a dozen different diseases of the back, usually degenerative-dystrophic. The procedure does not guarantee a 100% cure, but according to surveys, 80% of patients are at least partially helped.

Indications for underwater spinal traction:

1. Deforming spondylosis.
2. Intervertebral hernias (multiple and single, small sizes), lumbodynia.
3. Kyphoscoliosis, scoliosis of 1-2 stages.
4. Pathological lordosis and kyphosis.
5. Bechterew's disease (ankylosing spondylitis) at an early stage.
6. Lumboischialgia with the presence of stiffness of movements in the back.
7. Compression radiculopathy.
8. Osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine at any stage. Partially, the procedure is also effective for lumbar osteochondrosis.

1.2 Contraindications

Traction, regardless of its type, is a rather traumatic procedure, which, even in skilled hands, can lead to very negative consequences (including partial paralysis of the limbs!). Therefore, there are a number of relative and absolute contraindications to it.

Contraindications for underwater spinal traction:

• anomalies in the structure of the vertebral arteries, their compression, disorders in the spinal circulation;
• osteoporosis (bone fragility);
• instability of the spinal column (not individual vertebrae, but the entire spinal complex);
• inflammatory spinal syndromes, including adhesive-type epiduritis and arachnoiditis;
• acute infectious diseases of a general type;
• pain in the back of unclear etiology (causes);
• poor tolerance of water procedures, including increased pain when staying in water;
• the patient's weight is over a hundred kilograms;
• the age of the patient exceeding 60 years;
• the procedure is prohibited in the first 1-3 months after.

1.3 Are there any complications and negative consequences?

Both the classical and water spinal traction procedures are quite dangerous for the patient's health and therefore are not recommended for use by many doctors. And if in the CIS countries this procedure is still quite popular, then in Europe it is almost forgotten. But what's the matter?

Traction involves mechanical manipulation of individual vertebrae and spinal muscles. Moreover, these manipulations are carried out against the will of the body - the same spasm of the muscles of the back is a compensatory reaction of the patient's body to a back disease. Muscles spasm to limit the mobility of the back in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

And when stretched, these “prohibitions of the body” are violated. How could this end? In the presence of anomalies of the structure of the spine missed at the diagnostic stage - partial or complete paralysis of the limbs and vertebral artery syndrome ( with complications such as stroke or cerebral infarction).

Complications in the form of increased pain syndrome, development, and deformation of the spine are much more common.

2 Horizontal and vertical underwater traction - differences

There are two types of underwater spinal traction: horizontal and vertical. The final type of technique is chosen on the basis of a full medical examination of the patient. In terms of the duration of traction, both methods are generally the same.

Differences between horizontal and vertical stretch:

• horizontal technique according to Oliferenko, Lisunov and Kiselev - is used most often, as it has an undeniable advantage in the form of the ability to regulate the load during therapy;
• vertical technique according to Moll - during therapy, the patient stands on a stand immersed in the pool, which is located at an angle; the procedure creates a much greater load than its “horizontal” counterpart (there is no possibility of load regulation), therefore it is not suitable for all patients.

3 Preparation for the procedure

Immediately before underwater traction, the patient must undergo a full medical examination to exclude contraindications to the procedure. The examination includes surface diagnostics and diagnostics on imaging equipment.

Superficial diagnosis involves examining the patient by doctors (therapist, neurologist, vertebrologist). Imaging diagnostics is carried out on special equipment - a computer or magnetic resonance tomograph (without the introduction of contrast agents).

After obtaining permission, the patient is sent to a medical institution where traction is performed. Patients with a weakened muscular corset (for example, as a result of physical inactivity and / or detraining of the body) may be prescribed a two-week course of exercise therapy to prepare for treatment.

In the presence of excess weight (more than 100 kilograms), the patient must first lose weight, otherwise the procedure will not be performed. No more preparation is required.

4 How is underwater spinal traction performed?

When carrying out a horizontal technique, the patient is on a movable platform lowered into the bath / pool. The upper part of the patient's body is fixed with straps, and a belt with a weighting agent is attached in the lumbar region. During therapy, the lower part of the platform goes into the water at an angle of 15-30 degrees from top to bottom.

The vertical technique is carried out exclusively in deep baths / pools. The upper body of the patient is secured with straps, and the head is fixed with head holders. The patient's feet remain in the water, but do not touch the bottom of the pool.

In the region of the hips and lower back, a belt with a weighting agent is fixed to the patient (a load weighing 1-20 kilograms is used). As a result, traction occurs in all parts of the spinal column, but the problem is that it is impossible to fully regulate the load, which is why this type of traction is the most traumatic.

4.1 What to do after traction?

How to behave after treatment? After the traction, it is necessary to ensure maximum rest for the spinal column and spinal muscles. This is necessary to consolidate the results of tissue repair after the procedure, since even in water it is quite traumatic.

You must adhere to the following restrictions:

• you can not lift weights, and in general it is advisable not to lift even relatively light objects (1-4 kilograms);
• after treatment, moderate pains in the spinal muscles are possible, to reduce them, you can take warm or hot baths 1-2 times a day;
• jumping and running are prohibited for one week;
• any exercises that involve rotational and axial loads on the spinal column are prohibited for two weeks;
• it is advisable to choose the right mattress and pillow (from orthopedic models) to ensure a comfortable and, more importantly, anatomically “correct” sleep (so that the spine does not arch);
• the first two months after traction, the patient should wear a supporting orthopedic corset and sleep on a hard bed.

4.2 Conducting underwater traction of the spine (video)

4.3 Where is underwater spinal traction done?

Stretching the spine in water is sometimes carried out in large hospitals, but in most cases, patients are sent to specialized sanatoriums. They are also available in Russia, in several cities.

Sanatoriums in Russia where underwater spinal traction is done:

1. Moscow, Moscow region, Mozhaysky district, p / o Krasnovidovo, sanatorium "Mozhaysky".
2. City of Kislovodsk, sanatorium "Jinal", "Plaza".
3. Essentuki, sanatoriums "Shakhtar", "Rus" and "Victoria".
4. Republic of Crimea, sanatorium "Yurmino" (Evpatoria).

In hospitals, underwater traction of the spine is carried out in Rostov, Izhevsk, Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg and Yaroslavl. To get a referral for the procedure, you should first contact a local therapist or a neuropathologist / vertebrologist.

You can also apply for a fee (without a referral from a doctor) directly to the medical institution where the procedure is performed.

Underwater traction of the spine is a relatively new technique for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the spinal column, which has recently become increasingly popular due to its simplicity and high efficiency.

The success of water traction (traction) lies in the fact that under the influence of warm water and a small load on the spine, the muscles are completely relaxed, the distance between adjacent vertebrae increases, blood circulation and trophic processes in the intervertebral discs improve.

Traction of the spine can be dry, which is carried out under the action of the body's own weight lying on an inclined plane, and underwater, when the traction occurs in water. The second method is more gentle and safe, in addition, it combines the positive effect of warm ordinary or mineral water. Let us consider in more detail how underwater traction of the spine occurs and what it is capable of.

Spinal traction is prescribed only by a doctor

What is the essence of the method

Most often, spinal traction in water is used to treat or prevent a herniated disc. This defect is formed due to the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes inside the cartilaginous tissue of the discs. A great contribution to their development is made by the critical tension of the connective tissue fibers of the disc capsule, which develops as a result of increased pressure of adjacent vertebrae on the disc.

In the development of the latter phenomenon, the main role is played by a sharp contraction of the intervertebral and deep muscles of the back. This mechanism develops as a protective reaction to increased mobility and instability of the vertebrae in osteochondrosis. The muscles, contracting, bring together and stabilize the damaged segment of the spinal column, but at the same time exert too much pressure on the disc, the capsule of which cannot withstand and a hernial protrusion develops with all the consequences.

It has been proven that it is impossible to eliminate this functional muscle block without the use of special methods of mechanical action on the back muscles. Medicines can't do that. But the underwater spinal traction perfectly copes with this task.

When stretching, the distance between the vertebrae increases and the pressure on the damaged intervertebral disc decreases.

During traction, deep vertebral ligaments and muscles are stretched. This creates negative pressure and promotes disk decompression. In addition, warm water greatly contributes to the process of relaxation of muscle fibers, so the extraction takes place without much effort and in a “safe mode”.

During traction, the distance between the vertebrae increases, the compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels is eliminated, their swelling decreases and, accordingly, the symptoms of the pathology (pain, neurological manifestations). Also, in the process of traction, the ability of the intervertebral disc to retain water increases, which helps to restore its normal height.

It is important to know about another mechanism of the therapeutic effect of spinal traction. When adjacent vertebrae are stretched, a vacuum effect is created in the region of the intervertebral disc, which, according to the laws of physics, contributes to the retraction of the hernial protrusion into the disc. This contributes to a decrease in the size of the intervertebral hernia after a course of traction.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

Water traction 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 underwater spinal traction:

• exacerbation of the pathology of the spinal column with acute pain 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;
• the last stage of heart and lung failure;
• tendency to increased bleeding;
• some dermatological diseases;
• acute infectious process in the body.

Thus, such a procedure as underwater traction of the spine can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor and after a thorough examination and additional examination methods. Otherwise, traction can further harm your health.

Varieties of underwater traction

There are 2 main methods of water traction of the spine:

• vertical
• horizontal.

It is carried out in special pools 2-2.5 m deep. In this case, the patient, fixed to a special rack with straps, is immersed in water up to the neck. In some cases, additional weight may be attached to the legs. This method is called “according to Moll”.

Horizontal underwater traction

There are several options for such an extract: according to Lisunov, according to Oliferenko, according to Kiselev. Such tractions are carried out in shallow pools or bathtubs on a special shield, which is placed in a container with water at a certain angle (the larger the angle, the higher the load). In this case, the head is attached with straps to the head end of the shield, and the legs remain free.

Also, traction can occur in ordinary fresh water or in special mineral water. As a rule, specialized sanatoriums offer the second variant of traction. For example, radon, sodium chloride, turpentine, hydrogen sulfide baths have an additional therapeutic effect.

Horizontal water traction procedure

It is worth mentioning the stretch mode. There are two of them:

1. Continuous, when traction force acts on the spine throughout the session.
2. Variable, when traction is regularly replaced by relaxation according to a given program.

The second option is considered more efficient.

How is traction

The water temperature in the pool reaches 32-35°C. At the beginning of the session, the patient just needs to stay in the water for 5-7 minutes to relax and relax the muscles. Then it is fixed on a shield or hemmed on a special frame. The first 2-3 procedures are carried out without the use of additional weights, the extraction takes place due to the weight of one's own body. The session time is 5-6 minutes.

With good tolerance, with each subsequent procedure, the load is increased by 1-2 kg, and the time spent in the pool by 1 minute. The maximum load in women is brought to 8-10 kilograms, and in men - up to 15-18, the session time is up to 10-12 minutes. Upon reaching these indicators in the middle of the treatment course, the load and time are reduced in the reverse order.

For a full course of treatment, 10-12 sessions are required with an interval of one day.

After the extraction, the patient should still be in the water for 5-6 minutes. Next, a smooth rise from the pool is carried out for four minutes to a horizontal level.

Further, a person must lie down on a hard surface for 1 hour, after which a transition to a vertical position is possible. Without fail, the spine is fixed with an elastic belt or corset.

The price for an underwater traction course depends on the equipment used and the clinic where the procedure is performed. On average, it ranges from 1300-2500 rubles.

Today, many people are faced with diseases of the spine. They know perfectly well how unpleasant and painful these pathologies are. To combat such ailments, many methods are used, one of which is traction, or, scientifically, traction. There are irrefutable facts that indicate that such procedures have been carried out for more than two hundred years. They provide excellent results. However, along with these facts, there are other data. They indicate that such treatment does not always give a positive result. There were cases when traction was carried out without the proper involvement of professionals, and the results were very sad.

Consider underwater What is the essence of the method, under what diseases it will bring the maximum effect. In addition, we will analyze for what ailments it is worth abandoning traction.

The essence of the procedure

Underwater traction of the spine is under the patient's own weight. Sometimes, for better traction, weights are additionally used. If necessary, manual intervention can be included in the procedure.

There are several stretching methods. Traction can be:

• dry or underwater;
• horizontal or vertical;
• with vibration or with heating.

But, despite the variety of methods, the essence of the procedure is the same: stretching the vertebrae. This allows you to relieve spasm in the muscles, reduce pain, return the discs to their place.

How is the procedure

Underwater traction of the spine is performed as follows:

1. The patient is securely fixed with special fasteners (belts) on the stand in the form of a platform.
2. Then a person with the whole structure is lowered into a pool filled with water, or into a deep bath.
3. The straps begin to tighten. Due to this effect, stretching is manifested.
4. The pressure on the intervertebral discs is significantly reduced. At this point, the spine is like a straight spring.

Underwater traction of the spine is used to treat many different pathologies associated, one way or another, with human bones (fractures, hernias, osteochondrosis, rheumatoid arthritis).

The effectiveness of the procedure

However, in medicine, this method of treatment causes a lot of conflicting opinions. More than one generation of scientists and doctors argue on this issue. Some doctors believe that the process of stretching the spine provides compression of the nerves and relieves pain. Other doctors argue that traction is not able to eliminate the cause of the pathology. After all, traction cannot change the destructive processes occurring in the skeletal system.

In addition, doctors emphasize that underwater traction of the spine sometimes leads to quite serious complications:

• intervertebral hernia;
• muscle microfractures;
• lumbago.

By the number of negative consequences, this method of treatment is equated to manual therapy. The question arises: is this procedure effective or harmful?

No matter how many disputes there may be on this score, one cannot but agree with the positive effect of traction on the body. A spinal stretching procedure provides elasticity to the back muscles. Therefore, in general, it becomes stronger.

To achieve positive results from this therapy, you need to make a lot of effort. And you should start by finding a good specialist. It is very important that traction occurs under the supervision of a competent doctor. It is he who will carefully study your pathology and choose the appropriate treatment method. The effectiveness of this procedure depends on this.

When to use this technique

Initially, it should be remembered that only a doctor can prescribe these events, having carefully studied the examination analyzes.

• with a hernia;
• osteochondrosis;
• spondylosis of a deforming type;
• lumbodynia;
• radicular compression;
• kyphoscoliosis;
• the initial stages of Bechterew's disease;
• lumboischialgia, which caused limited movement and worsened flexibility;
• compression radiculopathy.

Contraindications to therapy

Like any medical procedure, spinal traction has a number of limitations. Failure or ignoring them can seriously harm the body, and sometimes even lead to disability. That is why it is necessary to remind you once again, initially consult with an experienced doctor, and only after his approval, consider underwater spinal traction.

Contraindications to this procedure:

• disorders of the spinal circulation;
• osteoporosis;
• spinal instability in a patient;
• spinal inflammatory syndromes (epiduritis cicatricial adhesive or arachnoiditis);
• pathologies in an acute form, accompanied by severe pain;
• spinal fractures;
• overweight (more than 100 kg) and old age (over 60 years);
• poor tolerance for traction (the procedure leads to increased pain);
• rehabilitation after laminectomy;
• bans on balneo- and hydrotherapy (with tuberculous spondylitis, cardiopulmonary decompensation, tumors of the spine or spinal cord, predisposition to bleeding, skin diseases).

Underwater traction can occur in two ways:

• in a horizontal position;
• in vertical.

Let's look at both options.

Stretching in a horizontal position

This method is recommended by many experts. After all, it allows you to get excellent results by changing the load. Underwater horizontal traction of the spine, unlike other methods, is the safest procedure.

For the application of this therapy, patients are placed on a platform in the bathroom, which moves. The upper body is secured with straps, and a weight is hung to the lumbar. Then the bottom of the platform is slightly lowered down (at an angle of 15-30 degrees).

Stretching in a vertical position

This method is not suitable for all patients. Underwater vertical traction of the spine is a more intensive procedure.

It takes place in large pools. In addition, the patient is no longer lying, but is in an upright position. With this procedure, only the upper body is fixed. The head is also fixed with a reliable head holder. Legs during vertical traction should not come into contact with the bottom of the pool.

Special belts are put on the waist and hips, on which loads are placed. The weight of the weighting agents is selected by the doctor and can vary from 2 kg to 20. This method is good because it allows you to stretch the entire spine. Within 20-40 minutes, while the procedure lasts, the patient cannot move. After all, reliable fasteners hinder any movement.

This method is almost never used in practice. After all, it is based on a rough selection of cargo. In addition, with this method it is quite difficult to influence exactly the area that needs such traction.

In addition to vertical and horizontal traction, the procedure can be intensive or gentle. The choice depends on how severe the pain is, at what stage the disease is. Correct diagnosis is very important here.

Distinctive features:

1. Gentle method. It is a stretching that occurs under the influence of its own body weight. Additional loads in this method are not applied.
2. intensive method. If you need a stronger traction, then the procedure includes loads (from 2.5 kg). The weight of the load depends on the weight of the patient. This increases the session time - up to 40 minutes.

If concomitant diseases are present, such as impaired venous circulation, then the doctor may prescribe a special complex of underwater spinal traction, supplemented with sodium chloride baths. With radiculopathies, hydrogen sulfide or turpentine are recommended. And if you suffer from acute pain, then they will prescribe baths with radonium.

To improve the effectiveness of the method, it is often combined with hydromassage. This greatly improves the therapeutic effect.

Feature of the therapeutic effect

What is the essence of the therapeutic effect of this procedure? The whole secret lies in the water, or rather, in a certain temperature. It is very important that it be 36-37 C. It is at this temperature that the desired effect can be achieved, which will help in the fight against the disease.

The bath of underwater traction of the spine, the water in which reaches the above indicators, provides the following effects:

• reduces muscle tone;
• reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings in the spine;
• the gaps between the discs become larger;
• expands the holes through which the nerve endings of the spinal cord pass;
• relaxes the muscles, thanks to which the pain subsides;
• relieves spasms.

So, gradually, the necessary ratio between the vertebrae is restored, the disk is unloaded, the pressure decreases and, of course, the spinal root is released.

Cost of procedures

Unfortunately, underwater spinal traction cannot be called a cheap procedure. The average price varies from 1200 to 1600 rubles. And procedures may need 10-12.

Patient opinion

Despite the age-old debate among doctors about the effectiveness of the procedure, most patients notice a significant improvement after underwater spinal traction has been performed. Reviews indicate that the technique helps with hernias, scoliosis, spondylosis.

People note that pain discomfort is significantly reduced after 3 procedures. And the 5th session gives you the opportunity to move freely.

However, do not forget that the choice always remains with the doctor. After all, only a doctor can evaluate the indications, weigh the contraindications and decide how necessary and important the procedure for spinal traction is for the patient.

A large number of people suffer from pathologies of the spine. For their treatment, various methods are used, including traction (traction). Experts have different points of view on its use. The most sparing is the underwater traction of the spine. The fundamental difference between the latter and the dry method lies in the location and the benefits due to exposure to water.

Collapse

What does "underwater" mean?

Stretching the spine in water is performed either under the influence of the patient's own weight or additional weights. The patient's body is affected by water, which, together with muscle and vertebral stretching, improves bone nutrition and blood flow.

Ligaments of the vertebrae during the procedure are under water, which helps to stretch them and release the clamped discs. Most often, the method is used in the treatment of a hernia between the vertebrae.

The implementation of the procedure helps to restore the distance between adjacent vertebrae, reduce the pinching of blood vessels and nerves, as a result of which the swelling subsides, and unpleasant syndromes disappear. Its implementation contributes to the fact that the disk begins to better retain water, which is why it takes its usual position. Stretching helps create a vacuum into which the hernia is pulled.

Indications

Water spinal traction is used in the following cases:

• radiculitis;
• other radicular pathologies;
• osteochondrosis;
• ankylosing spondylitis (early stages);
• lumbodynia;
• spondylosis;
• intervertebral hernia;
• spondylarthrosis;
• lumbago;
• subacute and chronic lumbar pain;
• lumbago;
• scoliosis;
• kyphoscoliosis;
• lumboischialgia.

Contraindications

This procedure may not be possible for all patients. Violation of this can lead to even more serious damage to health or disability.

It is necessary to take into account the existing contraindications for underwater traction of the spine:

• recovery period after laminectomy;
• disturbances in the movement of blood in this area of ​​the back;
• sequestered hernias;
• spinal mobility;
• osteoporosis;
• lack of positive dynamics and the appearance of even greater pain;
• spinal fractures;
• the impossibility of balneo- and hydrotherapy due to tuberculous spondylitis, dermatitis, neoplasms of the back, cardiopulmonary decompensation, bleeding tendency;
• increased weight (more than 100 kg);
• the presence of infectious pathologies;
• cauda equina syndrome;
• acute pathologies with strong unpleasant sensations;
• arachnoiditis;
• old age (over 60 years);
• previous spinal surgery
• existing injuries on it;
• cicatricial adhesive epiduritis;
• compression of the spinal cord.

The doctor prescribes the procedure.

Types of underwater traction of the spine

Different plane (horizontal and vertical) stretching of the spine in water is distinguished. Water at a temperature of 32-35°C is poured into a special bath. First, the patient is located in it for 5-7 minutes to achieve relaxation and muscle relaxation, after which it is fixed with special devices.

The duration of the first sessions does not exceed 5-6 minutes, the extract is carried out due to the action of body weight. If no negative phenomena are noted, then in the future the load increases by 1-2 kg, the duration - by 1 minute, bringing the limit to 10-12 minutes (in relation to the load - 15-18 kg for men and 8-10 kg for women). Further, the load and duration decrease back in the same intervals.

The course consists of 10-12 sessions, carried out with an interval of 1 day. At the end of each procedure, the patient remains in a liquid medium for 5-6 minutes, after which he is lifted from there in 4 minutes, gradually transferring to a horizontal plane. 60 minutes he is on a hard surface, then goes into the usual upright position. With such a transfer, the damaged area is fixed with a corset or an elastic belt.

Horizontal

This method is suitable for many patients. An underwater horizontal traction of the spine is carried out according to the methods of Kiselev, Olifirenko or Lisunov, it is distinguished by a more gentle mode.

A person is placed on the platform of a moving bath. From above, it is fastened with straps, weights are hung on the lower back, legs are free. Patients are placed in the container at a certain angle, determined by the necessary load on the spine.

2 modes can be applied:

1. Continuous - continuous stretching throughout the session.
2. Variable - periodic change of traction and relaxation.

vertical

Moll stretching of the spine is performed. The vertical traction of the spine in the water is carried out while the person is in the pool with a depth of 2-2.5 m. The patient is tied with straps to the rack with immersion in the throat. The head is held by a head holder. Weight can be attached to the legs.

This method is not intended for all patients, since it carries a more intense load on the organ in question compared to horizontal placement without the possibility of its regulation.

Where can you do it?

Water traction of the spine is performed in specialized medical facilities, including clinics and sanatoriums. Without a referral from a local doctor, the procedure is carried out for a fee.

Clinics

In many cities there are specialized clinics where water traction of the spine is performed on a paid basis. Some of them, located in Moscow and St. Petersburg, are shown in the table.

Sanatoriums

They also carry out traction of the spine in the water. In the sanatoriums of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, massage is carried out in the complex, mineral baths, magnetotherapy, and other resort and therapeutic methods are prescribed.

In Pyatigorsk medical and rehabilitation institutions, this procedure is mainly carried out in radon water for the treatment of intervertebral hernia, as well as for its prevention. In the Rodnik medical institution, stretching is performed in a horizontal way in carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulfide, ordinary, iodine-bromide and radon water.

Effects

The fluid acts on the nerves, reducing the tone of the striated muscles. The distance between the vertebrae increases.

If there is a pinched nerve, then the effect of water reduces pain, relieves spasms of blood vessels, reduces the pathological movement of blood in the damaged area. Passed course:

• contributes to the restoration of intervertebral distance;
• releases the root of the spinal cord, unloading the disc;
• reduces intradiscal pressure.

The following processes are being improved:

• lymphatic circulation in the area of ​​damage;
• metabolism in the body;
• blood circulation in the area of ​​the spine that has undergone pathology or injury.

The procedure should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and in his direction. Performing traction by non-professionals can aggravate the situation and lead the patient to disability. If you feel worse during the course of procedures, you must abandon further sessions.

Conclusion

In baths, pools, equipped with fixing devices, water extraction of the spine is performed when the patient is located in the horizontal and vertical planes. It is performed in public and private medical institutions, Russian and Belarusian sanatoriums. Produced under the direction of a doctor and under the supervision of specially trained personnel. Errors in the implementation of the procedure can lead to disability of the patient.