Sunday, March 28, 2010

Methods of Spinal Decompression

By Claudine Balsells

Spinal traction can be accomplished in a number of different ways. Let us walk through different methods of spinal traction including massage chairs. Traction or stretching requires a force. This can be a bending force or a pulling force. The purpose of traction is to stretch out the soft tissues between joint surfaces. When looking at spinal traction, the key is to exert a force which stretches the soft tissues.

Spinal traction machines have capabilities of exerting a pulling force across the entire length of the spine. These machines must secure both ends of the patient's spine and then a pulling force is used to stretch the length of the spine. The pulling force is used in this case to stretch the soft tissues between the cervical disc.

A spinal decompression machine works on a theory of extending the disc in unison from top to bottom. The machine is exerting a force on both ends of the spine which pulls apart the cervical discs and stretches the soft tissues. This is also the more common thought of mechanical traction.

Another method used to affect traction is inversion therapy. Inversion therapy usually utilizes boots that the wearer puts on. Either the patient is laid on flat table which then allows them to be raised with their feet up. Or the user must lock the boots onto a bar and then suspend themselves from there hanging upside down.

Inversion therapy uses gravity to affect the force. The patient's own weight is used to help stretch out the spine. Since the feet are held in place, the force is applied by both the angle of tilt and the patient's own weight.

Roller tables are used to effect mechanical traction. A roller table is a long flat table to accommodate the patient lying completely flat. Rollers are contained inside the table and are used to apply mechanical traction.

The way a roller table applies traction is with a bending force. The roller passes across each cervical disc. As the roller passes, it causes the cervical disc to deflect. This deflection of the cervical disc elongates the soft tissues.

When a massage chair applies traction to the spine, it is also passing a roller. The roller is activated to go up and down the individuals spine. As the roller moves across the spine it will deflect the cervical discs. This mechanical bending force is used to stretch the soft tissues.

Mechanical traction for the spine with a massage chair uses a roller. The roller is activated to go up and down the spine of the patient. The roller passes along each cervical disc. It deflects the cervical disc which elongate the soft tissues between them.

Massage chairs are very versatile in a health care environment. They provide a variety of treatments for patients. They contain many different massage techniques. These chairs can be targeted for specific areas. Additional treatments include lower body stretching systems, heating elements throughout the chair and an MP3 player for music relaxation.

Massage chairs are versatile by providing a number of different treatment options. Many of the massage programs can be precisely controlled and directed to specific areas. This helps to see the direct effect that massage therapy has on the patient. Massage chairs also provide a relaxing environment with an MP3 player and headphones.

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