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Methods of Spinal Decompression
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.
The most common form of spinal traction used is a pulling force. Typically, the patient is laid on their back and their hips are held and a force is exerted on the shoulders and head. A spinal decompression machine is typically used to exert a pulling force on the patient spine by stretching the patient when they are supine.
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.
Roller tables apply mechanical traction by passing the rollers across the spine. This applies an axial traction. As the roller passes each cervical disc, it will deflect the disc which stretches the soft tissues attached to it.
Massage chairs work on the same theory as roller tables. A roller is passed across the spine. The weight of the patient and the angle of the recline determine the force exerted on the disc. Unlike a roller table, however, massage chairs are able to adjust their angle.
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 also able to provide a number of other treatments in addition to spinal traction. Massage chairs have a full array of massage treatments and programs. Additionally heating elements are placed throughout the chair soothing warmth can be applied as needed. Massage chairs also have stretching of the lower body. Massage chairs also come with MP3 players which can provide a relaxing environment for the patient.
Massage chairs are multipurpose treatment centers. They can provide a variety of treatments to accommodate many users. Massage chairs apply massage treatments consistently and can be customized for individuals. Massage chairs have a variety of massage programs both manual and automatic. These massage chairs can also be directed to specific muscle groups for targeted relief.
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Filed under back pain by on Mar 31st, 2010. 
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