Underwater spinal traction– a medical procedure during which the spinal column is stretched, the distance between the vertebrae increases, the pressure on the intervertebral discs decreases, and the pressure on the spinal cord roots is eliminated. Underwater traction is more gentle and effective than dry traction, due to the relaxation of muscles that occurs in warm water and the improvement of blood circulation in tissues. However, the use of this technique has additional limitations in the form of contraindications to water procedures and certain technical difficulties associated with immersion and exit from the pool.
Indications
Underwater traction is used in the treatment of pain syndromes such as cervicalgia, thoracalgia and lumbago, and is used in the treatment of osteochondrosis, scoliosis, initial forms of ankylosing spondylosis, discogenic radicular syndromes, and deforming spondylosis. Most effective in the initial stages of spinal diseases. For patients whose radicular pain is accompanied by vegetative-vascular disorders, traction in a turpentine or hydrogen sulfide bath is recommended. Traction in a sodium chloride bath is carried out for patients suffering from diseases with impaired outflow from the veins of the spine. For intense pain without vegetative-vascular manifestations, traction in a radon bath is indicated.
Contraindications
The list of contraindications is similar to those for dry traction and includes complicated intervertebral hernias, severe deformities, tumors and other space-occupying processes of the spinal column, acute circulatory disorders and injuries, conditions after a spinal fracture or surgery, inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord and its membranes (myelitis, arachnoiditis, meningitis ), decompensated somatic pathologies. In addition, as a water procedure, the method is contraindicated for tuberculous spondylitis, cardiovascular diseases, a tendency to bleeding, skin diseases, and inflammatory processes.
Methodology
The temperature of the water in which the traction is carried out is 36-37 degrees Celsius. Depending on the characteristics of the disease, traction is used in fresh, sea or mineral water. Turpentine and hydrogen sulfide waters have a vasodilating effect and help improve blood circulation. Sodium chloride waters increase the tone of the veins and improve venous outflow, while radon waters provide a pronounced analgesic effect. Vertical underwater traction is performed using a circle, handrails or special systems. With this method, it is difficult to dose and target the traction force. Having to strain certain muscle groups immediately after the procedure to get out of the bath can reduce the effectiveness of traction and even lead to complications.
The horizontal version of manipulation is considered more physiological and safe. The patient is placed on an inclined traction shield, which allows the traction force to be accurately dosed, taking into account individual characteristics. The shield is lowered into the bath. After the procedure is completed, the shield is removed from the bath, the patient is transferred to a gurney, and then to a bed. Thus, the condition necessary for successful traction is met, according to which the patient should not load the back muscles for an hour after treatment. The course of therapy usually includes 10-15 manipulations lasting about 35 minutes. Sessions can be held every other day or daily.
Complications
When performing underwater traction of the spine, the same complications are possible as with other types of traction therapy. In some cases, there is a worsening of the symptoms of the disease, pain, dizziness, vegetative-vascular reactions, compression of the spinal cord, injury to the spinal nerve or vessel. If the patient's condition worsens during the trial session, further treatment is canceled.
A progressive method of treatment and prevention - underwater spinal traction - has gained even more popularity in recent years, since spinal traction in water is a fairly simple, effective and pleasant procedure for patients. It is recommended by doctors as a remedy for joint pain, back pain, and various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Underwater spinal traction allows you to achieve great success and lasting positive results when combining this therapy with drug treatment.
Underwater traction is recommended for almost everyone, since the success of such therapy lies in the fact that in warm water, with a gentle load on the spinal column, the muscular system of the entire human body relaxes, and a relaxed muscular corset allows the intervertebral distance to increase.
Underwater spinal traction involves the combined effect of plain water or water enriched with mineral salts and the weight of the patient’s body, which leads to improved blood flow in general and nutrition of bone tissue cells in the intervertebral discs. Typically, underwater spinal traction is prescribed as a prevention or treatment of intervertebral hernia, which forms in the cartilage of the discs due to the development of pathological changes.
This process begins to occur due to increased tension in the fibers of the connective tissues of the disc capsules, which is caused by critical compression of the disc by the vertebrae between which it is located, and is manifested in a strong contraction of the intervertebral and spinal muscles. This reaction works as a protection against excessive mobility of the vertebrae: when contracting, the muscles bring parts of the spine closer and fix them, but at the same time they exert too much pressure on the disc, and the disc capsule cannot cope with the load - a hernia is formed.
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Physiological blocking of muscles can be eliminated only by using a specialized method of forced action on the spinal muscles, since it is necessary to relax them naturally; the full effect cannot be achieved with medications. The procedure for underwater traction of a stiff spine solves this problem well, since during traction under water the ligaments of the vertebrae are stretched, which entails decompression (reduction of environmental pressure) of the compressed spinal discs, and warm water actively relaxes the muscle fibers, thus underwater traction of the spine occurs safely and without special effort on the part of the patient.
Traction allows the intervertebral distance to increase, compression of blood vessels and nerve roots disappears, and accordingly, swelling subsides, and the symptoms of pathology, pain and manifestations associated with neurology subside.
The accompanying mechanism of the therapeutic effect of traction on the spine is that when neighboring vertebrae are stretched, a vacuum effect is achieved in the area of the intervertebral disc, and this promotes retraction into the hernia. This is the essence of the method - to reduce the size of the hernial protrusion.
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When is underwater traction prescribed?
The water traction method gives excellent results in the treatment of pathologies such as:
- Intervertebral hernia of any part of the spine; traction is most effective in treating a hernia localized in the lumbar region;
- Chronic and subacute lower back pain and lumbago;
- Syndromes associated with nerve roots and radiculitis;
- Diseases of the joints in the sacroiliac joints (ankylosing spondylitis) of initial stage.
Stretching the spine in water is also effective in the treatment of spondyloarthrosis, osteochondrosis and some other diseases that cause deformation of the spinal column.
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When underwater traction cannot be carried out
Underwater spinal traction is contraindicated when:
- The disease is accompanied by acute pain;
- Sequestration of the hernial formation was detected;
- Pathological mobility of the spinal column is pronounced;
- Compression of the spinal cord was detected and its blood circulation was disrupted;
- You have been diagnosed with or have a tendency to osteoporosis;
- The patient is over 60 years old;
- The patient is obese and weighs more than 100 kilograms;
- There are tumor foci in the spine;
- A diagnosis of bone tuberculosis was made;
- The patient has severe heart or lung disease;
- The patient is prone to bleeding of various kinds;
- There are skin diseases;
- A person is suffering from an infectious disease;
- Previously there were injuries to the spinal column or surgery was performed on it;
- The procedure is intolerable specifically for this patient.
Therefore, it is absolutely forbidden to prescribe underwater spinal traction for yourself and try to get into this procedure. It should be used only after a thorough examination by a doctor and on his recommendation, otherwise the procedure can be harmful to health.
Methods and modes of procedure
Traction is performed in two ways: vertical underwater traction of the diseased spine and horizontal.
Vertical is carried out in a specialized pool with a depth of human height - approximately 2-2.5 meters. The patient is secured with straps at the counter and immersed in water up to his chin, sometimes a weight is attached to the lower limbs. This method is called “according to Moll”.
The horizontal procedure is carried out using one of three options - according to Lisunov, according to Oliferenko and according to Kiselev. This traction is carried out in a shallow pool, or the patient is immersed in a bath: the patient is placed on a specially adapted shield, and then, observing a certain angle, is immersed in water on it, while the degree of load on the vertebrae is regulated by the angle of inclination. During horizontal traction, the person's head is secured with a belt to the upper edge of the shield, but the legs are not tied.
Traction is done in ordinary fresh water or water enriched with mineral salts. Traction in water saturated with minerals is usually offered to patients in a sanatorium. Procedures in radon, sodium chloride, hydrogen sulfide and turpentine baths show good therapeutic effects.
The procedure can be performed in two modes: with a continuous load of traction, and variable, when traction and rest are alternated according to a special temporary scheme.
How does the procedure work?
The water for the procedure is heated to 33-35°C and the person is placed there for five to seven minutes to adapt and relax the body muscles. Then the patient is fixed on a specialized shield or frame, and the traction itself begins.
First, two or three procedures are carried out without additional load in the form of weights, carried out under the weight of the patient’s weight. The traction session lasts 5-6 minutes. If by the third session the patient tolerates the procedures satisfactorily, with each subsequent session the load is increased by 1-2 kilograms, and the stay in the water is increased by 60 seconds. For females, the greatest load is 8-10 kilograms, for males – up to 15-18 kilograms.
- The maximum session duration is 10-12 minutes. As soon as the maximum load and session time are reached, and this is the middle of the traction course, the duration and load on the vertebrae are reduced in the reverse order.
Be sure to read: At the end of each session, the patient should remain in the water for another 5-6 minutes, after which he is smoothly raised to the surface of the water, bringing him to a horizontal position. After this, the patient should lie on a hard couch or floor mat for an hour.
And then take a vertical position. After the session, the back must be fixed with an elastic corset.
Underwater spinal traction 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 slight load on the spine, complete muscle relaxation occurs, the distance between adjacent vertebrae increases, blood circulation and trophic processes in the intervertebral discs improve.
Spinal traction can be dry, which is carried out under the influence of the person’s own body 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 effects of warm ordinary or mineral water. Let's take a closer look at how underwater spinal traction occurs and what it can do.
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 intervertebral hernia. This defect is formed due to the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes inside the cartilage tissue of the discs. A major contribution to their development is made by the critical tension of the connective tissue fibers of the disc capsule, which develops due to the 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 back muscles. 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 they put too much pressure on the disc, the capsule of which cannot withstand and a hernial protrusion develops with all the resulting consequences.
It has been proven that it is impossible to eliminate this functional muscle block without the use of special methods of mechanical impact on the back muscles. Medicines cannot do this. But underwater spinal traction does an excellent job of this task.
When stretching, the distance between the vertebrae increases and the pressure on the damaged intervertebral disc decreases
During traction, the deep spinal ligaments and muscles are stretched. This creates negative pressure and promotes disc decompression. In addition, warm water greatly promotes the process of relaxation of muscle fibers, so stretching occurs without much effort and in a “safe mode”.
During traction, the distance between the vertebrae increases, compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels is eliminated, their swelling and, accordingly, the symptoms of the pathology (pain, neurological manifestations) are reduced. Also, during the process of traction, the ability of the intervertebral disc to retain water increases, which helps 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 area of the intervertebral disc, which, according to the laws of physics, contributes to the retraction of the herniated protrusion into the disc. This helps to reduce 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 the following cases:
- intervertebral hernia of any part of the spine (hernial protrusion localized in the lumbar region is best treated);
- lumbodynia and lumbago;
- scoliosis and other spinal deformities;
- radiculitis and other radicular syndromes;
- osteochondrosis and spondyloarthrosis;
- spondylosis deformans;
- initial stages of ankylosing spondylitis.
Contraindications to underwater spinal traction:
- exacerbation of spinal column pathology with acute pain syndrome;
- development of hernia sequestration (separation of part of it);
- severe spinal instability;
- compression of the spinal cord and disruption of its blood supply;
- spinal column injuries;
- individual intolerance to the procedure;
- history of spinal surgery;
- osteoporosis;
- age over 60 years;
- obesity (weight more than 100 kg);
- tumor lesions of the spine;
- bone tuberculosis;
- the last stage of heart and pulmonary failure;
- tendency to increased bleeding;
- some dermatological diseases;
- acute infectious process in the body.
Thus, a procedure such as underwater spinal traction can only be used on the recommendation of a doctor and after a thorough examination and additional examination methods. Otherwise, traction can further harm your health.
Types 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, secured to a special stand with straps, is immersed in water up to his neck. In some cases, additional weights may be attached to the legs. This method is called “Moll”.
Horizontal underwater traction
There are several options for such a hood: 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 of 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.
Extraction can also occur in ordinary fresh water or in special mineral water. As a rule, the second version of traction is offered by specialized sanatoriums. For example, radon, sodium chloride, turpentine, and hydrogen sulfide baths have an additional therapeutic effect.
Horizontal water traction procedure
It is worth mentioning the traction mode. There are two of them:
- Continuous, when a traction force is applied to the spine throughout the entire session.
- Variable, when traction is regularly replaced by relaxation according to a given program.
The second option is considered more effective.
How does traction work?
The water temperature in the pool reaches 32-35°C. At the beginning of the session, the patient simply 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 take place without the use of additional weights; traction occurs due to the weight of your 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 is increased by 1 minute. The maximum load for women is increased to 8-10 kilograms, and for men - up to 15-18, session time - 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 traction, the patient should still remain in the water for 5-6 minutes. Next, a smooth rise from the pool is carried out over four minutes to a horizontal level.
The person must lie down on a hard surface for 1 hour, after which it is possible to move to a vertical position. The spine must be secured 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.
Collapse
A large number of people suffer from spinal pathologies. Various methods are used to treat them, including traction. Experts have different points of view on its use. The most gentle is underwater spinal traction. The fundamental difference between the latter and the dry method lies in the location and the presence of advantages due to exposure to water.
What does "underwater" mean?
Spinal extension 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.
During the procedure, the vertebral ligaments are under water, which helps to stretch them and release the compressed discs. The method is most often used in the treatment of hernia between the vertebrae.
The procedure helps restore the distance between adjacent vertebrae, reduce pinching of blood vessels and nerves, as a result of which swelling subsides and unpleasant syndromes disappear. Its implementation helps the disc to better retain water, which is why it returns to its normal position. Stretching helps create a vacuum into which the hernia is pulled.
Indications
Water traction of the spine is used in the following cases:
- radiculitis;
- other radicular pathologies;
- osteochondrosis;
- Bekhterev's disease (early stages);
- lumbodynia;
- spondylosis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- spondyloarthrosis;
- lumbago;
- subacute and chronic lumbar pain;
- lumbago;
- scoliosis;
- kyphoscoliosis;
- lumboischialgia.
Contraindications
Not all patients can undergo this procedure. Violation of this can lead to even more serious health damage or disability.
It is necessary to take into account the existing contraindications to underwater spinal traction:
- recovery period after laminectomy;
- disturbances in blood flow in this area of the back;
- sequestered hernias;
- spine mobility;
- osteoporosis;
- lack of positive dynamics and the appearance of even greater pain;
- spinal fractures;
- impossibility of balneo- and hydrotherapy due to tuberculous spondylitis, dermatitis, neoplasms of the back, cardiopulmonary decompensation, tendency to bleeding;
- increased weight (more than 100 kg);
- the presence of infectious pathologies;
- cauda equina syndrome;
- acute pathologies with severe discomfort;
- 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 spinal traction
Multiplanar (horizontal and vertical) stretching of the spine in water is highlighted. Water at a temperature of 32-35°C is poured into a special bath. First, the patient sits in it for 5-7 minutes to achieve relaxation and muscle relaxation, after which he is secured with special devices.
The duration of the first sessions does not exceed 5-6 minutes, the traction is carried out due to the action of body weight. If no negative effects are noted, then the load increases by 1-2 kg, the duration - by 1 minute, bringing the maximum to 10-12 minutes (in relation to the load - 15-18 kg for men and 8-10 kg for women). Then the load and duration are reduced back at 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 the liquid medium for 5-6 minutes, after which he is lifted from there in 4 minutes, gradually moving to the horizontal plane. He remains on a hard surface for 60 minutes, then returns to his normal upright position. With such a transfer, the damaged area is fixed with a corset or elastic belt.
Horizontal
This method is suitable for many patients. Underwater horizontal traction of the spine is performed using the methods of Kiselev, Olifirenko or Lisunov, which is distinguished by a more gentle regime.
A person is placed on the platform of a moving bathtub. It is fastened with straps at the top, weights are hung on the lower back, and the legs are free. Patients are placed in the container at a certain angle, determined by the required load on the spine.
2 modes can be used:
- Continuous - continuous stretching throughout the session.
- Variable - periodic change of traction and relaxation.
Vertical
Moll's spinal stretch is performed. Vertical traction of the spine is carried out in water while the person is in a pool with a depth of 2-2.5 m. The patient is tied with straps to a stand with a throat-deep immersion. The head is held in place by a head holder. The weight can be attached to the legs.
This method is not intended for all patients, since it places a more intense load on the organ in question compared to horizontal placement without the possibility of its regulation.
Where can I do it?
Water traction of the spine is performed in specialized medical institutions, 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 for a fee. Some of them, located in Moscow and St. Petersburg, are shown in the table.
| Clinic name | Address | Cost, rub. |
| Moscow | ||
| Volyn hospital | st. Starovolynskaya, 10 | 2500 |
| LRC of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation | Ivankovskoe highway, 3 | 2000 |
| City Clinical Hospital No. 15 named after. O.M. Filatova | st. Veshnyakovskaya, 23 | 850 |
| St. Petersburg | ||
| Petrovsky | Petrovsky Island, 2 | 2300 |
| ReaSanMed on Varshavskaya | st. Varshavskaya, 5, bldg. 3, lit. A | 2300 |
| City Hospital No. 40 in Sestroretsk | Sestroretsk, st. Borisova, 9 | 1000 |
Sanatoriums
They also stretch the spine in water. In the sanatoriums of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, massages are provided in the complex, mineral baths, magnetic therapy, and other spa 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. At the Rodnik medical facility, stretching is performed horizontally in carbon dioxide-hydrogen sulfide, ordinary, iodine-bromide and radon water.
Consequences
The liquid affects the nerves, reducing the tone of the striated muscles. The distance between the vertebrae increases.
If pinched nerves occur, exposure to water reduces pain, relieves vascular spasms, and reduces the pathological movement of blood in the damaged area. Completed course:
- helps restore intervertebral distance;
- releases the spinal cord root, unloading the disc;
- reduces intradiscal pressure.
The following processes are improved:
- lymph circulation in the damaged area;
- metabolism in the body;
- blood circulation in the area of the spine affected by pathology or injury.
The procedure must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and in his direction. Performing traction by non-professionals can aggravate the situation and lead to disability for the patient. If your health worsens during the course of procedures, you must refuse further sessions.
Conclusion
In baths and pools equipped with fixing devices, water traction of the spine is performed with the patient positioned in the horizontal and vertical planes. Performed in public and private medical institutions, Russian and Belarusian sanatoriums. It is carried out on the direction of a doctor and under the supervision of specially trained personnel. Errors during the procedure can lead to disability of the patient.