Spinal Decompression Methods
Traction as used in chiropractic environments, is usually spinal traction. Chiropractors must treat many patients with low back problems. Applying traction to the spine is for the purpose of stretching the soft tissues between the cervical discs to assist in recovery. Traction can be applied by using a bending or pulling force to stretch the soft tissues.
Most people relate to traction as a pulling force. They picture themselves lying on their back with arms being pulled on one end and their legs being on the other. In essence, the pulling force is exerted on the entire spine. Spinal decompression machines have been used with patients lying on their backs. They are attached to the machine and then an extension force is used to stretch both ends of their spine simultaneously.
When using a pulling force across the length of the spine, a spinal decompression machine must stretch each soft tissue area between all the cervical discs simultaneously. Do the soft tissue areas between the cervical discs get stretched equally? The force to affect this traction comes from pulling both ends of the spine.
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.
The weight of the body is used in inversion therapy to effect traction. With an inversion bed, the angle of suspension can be controlled. The weight of the individual and the force of gravity both pull along the length of the spine.
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.
Massage chairs can apply this type of mechanical traction to the spine. They are using gravity as the pulling force over the top of the roller. The roller causes the cervical disc to deflect when the roller passes. The soft tissues are then stretched which is the definition of mechanical traction.
Massage chairs provide a variety of controls for both manual and automatic programs. They can provide a number of different massage techniques and can be focused to very specific regions. They provide a consistent massage to a patient. The force and intensity can also be controlled as well.
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.