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? for those who use a home cervical traction unit...

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Posted 7/16/2008 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
How many times a day do you use your unit?  Can you do it too much?  And can you use too much pressure?  I currently use it once a day for 20 minutes(Five 2 minute intervals).  I usually use between 25 and 35 lbs of pressure.  I know that you obviously don't want it to hurt, but I feel like I could go even hire than 35lbs w/out it hurting.  But I don't want to do anymore damage to my Stenosis/bulges?

Thanks for any words of wisdom!!

Posted 7/16/2008 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again, Lake,
I don't have a home traction unit, but am wondering - are you using this under medical supervision? I would think a physical therapist at least (or a physiatrist) should be following you and monitoring the traction, amount of pressure, etc. I'm not a doc, but I've had so much physical therapy I know a little about most of the modalities used. Only had traction tried on me once, and it caused more pain in a way my physical therapist said it wasn't supposed to, so he stopped. So that tells me someone with professional knowledge and knowledge of your medical history should be reviewing your situation and answering your questions.

PaLady
Posted 7/16/2008 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
I went to a PT for 4 weeks(2 x a week) and he used their traction unit on me as well as had me do physical therapy.  Now, my pain doctor ordered me a home unit--I had to go over how to use the unit w/ the therapist before taking it home.  So I know how to use it, but I just thought of these questions upon leaving.  Plus, I'd rather have first hand opinions from people who have been helped(or been hurt by traction units)...
Posted 7/16/2008 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Lake,
I think the one thing I would say, even though I don't use traction, is that if it's hurting I'd stop and at least call your physical therapist and ask about the settings, etc. And was this ordered before your CS MRI results? Because that might change what a physical therapist might say. I have learned over the years that the cervical spine is very delicate. I've had physical therapists and one chiropractor (don't do chiro with your neck problems, IMHO) actually cause more symptoms. So I'm extremely careful about who I let touch my neck. Even if i have the money to get a massage, I ask the massage therapist what they are plan to do with my neck, and guide them if it's something I don't want. In your case, with as much as you've got going on, I'd err on the side of caution.

A physiatrist (a specialist in physical medicine) might be a good person for you to at least get an evaluation. They're knowledgeable about all the muscles, physical therapy modalities, etc. even more than pm docs. If you haven't had one, maybe check into it. They're often affiliated with spine centers or rehabilitation clinics/hospitals.

PaLady
Posted 7/17/2008 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Lake Murray : I could be wrong but home traction units have not been used for years ( to my knowledge ) unsupervised You could wind up like me and sorry forever and ever.
Posted 7/17/2008 8:45 AM (GMT 0)
I have cervical pain -- all sorts of problems. I was kinda excited about this cervical traction unit until I read Tom's post. TY, Tom. PaL, I do believe I need a pysiatrist. (Not a shrink)
Tom... How does it go with you?
Pamela Neckpain
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