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At home traction

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Posted 11/29/2015 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
My pain doc is giving me several different treatments for my neck problems. I will be getting another ESI on Thursday for a pinched nerve. Then he gave me a script for an "at home cervical traction device". Doesn't specify what kind or anything Diagnosis listed is "cervical spondylosis". I assume my insurance will dictate what I am allowed to get.

Wondering how this deal works…I have had traction at my PT's office many times, but I don't know what to do about an at home one. I cannot stand in one spot for longer than about 4 minutes--on a good day--and sitting is tough unless on a soft surface, so I think the over the door ones are not going to work. Also, I can't lift much more than about 8-10 pounds, so the "water" ones are out. Any suggestions?

I also have TMJ dysfunction. I found one that I think would be a good fit, but it's $121 and online, so it's not even like I can try it first to see if it works for me. Do I check out medical supply stores? Special types of places? I don't know.


Any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks!


Sunny13
Posted 11/29/2015 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
I think I would take the script to a medical supply. They can look at the script & then you can see what he actually has ordered. If its something you don't think you can deal with perhaps the medical supply place can help you find something that will work. You may have to take the script back to the dr to get something different, but at least you can see what you are really getting.

Take care.
Posted 11/29/2015 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Sunny: If you are still working with a physical therapist, he/she can help you with selecting a home cervical traction unit and.

I am a physical therapist by profession and part of our "job" is sourcing in-the-home equipment for our patients. Make sure to provide your PT with your medical insurance information to check for your durable medical benefits.

The goal/purpose of a home cervical traction unit is to provide gentle and gradual distraction of the cervical vertebra - the effect is to provide temporary reduction of muscle co-contraction and muscle tension and to reduce pressure on cervical nerve roots (with hopeful reduction in symptoms of radicular pain and numbness or tingling). You can use it in the comfort of your own home when you need it. No need for a clinical appointment with your physical therapist.

Most people enjoy and find benefit from home traction units. I hope that this is true for you.
- Karen -
Posted 11/30/2015 10:03 AM (GMT 0)
I agree Sunny I don't think I would risk trying to guess here and would seek the help of the therapist to determine the best equipment taking into consideration your other restrictions and inabilities,even the durable medical supplies stores are not going to have access to those things and I don't imagine this is something your insurance would buy often so you would want to get the correct thing.

I've heard success stories and of course failed stories so good luck and hoping you get relief. Just remember that this is a ongoing process and not exactly a quick fix.
Posted 11/30/2015 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Sunny: The home cervical unit will not "fix" your cervical spondylothesis. It will provide gentle distraction of the cervical vertebra with the goal of temporarily reducing muscle tension and co-contraction and symptoms of numbness/tingling.

The traction is weighted at about 5 pounds, light in the overall scheme of things.

Options: Sitting in a chair, with the traction suspended from a door frame; lying in a bed, with the traction suspended from a headboard or a footboard; lying on the floor, with the traction tethered to a stationary and weighted sofa or table.

Your physical therapist will help select a unit best suited for you. He/she will either connect you with a medical supply provider for ordering or he/she may be able to order the unit for you. The type of unit and ordering will vary depending on your particular insurance and DME benefits and any preferred provider requirements.

Let your physical therapist do the "leg work" for you. It is all part of what we do in the course of our day.
- Karen -
Posted Yesterday 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Please please please get advice on the TMJ traction-I was told a definite NO. Many many specialists claim to treat TMJ, but there is no National Board certification. One estimate I was told was 2-3 per state. That was a few years ago, so who knows. Below is an excellent website to use as a source for almost any question. You do have to join, but it's free, and I've found it to be a great site.

http://www.tmj.org

Another message board is: http://www.healthboards.com/boards/tmj-disorder-temporomandibular-joint/
Again you need to join, but there are a TON of threads on the board, and it's a great place to ask questions.

I know replacements are not being discussed, but a research hospital that is involved in any type of studies would be very helpful as to any treatment. Shands in Fl and the University of Maryland are both great resources. My dr is associated with VUC. If you locate one of their Drs, they should be helpful via email. There are just too many treatments that can cause additional issues. The developer of my implants is :Dr. Louis Mercuri, clinical scientist. He's in California, but did visit me in Richmond due to complications(not from implants, but from disease progression. He's been very approachable via email.

I know that I might sound like I'm overreacting, but I just know the major issues that can be caused by well intentioned providers.
Posted 12/4/2015 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the info!

For now, they have decided I should put the idea of traction (for my neck) on hold. They want to wait until I see the neurosurgeon for tethered spinal cord. Might need surgery to remove scar tissue and a small fatty tumor which is causing tension on the spinal cord.
Posted 12/4/2015 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Sunny, when do you see the neurosurgeon? Let us know.
Posted 12/5/2015 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
waiting for them to call about the appt.
Posted 12/7/2015 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Sunny: Best of wishes to you in your upcoming neuro consultation. Releasing the adhesions that are tethering your spinal cord and nerve roots will likely bring you significant relief. I will have all of my 5 fingers and all of my 5 toes crossed in a symbolic Good Luck to You.

Rocckyd: I am interested in the TMD links. Thank You.
Posted 12/7/2015 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
thanks so much for the support. just don't cross the fingers and toes for any length of time without a break. they will get stiff and fall off or not be able to be uncrossed!! lol!! thanks again to everyone for the support. i sure have needed it and it makes me feel like i will be able to get thru this. i am not alone.
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