Posted by Rich Leach on 03/28/2009 @ 3:31PM. Categories: I.T. Aches & Pains
8 Steps to Beating Cervical Radiculopathy OVER THE DOOR CERVICAL TRACTION VIDEO BLOG
BANDWIDTH ALERT: I did everything I could to shorten, compress and stuff this movie into as small a file as I could, but since it's almost 2 minutes long you might experience some lags and cutting out the first time you view it. For the best possible viewing experience you may want to simply let this movie load first (the slider control in the gray box beneath the movie will let you know when the entire movie has loaded) even though the streaming feature allows it to start playing before it's completed downloading.
OVER THE DOOR CERVICAL TRACTION TRANSCRIPT
Welcome back I'm Rich and today I'd like to review with you the Over the Door Cervical Traction Unit.
This is one of the most common types of traction devices available today, most likely because of its cost, you can get one for about $25 from a local retail Back Store or medical supply stores will have them as well. It's really a simple device, there's not much to it. It's a cloth harness with chin strap that's attached to a metal support frame that fits to the top of most any door in your house. Some rope through the pulleys tied to an included water bag and voila, you have traction.
Ironically, for all the money I spent on the other traction devices I found this traction unit to be THE MOST helpful for treating my cervical radiculopathy. This unit quickly provided genuine traction which gave me relief almost immediately. One caution though, TMJ and other potential jaw problems can be aggravated by a unit like this, so until you get used to it start with short intervals, maybe, only 10-15 seconds at a time. And a mouth guard like you see football and hockey players use can also help. I'm pretty convinced that this method of traction was a big factor in helping me beat cervical radiculopathy. Remember your best bet is to talk to your favorite medical professionals and let them advise you on the best course of action to take.
CAUTIONS: I can't believe I actually have to state this, but remember to wrap your chin and jaw in the harness, and NEVER put the harness around your neck or throat. Yes, I've actually been asked that question.... If your jaw starts feeling uncomfortable try an athletic mouth guard while performing the traction.
TMJ SUFFERERS - This thing will cause you grief! You could try modifying the actual harness with different kinds of foam, maybe a towel.