Clinically, with this type of pathology, the following signs can always be detected:
pain and restriction of movements in the opposite direction from the dislocation;
vicious installation of the neck and head. Typically, this is a tilt and turn of the head in the direction opposite to the dislocation, this is especially clearly seen from the side of the back of the head. An exception is the situation when there is a concatenated dislocation - with it, the head is turned in the opposite direction, and the inclination is towards the dislocation;
sharply painful articular processes at the level of dislocation are palpated.
Dislocations of the vertebrae can be treated with bloodless or surgical methods. Bloodless reduction methods include:
prolonged traction for the bones of the cranial vault with loads necessary for reduction;
derotational traction with asymmetric or unilateral rotational dislocations;
forced traction with gradually increasing loads from 6 to 25-30 kg;
simultaneous manual reduction of dislocations.
Each of these methods has its own indications and contraindications. One of the main contraindications to bloodless reduction of dislocations is the displacement of the disc into the spinal canal, established using contrast diagnostic methods or MRI, which, when the dislocation is reduced, can cause secondary compression of the spinal cord by this disc.
Glisson loop
The most common method is long-term traction behind the head with a Glisson loop or skeletal traction for the bones of the skull; it is believed that it is the safest for any type of injury to the cervical vertebrae. However, a significant number of cases of secondary spinal cord injury are known. In addition to this formidable complication, this type of traction is ineffective for interlocking dislocations, when significant loads are required and the use of various axes and reduction angles is required. When stretching for the Glisson loop, loads of more than 4-5 kg should not be used, otherwise bedsores on the chin develop, and the very use of the Glisson loop should be short in terms of time - a forced position on the back will definitely force the patient to weaken the traction or remove it altogether. Proper traction on the Glisson loop involves the use of weights thrown over the blocks and some elevated position of the head end of the bed.
Indications for the use of the Glisson loop:
subluxations in any segment of the cervical spine, incl. and in children with rotational subluxation of the atlas;
fractures of the cervical vertebrae below CII, if there is no need to correct the deformation of the spinal canal with traction;
the need to keep the vertebrae in the reduced state after single-stage manual reduction techniques.
Such traction should be taken for no more than 2 weeks, and after it, after the pain syndrome subsides, patients should be transferred either to a soft collar (with reduced subluxations) or to a plaster cast.
Traction with small loads for the bones of the cranial vault also refers to a long-term type of traction, but this technique cannot eliminate the interlocking dislocation. This method should be used when:
derotational traction and forced reduction;
the need for long-term retention of the patient in skeletal traction with loads up to 4.5 kg after reduction;
for fixing the head during surgery on the cervical vertebrae;
with compression and comminuted fractures of the cervical vertebrae, incl. and with displacement, in the absence of indications for surgical treatment.
The points of application of the traction force on the bones of the cranial vault should be chosen taking into account the axes and angles of reduction (Fig. 47).
Rice. 47. Scheme of the location of fixation points on the skull with various methods of skeletal traction: 1 - parietal tubercles, 2 - parasagittal region, 3 - zygomatic arches.
So, with the widespread method of traction for the zygomatic arches, the point of application of the traction force is located far anterior to the axis of the spine, thus this type of traction will necessarily throw back the head and upper spine significantly, which, when the overturning dislocation is reduced, will translate the latter into a sliding one, thereby significantly the spinal canal will narrow, and additional, sometimes fatal, injury to the spinal cord may be caused.
The most favorable points for skeletal traction should be considered the parietal tubercles or the parasagittal region 2-3 cm posterior to the coronal suture. In this case, traction is carried out strictly along the axis of the spine. Sometimes it is necessary to change the angle of reduction, and apply traction with head flexion, while the fixator can be applied posterior to the matching lines of the articular and mastoid process.
About cargo
It is believed that with proper traction through the blocks, where the traction force is not lost due to friction, it takes 4.5 kg to overcome the weight of the head, and then 2.3 kg for each spinal motion segment located above the injury site. Thus, in order to set, for example, dislocation C5, traction with loads of 15.8 kg is required.
Derotational traction
Derotational traction is used for asymmetrical, often unilateral dislocations. Its essence is that on the side of greater dislocation, a heavier load is suspended and the direction of the thrust should be with a posterior deviation of 20-30 °, and on the healthy side, the thrust should deviate outward by 15-20 ° (Fig. 48).
Rice. 48. Scheme of derotational traction.
forced reduction
Forced reduction involves traction with large loads of 25-30 kg. Such a load is not suspended immediately - during the first 20-30 minutes, starting from 6-8 kg, the load is gradually increased to the maximum. In this case, muscle fatigue quickly sets in and the ligamentous apparatus is stretched, which in some cases leads to the reduction of the dislocation.
X-ray control should be carried out every 15-20 minutes, upon reaching a good result, the loads are gradually reduced to 3-4 kg and left for 3 weeks. The entire reduction procedure should not exceed 3-4 hours.
Reduction of dislocations with the Halo system
This method has been known since 1982 (Tator Ch. et al.), with the help of four fixators inserted into the spongy layer of the bones of the cranial vault, and strong rods attached to the shoulder girdle, simultaneous reposition and immobilization are possible with the same terms as wearing a plaster cast. dressings, (see fig. 33).
After the dislocation is reduced in one way or another, in order to avoid secondary displacement when applying external immobilization, for example, a plaster thoraco-cranial or thoraco-cervical bandage, the patient should be kept in traction for quite a long time - from 3 to 6 weeks with periodic radiographic control if the dislocation has recurred, it is not worth re-repositioning, because in these cases, it is quite possible that the re-set dislocation will shift again. There are indications for surgical treatment.
One-step closed manual reduction
There are more than twenty methods of closed manual reduction of dislocations of the cervical vertebrae.
Indications for simultaneous manual reduction of dislocations:
1. Rotational subluxations of the atlas, dislocations and subluxations of the atlas with a fracture of the odontoid process.
2. Complicated and uncomplicated, unilateral and bilateral dislocations of the II-VI cervical vertebrae, if there are no indications for surgical treatment.
3. The failure of attempts to reduce the dislocation with the help of traction in the early stages after the injury.
4. Stale and unstable chronic dislocations while maintaining mobility between the vertebrae.
Contraindications to manual reduction.
1. Lack of accurate diagnosis.
2. Lack of conditions for reduction.
3. Indications for surgical treatment.
Reduction of dislocation by the Riche-Guther method
One of the universal ways to reduce almost any dislocation is the Riche-Guther method. The reduction of the dislocation is performed in the x-ray room with the patient in the supine position. General or local anesthesia is not required, it is important to maintain communication with the patient. The assistant pulls the shoulders by the long straps. A Pschsson loop is put on the patient's head, the straps from which are tied behind the surgeon's back, taking into account the necessary axis of reduction (along the axis of the spine, deviation anteriorly or posteriorly). The surgeon holds the head and neck of the patient with his hands. Before the stages of reduction, after all this preparation, an x-ray is taken.
First stage- traction along the axis (Fig. 49). In fresh cases, this period lasts 5 minutes, in old cases - 10-15 minutes. The doctor recommends the patient to relax the neck, shoulders, breathe deeply. Small swinging movements behind the head are allowed. With significant damage and severe neurological symptoms, reduction can occur already at this stage. Hearing a characteristic click, making sure that the deformity disappears and the cervical lordosis is restored, and the patient reports the disappearance of pain and discomfort in the hands, a control radiograph should be taken to make sure that reduction has not occurred. If so, then the head is unbent and the Shants collar is applied.
Fig.49. The first stage of simultaneous manual reduction according to Riche-Guther: traction along the axis of the spine by deviating the surgeon's torso using the Glisson loop. Counterthrust for the shoulders of the patient.
Second phase- in the absence of reduction, they proceed to stage 2 - deviation of the patient's head to the side opposite to the reduced articular process with the help of pressure from the hands of the surgeon on the head and emphasis on the opposite side of the neck at the level of the dislocated vertebra, without weakening the traction for the loop (Fig. 50). In this case, the articular processes diverge, creating conditions for rotation to a normal position.
Rice. 50. The second stage of simultaneous manual reduction according to Riche-Guter: lateral tilt of the head to the opposite shoulder with continued traction.
Third stage(reducing maneuver) - turning the head towards the vydha. The surgeon moves his hand from the patient's neck to his lower jaw and turns the patient's head towards the reduced dislocation (Fig. 51). With a unilateral dislocation, traction behind the head is stopped. They take pictures. If the dislocation is set, the head is unbent, slowly returned from the turn to the midline, the neck is fixed with the Shants collar or the Glisson loop is left with loads of 4-5 kg. If the dislocation is not reduced, then pain appears during extension and it must be stopped; and again under traction, the repositioning maneuver should be repeated.
Rice. 51. The third stage of simultaneous manual reduction according to Riche-Gueter: turning the head to the right (with right-sided dislocation) while maintaining traction along the axis and tilting the head in the opposite direction.
In case of bilateral dislocations, after the articular process has been set on one side without extension of the head, stage 2 should be taken, but tilting the head to the opposite side, and then stage 3 should be performed - a reduction maneuver on the opposite side. After that, a control radiograph is taken, traction is stopped, the head is unbent and the rotation of the head is eliminated.
Sometimes a click or crunch is heard, but this cannot be the only evidence that the dislocation has been reduced. Reliable signs of successful reduction are a significant reduction or complete disappearance of pain and the appearance of free rotational movements of the head, which should be checked in the head extension position. But the X-ray is the final evidence of the reduction of the dislocation.
If the reduction did not work out, then you can either repeat it immediately, or do it after 1-2 days of constant traction.
When choosing the side from which reduction should be started in case of bilateral dislocations, one should be guided by the fact that:
It is necessary to start reduction from the side of the broken articular processes;
From the side of the subluxation, and then go to the side of the concatenated dislocation;
With bilateral interlocking dislocations, one should start from the side where radicular disorders are more pronounced.
Rotational subluxations of the atlas are also reduced in this way, only the control of reduction is carried out by a radiograph taken through the mouth.
Transdental dislocations and subluxations of the atlas are treated with traction and pressure on the head in the opposite direction to the displacement. careless or incorrect movement of the patient's head can cause damage to the spinal cord.
After a successfully reduced dislocation, external immobilization can be immediately applied, or the patient can be left on long-term skeletal traction with small loads for 3 weeks in order to form a cicatricial adhesion between the damaged segment of the spine, and then transfer the patient to a plaster cast. After applying external immobilization, a picture is required. The total period of treatment of reduced dislocations CII-VI is 2.5 - 3 months. X-ray control should be periodically carried out in a plaster cast, tk. dislocation may recur.
In acute radicular syndrome, disc deformity and hernia, neurogenic pain, other pathologies of the back and support column, spinal traction is prescribed. The method has both supporters and opponents among doctors, but the benefits of proper traction are confirmed by research results and patient reviews.
What is spinal traction? Harm and benefit of antigravitational influence. Which type of procedure is safer? What are the contraindications for dry and underwater traction of the support post? Answers in the article.
general information
Traction of the spine is an effective method of reducing pressure on the structures of the support column to restore the functionality of an important element of the musculoskeletal system. With deformation of the intervertebral discs, thinning of the shock-absorbing pad, the vertebrae sag, friction of the bone structures occurs. Gradually, the cartilage tissue wears out, cannot fully function, compression provokes damage to the discs, development, and pain.
The stronger the compression of the vertebrae, the higher the risk of neurological disorders and damage to the elements of the support column. Traction of the spine reduces compression, "moves" the bone elements away from each other, stretches the bone tube, which leads to a reduction in pain, elimination of muscle spasm, and stops further destruction of cartilaginous and dense structures.
Spinal traction is a complex procedure. In the conditions of the sanatorium and resort complex and the physical room, doctors use modern equipment for underwater and dry traction of the spine. The use of the technique at home is fraught with risks, only simple varieties are allowed without serious burdening. Self-treatment, the use of untested methods of stretching the support column can lead to dangerous consequences, including disability, spinal cord ruptures, and vertebral fractures.
Advantages
Spinal traction is suitable for patients with various diseases of bone structures. Correct execution of the procedure, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, has a positive effect on the state of the weakened support column and the affected elements.
Spinal traction is carried out for orthopedic pathologies and various types of neuralgia, pain syndrome,. Conducting underwater traction in diseases of the support column is allowed for elderly patients.
An important advantage of the method is an increase in the distance between adjacent vertebrae. No other procedure gives such an effect. Therapeutic gymnastics increases the flexibility of the spinal column, activates nutrition and blood supply to problem areas, but it is impossible to quickly “push back” the vertebrae to reduce compression with the help of exercises.
The result of treatment with the use of dry and underwater traction of the spine:
- increasing the distance between the vertebrae, reducing pressure on cartilage structures;
- elimination of spasms of the back muscles;
- normalization of local blood circulation, reducing the risk of stagnation of blood and lymph;
- a decrease in compression of the nerve roots against the background of growth, excessive tension of spasmodic muscle fibers,;
- stretching of the ligaments and muscles of the paravertebral zone;
- restoration of optimal values of osmotic pressure in the nucleus pulposus of the elastic cartilage lining between the vertebrae;
- protrusion of displaced discs and vertebral bodies under tension of the longitudinal posterior ligament of the support column;
- an increase in the diameter of the intervertebral foramen during traction up to 0.5 mm between adjacent bone structures - by 1-3 mm.
Indications for the procedure
Spinal traction is prescribed for various problems with the supporting column and paravertebral zone:
- (except for certain varieties);
- pain syndrome of a neurogenic nature;
- a crack in the tissue of the fibrous ring;
- support column deformations;
- all departments of the support column;
- deforming;
- in the intervertebral discs;
- compression changes in the sections of the support column;
- initial stage of development;
- radiculo-ischemic syndrome (subacute stage);
- compression of the disc capsule;
Contraindications
The procedure is not carried out in the following cases:
- the period of exacerbation in any chronic pathologies;
- pregnancy;
- severe lesions of bone and cartilage elements in old age;
- pathologies in the stage of decompensation;
- diseases of the supporting column, in which the density decreases, the structure of the bone tissue is disturbed, for example,;
- childhood;
- a malignant tumor process was detected in any part of the body;
- tendency to bleed;
- during the period of therapy, a negative dynamics of the patient's condition was manifested;
- revealed foraminal or;
- the patient suffers from mental disorders.
Important! Extraction of the spine is carried out after examining the patient, clarifying the diagnosis and stage of pathology. Carrying out the traction of the supporting column in the wrong period of the disease can result in the activation of the inflammatory process, serious damage to the cartilage and ligamentous apparatus. Self-medication is prohibited until the doctor indicates all the nuances for home traction of the spine.
Benefit and harm
Proper traction of the spine is a prerequisite for achieving a therapeutic effect. After a course of procedures, patients feel relief, pain decreases, blood supply to problem areas improves, and the progression of many pathologies stops.
Spinal traction is harmful in case of violation of the therapy process, insufficient examination before the sessions (the doctor missed the manifestations in which it is forbidden to carry out the procedure). Dangerous is traction of the spinal column, carried out by a non-specialist or the use at home of immoderate weights on the arms, waist and legs. When side effects often develop, uncontrolled stretching of the spine is harmful.
Possible complications after spinal traction:
- injury to cartilage tissue with excessive burdening, violation of the rules of procedure or self-treatment;
- muscle spasm in pain points and areas of fibrosis.
Negative reactions develop when the restrictions for spinal traction are ignored, the patient violates the doctor's instructions, and the support column is stretched incorrectly. To eliminate side effects, the doctor destroys trigger zones before the session or changes the patient's position during the procedure.
Types of anti-gravity impact
On an individual basis or an orthopedic traumatologist selects a certain type of procedure. The water variety is a “softer” option: the load on the heart and the whole body is lower.
Look at the list, and also learn about the features of their use in cervical osteochondrosis.
The rules for performing exercises to strengthen the back muscles for pain at home are described on the page.
Go to the address and read about the symptoms and effective treatments for a bruised lumbar spine.
Spinal traction happens:
- Dry. Hanging on the crossbar or the use of special medical simulators. There is horizontal, vertical, inversion traction. Good result with a hernia in the lumbosacral region.
- Hardware traction. The special device looks like a rack from the Middle Ages, but the stretching of the support post is carried out with minimal stress so as not to harm the patient. The device stretches the vertebrae, the procedure is carried out by experienced specialists in high-level clinics. Dry type of support column hood.
- . The most efficient and safest method. For the session you need a pool with warm water and special equipment. How is the procedure? Doctors select the weight of the burden, fill the pool with water of the desired temperature, the patient puts the prepared weight on his feet. The warm liquid and slight stretching due to weight account for the good relaxing effect. The trophism of problematic muscles is better than before the procedure, the blood circulates more actively through the vessels. Decompression is pronounced, muscle fibers and ligamentous apparatus are relaxed. Underwater spinal traction is used by doctors in severe intervertebral hernia and in patients aged 50-60 years with moderate stages of pathologies.
Before stretching the spine, you should not eat and drink a large amount of liquid, you need to measure the pressure. There are no other significant rules for preparing for the procedure. All the nuances can be clarified with a physiotherapist who will conduct sessions of underwater or dry traction of the support column.
Before the procedure, the doctor calculates the weight of the burden, the duration of the session. It is important to identify limitations, to first do it in order to clarify the type of intervertebral hernia: with a foraminal variety of pathology of the vertebrae L4 - L5, the procedure is not prescribed.
After the session, to consolidate the effect, prevent complications and displacement of the vertebrae, the patient is taken to the ward on a stretcher. The horizontal position during transportation can be observed only in a medical institution and a sanatorium. Be sure to rest for one to two hours. Doctors fix the stretched spine with an orthosis.
The total number of sessions is from 10 to 20 for one course. The frequency of carrying out depends on the reaction of the body: the lack of positive dynamics is a reason for refusing antigravity therapy. The price in high-level clinics is from 1700 to 2500 rubles.
Gentle and gentle traction of the spine for many becomes a real panacea in the treatment of osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, herniated discs, problems with the muscles and nerves of the upper back and neck, and other diseases of this kind. The Glisson loop often comes to the rescue of people in these situations.
Description
This is one of the hardware simulators, with the help of which traction (traction) of the spine is carried out. This device is easy to use, can be used independently, does not require the participation of other persons during installation, is available, usually available in any medical centers, dispensaries, and even in massage rooms. The Glisson loop is named after an English doctor who lived in the 17th century and offered to use his invention for medicinal purposes.
Manipulation can be carried out both in a horizontal position on a special bed, and in a vertical position, sitting on a hard surface. The first method is used exclusively in medical institutions, since special devices for fixation are required. The second can be done at home.
How does the Glisson loop device work?
A person sits down and puts on a Glisson loop, hung on a hook with a strong rope or cable, at the other end of which a load is fixed. At home, you can use a bottle of water or sand, pebbles. Weight must be pre-calculated by a doctor. The weight is lowered down and traction is carried out. The chin is fixed with a wide panel.
An even simpler option is to do without a load, and pull the free end of the strap by hand. At the same time, you need to carefully monitor the sensations and make the movement smoothly, without jerking. If there is pain, then the exercise is performed incorrectly and should be stopped immediately.
Preparing for execution
When to deal with a device such as a Glisson loop?
The optimal time for stretching is in the evening, about 1.5 hours after dinner. After completing the procedure, it is advisable to immediately go to bed. You need to lie on your back without a pillow at all or get an orthopedic one so that the stretched neck does not return to the reverse twisted position.
Before starting, it is necessary to do a warm-up for the muscles of the neck and upper spine so as not to injure them. To warm up for a few minutes, a warm heating pad or a heated towel is applied, then a light massage and rubbing of the muscles are performed.
You may feel a little dizzy during the process. This is due to the fact that the vessels were freed and began to pass more blood, respectively, and oxygen into the brain. If the dizziness does not increase and remains at an acceptable level, does not cause discomfort, then everything is in order.
1. All movements should be performed slowly and not cause discomfort.
2. In the first week after class, pain may appear in the muscles of the neck and jaw, due to their stretching. They should be gone by the middle of the second week. If the pain persists, a doctor's consultation is necessary.
3. When performing the procedure without a chair in full or incomplete hanging, you need to squat smoothly and carefully, controlling the weight. The load should last from 5 seconds to a minute, depending on fitness and well-being, followed by a return to the starting position.
4. It is optimal to conduct 1-3 classes per day.
5. You can carry out the procedure in a special hard collar-collar, quilted with cotton, and put on a mouth guard - this will reduce pain in the neck and jaw.
Diagnostics
The following manipulations will help determine whether it is necessary to apply traction with a Glisson loop:
- Ask someone to put one hand on the back of the head, the other under the lower jaw and gently pull the head up as gently as possible. If relief is felt, the method can be applied. If it becomes painful or uncomfortable, then it is impossible.
- Press on the head from above, just as gently and smoothly. Traction is indicated if the patient experiences discomfort.
- Be sure to take a picture of the disturbing area.
Is it possible to make an apparatus?
How to make a Glisson loop at home? Many people ask this question.
In fact, this is just a bandage made of dense fabric, preferably elastic and springy, tapering towards the ends and with a cutout in the middle. Therefore, it is quite possible to make the device with your own hands. The loop should be wide enough to fix the chin and the back of the head. It is better to sew elastic bands or straps to the bandage area under the ears to connect the pieces of fabric between the jaw and the back of the head. This is done so that the bandage does not move out of the back of the head.
You can make it even easier - take two strips of fabric about a palm wide and about 25 cm long, sew them at the ends, thread two laces - and the loop is ready. If necessary, the laces are tied at the top of the head. The angle between the stripes on the chin and on the back of the head should be approximately 45 degrees. Is a pattern necessary for such an apparatus as the Glisson loop? Such a product can be sewn without a pattern, it is enough to have an example in front of your eyes.
Next, you need straight hangers for clothes. At the ends, you need to drill holes and strengthen the ropes or straps in them that hold the loop itself. They must, of course, be strong enough to support the weight of the body. This is not the best option, but you can use it.
It will be more convenient to make a hook from a thick wire or a metal rod, attach it to the door, and hang a Glisson loop on this hook.
The downside is that the metal of such a fortress is very difficult to bend as it should. But, in the end, in hardware stores you can find the right metal for the device.
Here is how a Glisson loop can be made at home.
Contraindications
In no case should you use traction at home, especially in hanging, in the following cases:
- diseases of the spine in the acute stage;
- weakness of the intervertebral discs, cartilage;
- pregnancy;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia in severe form and disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system;
- lesions of the vestibular apparatus;
- old age from 70 years;
- hypertension grade 3;
- spondylosis;
- the presence of neoplasms, both malignant and benign.
Before you start working with the Glisson loop, you need to consult a doctor and take a picture of problem areas.
But if there are no contraindications, then you can make a Glisson loop with your own hands. Be healthy!
The neck connects our torso to our main computer, the brain, and performs many vital functions. It contains two large arterial vessels - the vertebral arteries, which pass in a special bone canal along the sides of the vertebrae. This proximity means that any problem in the cervical vertebrae or discs can cause spasm or compression of the vertebral artery.
The science of craning your neck
The neck connects our torso to our main computer, the brain, and performs many vital functions. It contains two large arterial vessels - the vertebral arteries, which pass in a special bone canal along the sides of the vertebrae. This proximity means that any problem in the cervical vertebrae or discs can cause spasm or compression of the vertebral artery.
Our head weighs about three kilograms and its constant pressure reduces the height of the intervertebral discs. In addition, with age, the cartilage of the vertebrae wears out and this also leads to a decrease in the height of the discs.
Many of us experience dizziness, tinnitus, or headaches after a sudden turn of the head or a long tilt of the head back. These are all manifestations of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.– that is, a violation of blood circulation in those very compressed vertebral arteries.
An increase in the height of the intervertebral discs has a beneficial effect on the spine. There are techniques for stretching the neck with the help of special collars or devices. However, they have a serious drawback - it is almost impossible to control the degree of stretching. And even a slight overstretching of the vertebrae can cause the opposite effect.
The safest and most effective is self-extension of the neck up. Even a fraction of a millimeter of traction is enough for the pressure inside the cervical discs to decrease and the tone of the blood vessels to normalize. And now the pain in the neck goes away, the headache lets go, the blood flow through the arteries and veins normalizes. And so, how do you stretch your neck yourself?
PhD, spinal neurosurgeon Borshchenko Igor in his book "Neck hurts - what to do?" offers the following neck stretching exercise.
Starting position- standing or sitting on a chair. Place the thumbs of both hands under the corners of the lower jaw, place the remaining four fingers on the back of the head. With both hands, pull the head up along the spine.
Important! When performing the exercise, the head should remain in the same plane with the body.
While stretching, carefully do additional micro-tilts with your head back and forth or from side to side. Avoid strong head tilts!
Imagine that you want to pull a tight cork out of a bottle, and to do this, you pull and loosen it a little. These are the movements that you do during the exercise.
Neck stretching exercise allows you to relax the tissues and normalize the position of the vertebrae relative to each other.
You can perform this exercise in an even more gentle mode - lying down. To do this, lie on your back, on a flat surface, place a small towel roll under your neck to support the cervical vertebrae.
In the same way as described above, slightly stretch the cervical spine in combination with micro-movements of the head. Do the exercise for no more than 10-20 seconds. With good health, you can repeat the exercise 2-3 times. published .
Have questions - ask them
P.S. And remember, just by changing your consciousness - together we change the world! © econet
The risk of damage to the cervical vertebrae increases as the body ages. Glisson's loop helps to avoid the development of many painful pathologies of the spinal column. The ability to use this device at home eliminates the need to travel to the clinic for outpatient treatment.
What is a device
With its help, traction of the vertebrae occurs, in other words, neck traction. It is easy to use this device, you can use it yourself, without third-party participation. It got its name in honor of an English doctor who, back in the 17th century, practiced the treatment of diseases of the cervical spine with his device. Today, this method of therapy for patients lying on a special bed is used in clinics and hospitals, and sitting on a chair - at home.
The simulator is a system of belts with fasteners, which are fixed under the chin and hold the head in the resulting strap. The upper part of the structure is fixed with a cable at a certain height, and a load is suspended from it. It is he who has a stretching effect on the cervical vertebrae. As a load, you can even use a plastic container with water. Her weight should be calculated exclusively by a doctor. The patient performs exercises, overcoming the resistance of the load with his head, which then goes down, then rises. This is how the diseased vertebrae are stretched.
This process at home can be carried out even without a load. The opposite end of the belt can simply be pulled with your own hand and then released.
It is only important to smoothly perform such movements, avoiding rough jerks. In this case, there should not be the slightest pain. If it appears, this is a signal that the procedure is not performed correctly. The exercise should be corrected immediately.
Design purpose
The benefits of the Glisson loop are obvious. Since the simulator relieves pressure on the spine, the condition of tissues in osteochondrosis improves, they are saturated with nutrients and moisture. At the same time, vessels are released from excessive pressure, blood circulation in the brain area is activated. This is an important condition for the successful fight against chronic pain. Slight stretching of the spinal column with a load of muscles stimulates the metabolism, stabilizes the intervertebral discs.
The therapeutic effect lies in the fact that the distance between the vertebrae increases, the muscular-ligamentous apparatus is strengthened. Reviews of doctors show that this method is recognized as effective, and the design is widely used in physiotherapy exercises. The Glisson simulator has found application in such pathologies of the cervical region as:
- osteochondrosis;
- bulging and ;
- compression (squeezing) of disks;
- rigidity (increased tone, tightness) of the muscles;
- hernia.
Glisson's design is a valuable help for everyone whose work is constantly connected with a computer, since a long static posture at the monitor provokes the development of cervical osteochondrosis. According to the feedback from the users of the simulator, pain soon disappears, vision improves, memory strengthens. To check if there is a need for traction using the Glisson design, you can do this:
- Let someone put one hand on the back of the head, and the other under the lower jaw, and very carefully pull the head up a little. If at the same time relief is felt, it is advisable to use the simulator. But if there is even a slight pain, then you can not use it.
- Then you should definitely take an x-ray of the cervical spine and consult a doctor.
This is necessary so as not to harm your own spine. Despite the fact that Glisson's loop traction looks completely harmless, there are contraindications for which this method cannot be used. These include:
- vertebral fractures;
- spondylosis (their growth in the form of spikes);
- listhesis (displacement of the vertebral bodies);
- degeneration of cartilage or discs;
- narrow spinal canal;
- severe hypertension;
- osteoporosis;
- weak vestibular apparatus;
- pregnancy;
- age over 70 years;
- any tumors.
Structural modifications
Traction devices come in a variety of sizes for small children, teens and adults. There are 2 of their modifications: and Glisson lines. The first version of the design consists of strips, one of which is fixed at the back of the head, and the other under the chin. A strap extends from their connection, with the help of which the device is attached to a hook fixed on the room door.
There is also a block on the belt, a cord is thrown through it, one end of which is free. The traction process is carried out by the user by pulling down the free end of the cord. He regulates the degree of stretching himself, weakening or increasing the efforts applied to the cord. The change in load occurs smoothly, as the spring protects against jerks. In medical institutions, its function is performed by a special simulator.
This model can be used for both treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis. Glisson hinges of the second type are equipped with a block, a door fastener, and a spring. Structures of the first type do not have such a configuration.
Glisson slings are an addition to the main structure. With their help, it is possible to carry out therapeutic traction for lumbar or thoracic osteochondrosis, as well as for prevention purposes. Slings are 2 bands, one of them encircles the torso at the level of the ilium, the other is under the ribs. They are attached to the trainer. Traction occurs as a result of the action of efforts of the opposite direction: the upper belt moves towards the head, and the lower one - towards the feet.
Performing traction
Before starting the procedure, you need to warm up the muscles to eliminate the possibility of even the slightest injury. To do this, apply a warm heating pad to the neck for 2-3 minutes, and then lightly massage it. Sometimes after such preparation, a slight dizziness may appear. This is due to the fact that due to the expansion of blood vessels, large portions of oxygen enter the brain along with the blood. If the head soon stops spinning, then this symptom should not be feared.
The instruction recommends that you first put on a firmly fixed part of the device. After that, you should smoothly bend your knees until there is a feeling of maximum stretching of the vertebrae of the neck (see photo). After a 2-3 second pause, the legs should be straightened and returned to the starting position. You should not do this exercise more than 3-4 times at first, as beginners often have a feeling of discomfort.
The principle of gradualness is important, so at first it is better to perform procedures with partial hanging. Sitting on a chair, you should make slow head movements, tilting your neck back and forth. These exercises are great for relaxing your muscles.
Experts advise using the Glisson loop in the morning and evening, no earlier than 1.5 hours after breakfast and dinner. After completing the evening procedure, it is recommended to immediately go to bed. Moreover, you should sleep on your back, using an orthopedic pillow or doing without it, resting your head directly on the mattress. Otherwise, the achieved therapeutic effect will be lost, since the stretched neck will return to its usual twisted position.
Load options
When stretching with a Glisson loop, training exercises should be enjoyable. Only in the first week, due to an unusual stretching of the cervical muscles, slight pains occur, which soon pass. Procedures can be performed with partial and full hanging. In the first case, muscle relaxation and an increase in the compensatory capabilities of the spine occur.
Having fixed the head in the Glisson loop, the patient slowly bends both knees to a third or half of his body weight. At the same time, the legs do not come off the floor (the worst mistake is bouncing!). After 3–5 seconds, the patient smoothly straightens the lower limbs and fully leans on them. Thanks to three or four repetitions of the exercise according to the “bend-straighten legs” principle, you can remove the traction load from the cervical muscles.
With partial hanging, exercises are also performed for their training. The patient fixes the body, holding on to the door frame so that it does not move at the same time as the head. Then smoothly turns the head to the right, to the left, forward and back. 2-4 repetitions are enough. If dizziness occurs, stop the procedure and consult a chiropractor.
Full hang exercises create a more intense load on the cervical vertebrae and muscles. The time of lifting the legs off the floor should be determined based on your own well-being. You can start hanging from 5-8 seconds and bring it up to 1 minute 2-3 times a day. After a week of adaptation, pain usually disappears. The use of a mouthguard (a plastic device for protecting the teeth of athletes, more often boxers) helps to minimize them. If exercise significantly increases blood pressure, you should definitely tell your doctor about it.
Precautionary measures
When starting traction procedures, one must not forget for a minute about the fragility of the cervical vertebrae, so as not to injure them in any way. For this you should:
- perform all therapeutic movements slowly and smoothly;
- squat carefully, while controlling the weight, while doing exercises in partial or full hanging without a chair;
- limit the maximum duration of loads to 1 minute, focusing on your well-being;
- do the procedure no more than 3 times a day.
To soften the load, you can perform exercises in a collar-collar with a cotton layer, which is easy to pick up in an orthopedic salon. If the muscle pains in the neck and lower jaw, naturally occurring due to their stretching, do not disappear after 1–1.5 weeks, the procedures will most likely have to be stopped.
In any case, even in the absence of discomfort, it is necessary to conduct classes under the supervision, if not of a chiropractor, then of an instructor in the physiotherapy room.
Traction methods using Glisson's loop are also effective in lumbar osteochondrosis. The reviews that many patients give are unanimous in that this orthopedic design is distinguished by ease of use, safety and affordable price. However, you need to understand that this device is an auxiliary, and not the main method of getting rid of spinal pathologies. Glisson's design does not replace, but effectively complements the main treatment prescribed by the vertebrologist.