Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Posts: 701
Re: New here... please help me understand MRI
The traction is very relaxing. It looks weird and uncomfortable, but it feels really good. There should be a gauge to let you know how much pressure is being exerted. I keep mine at 10-15 psi, but the therapist will tell you how much pressure to use. The sensation is a gentle pulling on your neck and if it gets to be too much, you just turn the nozzle to release.
A friend's mother had the kind that goes over the door when my friend was younger. She came home from school to the sight of her mother in what looked like a noose. If you live with anyone, be sure to educate them about your traction device!
oh that is so good to hear... i didnt expect yo to say it was actually relaxing. I live with my husband and 14 year old son... Im thinking that scared your friend! how long do you wear yours in a day?
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Posts: 701
Re: New here... please help me understand MRI
Usually 10-15 minutes per traction and 1-2 times per day, but you'll get instructions on the correct amount of time and number of uses per day. With the model I have, I lie down on a yoga mat and rest my feet on an ottoman. My physical therapist recommended releasing the traction unit and moving my head around a little to restore blood flow prior to sitting back up.
(Yes -- my friend was a little freaked out the first time she saw her mom!)
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Posts: 701
Re: New here... please help me understand MRI
If forgot to mention: traction can help to get your muscles to stop spasming. The stopping of spasms and the traction itself can also enlarge the space between your vertabrae, which can encourage your discs to retreat back to where they should be. Your discs can heal themselves, especially if you modify the suspected damaging behavior, so you may be able to avoid surgery.
