WHATS TRACTION?

[paulapan]

hi all, just came back from my Ra physiotherapy nurse today, with my neck and back still very sore since aug,she said they were going to xray my neck and spine, asap! then started talking about TRACTION??? what its this ? and has anyone had this before ? scared! thanks x

[LavendarLady]

Don't worry. Traction is gentle stretching to free up compacted bones and muscles etc. I have had it done by the chiropractor - it didn't hurt and the relief after was enormous. You may need more than one session but that wil be decided by the doctors in charge. There is no need to feel scared.

Good luck. LavendarLady x

[Hidden]

It used to be done a lot in hospitals and involved pulleys and ropes. in sure things have moved on??!!. my dad spent weeks in traction for his back at one stage.

Before my last RA attact I looked after an orthopedic ward as part of my duties and the ward moved locations due to bed closures and the new location had old traction equipment in the bottem of its drug cupboard!

[Beth58]

Hi, I had traction for my back hips a few year ago in the physio dept.

It involved me laying on a bed which had a small gap ( about 3 inch) in the middle. Once I was strapped in via my upper and lower body they set the time, strength and amount of pull on my body. The bed slowly pulled apart stretching my body, it doesn't hurt, in fact I found it quite relaxing at the time.

Sadly the pain relief didn't last long (for me) and by the time I got home I was no better off. Though I must say the time spent being stretched and relaxing did me the world of good.

Good luck x