Posted on 10/01/2018 8:28:22 AM PDT by NewJerseyJoe
Hello FReepers. I have long had a problem with the cervical vertebrae in my neck -- the problem manifests as numbness, tingling, and/or pain in my left forearm and left hand. In the past, I have gotten relief from a chiropractor who had a computerized traction table for decompression. He has since sold his practice, and other local chiropractors don't have this equipment.
My question: do any of you have personal experience with a home device such as this one? ComforTrac Deluxe Cervical Traction Kit If you do, I'd very much like to hear your feedback about your experience with it. Thanks
Inexpensive inversion table Great relief.
+1 on the inversion table for me, definitely helps with my degenerative discs in my back, when I actually use the damn thing. Can’t believe a doctor has never suggested it, but they will fill you up with muscle relaxers and pain pills.....no thanks.
Have you tried an Orthospinology Clinic? I was helped at one and it was painless.
Inversion table worked for me, but start off slowly. Many make the mistake of going upside down their first time out...do it in slight increments.
I have sciatica that comes a little bit now and then. There are some stretching exercises designed specifically for that. And I find they work for me. Trouble is I can’t remember what it’s called right now and I’m not at home.
Would appreciate an update and reference if you remember later.
Thanks.
I have taken sarapin injections for the same symptoms. Takes a lot, but lasts a couple of years.
I have one very similar. Works wonders for what you’re describing. I had the same thing - tingling in my fingers. I had a physical therapist get for me after I suffered a whiplash at work. Now, as soon as I feel the tingling again I use that for three days in a row and the tingling is gone. Remember to use heat prior to using the device. Also take it slow and try to relax your back and spine while it’s working. I do it for about ten minutes at a time.
I agree with enten: If possible find.a good neck surgeon. I recommend using yelp, using very specific search keywords ( e.g. cervical spinal surgeon) and reading the reviews for reviewers with the same condition as you have to find one with very high ratings and great outcomes for your condition. Every time I have gotten a specialist using yelp this wayI have been very happy.
I had several referrals from pain docs to surgeons for evaluation, in which the surgeon would not operate due to my having multiple conditions at multiple levels. They don’t want to operate unless they are really sure of a good outcome. I had given up. Pain doc recommened another surgical consult, on yelp I found a younger and recently trained doc who was confident he could do a fusion to correct most of the problems. Had the surgery, and it is a better improvement than any PT / pain mgt. ( still getting better 6 months post c5-c7 fusion).
You can now get a loaded MRI ( upright) at some radiology centers which will show disc impingement on the spinal cord much better, to take to the surgeon, which will help you get an accurate evaluation.
In the meantime, the best cervical traction device I used out of many is the original NeckPro over the door device, recommended by my PT. It was the only thing that came out of PT that helped me, prior to surgery. However, the current model, Neck pro 2, has bad Amazon reviews. It seems to have been down-rated so that you can’t pull so hard, but so much it is now unsatisfactory and flimsy. it is still possible to get the original ( new cond old stock) on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/NeckPro-Overdoor-Cervical-Traction-System/123334354525?epid=1809217702&hash=item1cb74ce65d
Good luck!
The body weight stretches the vertebrae, and relieves pressure on the nerves that touch the discs. I use one 2-3 times a week for 3 minutes each time, and it works for me.
One other piece of advice. Start with another person helping you, because you may pass out or get too dizzy to get back up and off of the device.
Try this device. It comes with a nurse.... : )
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It’s called the Pigeon stretch.
There are several ways to do it. I use the one where you lay on your back. You can also do it sitting in a chair.
At any rate, I have found it to be effective.
A good LMT recommended a number of stretching routines for different parts of the body. I have come to believe that 20 minutes in the morning of the proper stretching exercises is quite effective for a lot of aches.
I am 66 and do a lot of motorcycle riding. I think a good routine of stretching every day is one of the reasons I can still do hours on a bike. My zen. I dread the day when I can no longer ride.
I have an inversion bench I bought on Amazon for $99 a few years back to get rid of sciatica caused by a bulging disc.
Felt relief immediately and was 90% painfree within four days. Haven’t had a problem since. It helps with the occasional neck pains I get as well.
I had a pinched nerve a few months ago. Massages and stretching provided limited relief. Lying on a tennis ball helped some. Inflatable collar/pillow thing helped a LOT.
I’ve suffered the same with spinal stenosis and bulging disk. Inversion table! Also, drop any extra weight.
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