We have seen in earlier articles how spinal decompression can help a wide variety of conditions including scoliosis and disk herniation. Physical therapy along with other chiropractic techniques such as manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) can greatly alleviate and even cure several lower and lumbar back problems. However, there are certain exercises that can be done in the privacy of your home which – while not being a substitute for proper chiropractic treatment – can provide no small relief. In this post, we take a look at two such exercises – both of which are aided by equipment that can easily be purchased either online or at a chiropractic store.

Cervical Traction

This exercise is a direct alleviation of the cervical column. It can be extremely effective and provide very quick relief when used properly. It consists of a “sling” like structure that attaches to a frame such as the top of a door. The sling hangs low and the patient sits at a comfortable height with his or her chin resting on the loop and gently applies pressure, lifting the head and decompressing the cervical column. Different sellers have varying mechanisms and some of them have automatic gauges that adjust the pressure appropriately.

Such an apparatus is useful for conditions such as cervical disk herniations, spondylosis and pinched nerves in the upper spinal column. Old devices utilized a doughnut shaped water like implement, but modern inventions have replaced them.

Inversion Tables

Inversion tables are one of the most widely used implements to help those with back pain. By reversing the body, the pull of gravity is inverted allowing the discs to decompress and regain fluid and nutrients. Chiropractors often smile approvingly at them because they act as a supplement to regular therapy and enable patients to get better more quickly. It has also been found that circulation improves after the proper use of an inversion table – athletes have been known to use them to great effect.

Another advantage of an inversion table is that patients can learn how to use it gently since there’s no need for a full immediate suspension upside down – so each person can find his or her own point of comfort. It actually feels great!

Summary

There are many helpful exercises that can be performed in order to help a patient recover from spinal injuries. Along with proper chiropractic treatment and spinal adjustment, they can rapidly improve a person’s health and enable them to get back on their feet in no time.