Neck and lower back pain can
be caused by a number of problems, but the most common include
weak muscles and compressive forces. These two factors are most
prevalent with the deconditioned as well as the highly conditioned.
With the deconditioned, weak muscles in the neck and around the
lumbar spine result in poor posture and improper alignment, and
any slouching produces a noticeable effect on the discs and surrounding
nerves. Regular exercise often helps, but even then pain can
continue and that is where traction becomes a highly viable treatment
option.
With the advanced trainee, years
of squats, leg presses, deadlifts, overhead presses and other
exercises produce a cumulative compressive effect on the lumbar
spine that can be reversed through decompression. In effect,
traction treatments can be thought of as "preventative medicine,"
included prior to any degenerative problems that may occur from
years of heavy exercise "abuse." The same is true of
the cervical spine, particularly those who seriously train their
necks, including hockey, soccer, and football players. It is
not uncommon for the neck to be stiff or sore after intense neck
work, mostly from compression forces, and a few minutes of traction
following a workout can prove to be of great value in long-term
health and mobility.
 For
lumbar and cervical traction needs, we recommend you visit www.GlacierCross.com,
two of the most affordable, effective, and practical methods
of spinal traction available. Each unit is "self-contained"
and works on pneumatic pressure, controlled by the individual.
The lumbar unit includes a gauge to inform the user of the pressure
produced. Force can be increased by an easy pumping action of
the hands, or reduced/released by a valve on the hand control.
There also are override features in the event of an excess pressure
(the lumbar unit can provide up to 180 pounds of force.) Another
important consideration is that the individual can lie down comfortably,
as opposed to the popular inversion tables that do give some
people headaches and are contraindicated with those suffering
from high blood pressure or glaucoma, and with the elderly in
general.
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