TRACTION DEVICES FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS???

claud1ne

Hi everyone, I know from browsing the forums that there are quite a few people out there who have CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS. If YOU have this, please read on...
I first started getting severe neck pain around 2005. I've had a couple of spells of nerve impingment, when I've had really terrible 'brachial' (arm) pain, but in the last year or so dull, heaving aching at the base of the neck - really tiring. Then, last week, the pain just floored me; I couldnt do a thing, the pain was so intense, and sleep...I can hardly remember it. I've given the Tramadol a bashing, with some effect, but I'm still really unwell.
I would like to hear from anyone who has tried traction devices (not the inflatable collar: tried that and thrown it, already) - especially long term. Please let me know if you've got any noticable improvement. All advice on this appreciated, thanks.

magenta

Hi Claud1ne,

Welcome to the site, you'll hopefully get plenty of replies with regards your question. I have cervical spondylosis too but never had the traction thingy. I too would be interested to hear others experience of this.

Hope you are well today,

Magenta x

woodbon

Hello, Welcome to the forum. I have neck and arm pain and possibley a trapped nerve. I have not tried anything like traction as the physio's I've seen haven't advised it. I think you need to talk to a physio or your GP about this sort of thing and anything else before buyiing it. Be careful that its not going to do you harm, as some of these things are not a good idea and can be harmful to some problems.
Have you tried heat on it? That helps me for a while when its really bad and you need to check your pillows so that they are not too high which or a memeory foam pillow is helpful to

I'd certainly try getting some medical advice before doing anything much as the neck is a delicate place and easy to hurt.
Hope you find something to help you soon. I'm sorry to sound negative, its just better safe than sorry, for me! !
Love Sue xx

frogmorton

Hi Claudine

very pleased to meet you.

Like a lot on here l too have cervical spondylosis, but haven't tried any traction devices.

I have only had slight pins and needles beyonf the elbow, but lost feeling in my chest and shoulders.

The agony you describe is really dreadful isn't it? l am so sorry you are suffering/suffered so badly. Nothing like it.

There are one or two on here have had different treatments for tehir necks....one has botox jabs and others have nerve jabs and one is facing surgery at the moment.

Might be worth a prowl about doing searches for cervical spondylosis/neck surgery?

Love and luck

Toni xx

claud1ne

Hi, thanks to Sue, Magenta and Toni, for your replies and good wishes.
Very much appreciated.
I've had a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis for about 5 years now but this is easily the worst pain I've ever experienced with it, and the longest lasting. I'm now just starting a third week of this crippling pain and I think I'm going to have to give in and call my GP for a home visit (which sends him up the wall), maybe even go into hospital for pain relief, as I just can't cope. A few days lately, my biggest achievement has been stepping out bed to go to the bathroom, and cooking, cleaning and the like, just forget it. Its not just my neck, but the headache, and pain in the shoulders that comes with it. Terrifying.
I've always used a hot water bottle, and sometimes a bag of frozen peas, but nothing's working. By last week I was taking (daily) 400 mg Tramadol (the max); 400 mg of Pregabalin; 15 mg Zopiclone; Methocarbamol x 3(muscle relaxant) and even Brufen on top of that. So you get the picture!! (Not all those meds were prescribed just for the neck problem, I have back and hip injuries and also a diagnosis of FM, as well). But I still didn't have one night when I didn't wake several times, and I never got rid of the worst pain for more than an hour or so. And I hate using Tramadol, for what it does to my insides.
The traction thing has been around a long, long time, but finding out whether it kills or cures isnt easy. You'd think there would be a ton of research on the internet, but not so. The only study I can see was on just 50 people, and that research was done by a company that makes the device - so not exactly independent or objective!! Thats why I'm hoping some people will come on here and tell me if it worked for them.....
Love and best wishes to all, Claudine x