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Old 11-06-2006, 04:47 AM
Jim M2 Jim M2 is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N. San Diego
Posts: 255
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Hi Bob,

I can't recall ever coming across an authoritative answer to your question but I can give you my opinion and some info tidbits I've stumbled across over the past few years.

Totally Opinion
- Very light traction probably not too risky (I still get a small amount of relief when I do a 'handstand' to unload my spine)
- I'd be afraid to go beyond light traction with an ADR
- Prior to ADR traction gave me some temporary relief from discogenic pain http://www.geocities.com/jmm3001/traction.html

Info Tidbits
- on MGH forum some patients with ADR or fusions had reported their therapist wanted to try traction - I didn't think this was a good idea
- Wojt on MGH knew of studies that concluded traction contributed to instability
- one of my pre-op ortho surgeons told me traction rarely helps one improve

Here's something I've noticed. No matter what posture, position, loading or motion I put my spine in, some parts feel worse and at the same time other parts feel relief.

Has Janet had any improvements? Certainly I'm better off than I was for that first 18 months post-op, but I'm still not a happy camper.

I'm back in the Seattle area now. Are you still doing organic farming?

Jim
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