Self traction - Hips / Deep lower lumbar area / Sacroiliac joint ?

I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
some possible self traction? I have done all manner of stretches and
exercises, but there is one particular thing I am trying to achieve,
but need some advice what/how to go about it.
When lying on my back with my head pointing away from the wall, thighs
vertical, calves horizontal, and feet planted against the wall.....I
want to effect a kind of traction where my thighs are pulled
horizontally towards the wall. I have a pole outside, near the wall,
where I have tried this by tying a thick rope around my thighs (near
my hips), attached it to the pole, then pushed against the wall with
my feet. The problem is that the rope simply cuts into my legs too
much, before I can achieve any significant stretch. I have tried
"forward flexion" over an upright stool inside, and this stretch
targets the exact area in question, except there is nothing for me to
anchor my feet to, so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
to be to have my torso and thighs more or less at 90 degrees when I
effect the stretch on my hips. Any advice?
Also, if I stand with one foot on a gutter, and the other foot hanging
in free space.....if I hang onto a pole for balance and swing the "free
leg" backwards and forwards, this feels fantastic, but it just isn't
intense enough.

The best I can remember,,, this guy had a kind of machine that helps you
with stretching.
http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://...an4/oa-gcs.htm

I am not sure this works but give it a try,,, oh,,, I mean the link. His
machine does.
Harv

"shaz likd" <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:1188601330.070074.129630@i38g2000prf.googlegr oups.com...
>I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
> some possible self traction? I have done all manner of stretches and
> exercises, but there is one particular thing I am trying to achieve,
> but need some advice what/how to go about it.
> When lying on my back with my head pointing away from the wall, thighs
> vertical, calves horizontal, and feet planted against the wall.....I
> want to effect a kind of traction where my thighs are pulled
> horizontally towards the wall. I have a pole outside, near the wall,
> where I have tried this by tying a thick rope around my thighs (near
> my hips), attached it to the pole, then pushed against the wall with
> my feet. The problem is that the rope simply cuts into my legs too
> much, before I can achieve any significant stretch. I have tried
> "forward flexion" over an upright stool inside, and this stretch
> targets the exact area in question, except there is nothing for me to
> anchor my feet to, so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
> to be to have my torso and thighs more or less at 90 degrees when I
> effect the stretch on my hips. Any advice?
> Also, if I stand with one foot on a gutter, and the other foot hanging
> in free space.....if I hang onto a pole for balance and swing the "free
> leg" backwards and forwards, this feels fantastic, but it just isn't
> intense enough.
>

"shaz likd" <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote:


> I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
> some possible self traction?
> .....so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
> .....this feels fantastic, but it just isn't intense enough.

What are you trying for, an orgasm?

Have you looked for any of those dark ages, dungeon-style stretching racks?


.... Epitaph: MICK JAGGER -- Gathering Moss

http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar devices.

Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.

David

"David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1188624784.613015.103370@d55g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com...
> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar devices.
>
> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
>
> David
>

Damn, could not have planned for us both to post that info only 4 minutes
apart

"california_chief" <Fire_Chief@Jamacha_Junction_FD.ca.us> wrote in message
news:SB6Ci.239248$dA7.99476@newsfe16.lga...
> "shaz likd" <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>
>
>> I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
>> some possible self traction?
>> .....so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
>> .....this feels fantastic, but it just isn't intense enough.
>
> What are you trying for, an orgasm?
>
> Have you looked for any of those dark ages, dungeon-style stretching
> racks?
>
>
> ... Epitaph: MICK JAGGER -- Gathering Moss


Have you thought about an Inversion table,
here is a Amazon url
http://www.amazon.com/Teeter-Hang-Up...g=beateadyn-20

I bought one many years ago and enjoyed it until the novelty wore off. It
is still in the garage and I do take it out when I think my back needs to be
stretched, or am sore but not too sore.
My next door neighbor bought one and hurt himself the first day, so it is
still in his garage. I know he wants to sell it, but when I told him about
a friend that wants to buy one, he never followed up on it.
He may be like me, It works well enough the few times I use it.

If you are not careful, you can irritate old conditions.
I damaged a hip, by being stupid, and have used my walking cane ever since.
I am glad that I own it. If memory serves, I think I paid around $290.00
and change for it

On Aug 31, 10:38 pm, "Blinded" <blin...@hometown.net> wrote:
> "David Cohen" <sammies...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1188624784.613015.103370@d55g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com...
>
> >http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.htmlor any of many similar devices.
>
> > Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
>
> > David
>
> Damn, could not have planned for us both to post that info only 4 minutes
> apart

You know what they say about great minds

David

In article <1188624784.613015.103370@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups .com>,
David Cohen <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:

> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar devices.
>
> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
>
> David

David,

I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as they can
hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.

Do you think that would work?
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

"Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
> David Cohen <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar devices.
>>
>> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
>
> David,
>
> I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as they can
> hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.
>
> Do you think that would work?

Yup. But get the inversion table, not the boots. Boots allow only full free
hanging inversion, which can be dangerous. Inversion table allows infinite
angles, from horizontal to free hanging vertical.

David

In article <fbcdm0$tbs$1@registered.motzarella.org>,
"David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:

> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
> > David Cohen <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar devices.
> >>
> >> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
> >
> > David,
> >
> > I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as they can
> > hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.
> >
> > Do you think that would work?
>
> Yup. But get the inversion table, not the boots. Boots allow only full free
> hanging inversion, which can be dangerous. Inversion table allows infinite
> angles, from horizontal to free hanging vertical.
>
> David

Very cool.

What angle works best for Sciatica?

I guess it'd vary with the individual?

Yoga works pretty well right now, plus Ibuprofen and a body pillow.
Bad sleeping position exacerbates it.
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

"Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
> "David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
>> > David Cohen <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar devices.
>> >>
>> >> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
>> >
>> > David,
>> >
>> > I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as they
>> > can
>> > hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.
>> >
>> > Do you think that would work?
>>
>> Yup. But get the inversion table, not the boots. Boots allow only full
>> free
>> hanging inversion, which can be dangerous. Inversion table allows
>> infinite
>> angles, from horizontal to free hanging vertical.
>
> Very cool.
>
> What angle works best for Sciatica?

Vertical free hanging, but you have to work up to it gradually.

David

"David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:fbcgq0$89n$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
>> "David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
>>> > David Cohen <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> >
>>> >> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar
>>> >> devices.
>>> >>
>>> >> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
>>> >
>>> > David,
>>> >
>>> > I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as they
>>> > can
>>> > hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.
>>> >
>>> > Do you think that would work?
>>>
>>> Yup. But get the inversion table, not the boots. Boots allow only full
>>> free
>>> hanging inversion, which can be dangerous. Inversion table allows
>>> infinite
>>> angles, from horizontal to free hanging vertical.
>>
>> Very cool.
>>
>> What angle works best for Sciatica?
>
> Vertical free hanging, but you have to work up to it gradually.

Wow!! Can you do that???
>
> David
>

In article <fbcgq0$89n$1@registered.motzarella.org>,
"David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:

> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
> > "David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
> >> > David Cohen <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar devices.
> >> >>
> >> >> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
> >> >
> >> > David,
> >> >
> >> > I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as they
> >> > can
> >> > hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.
> >> >
> >> > Do you think that would work?
> >>
> >> Yup. But get the inversion table, not the boots. Boots allow only full
> >> free
> >> hanging inversion, which can be dangerous. Inversion table allows
> >> infinite
> >> angles, from horizontal to free hanging vertical.
> >
> > Very cool.
> >
> > What angle works best for Sciatica?
>
> Vertical free hanging, but you have to work up to it gradually.
>
> David

Thanks.

I'm not having to deal with it with any great frequency, but it does
happen. Makes me limp around work for a few days. Ibuprofen tears up my
stomach if I use it daily for more than 3 days.

I have a co-worker however that misses work due to it (Sciatica) . To
date, it's never taken me down to THAT level. I've always managed to
work thru the pain. But, I never have believed in bed rest for Sciatic
pain for various reasons.

I'll pass the advice on to her and see if she listens.
Could be I have a higher pain tolerance too and am not afraid to OD a
but on Ibuprofen. ;-) Only for a short term...

She finally listened one day and upped the Ibuprofen dose and she was a
LOT better within 3 days. She'd been suffering badly for 2 weeks and had
missed 5 days of work.

I often wonder how far one can push that drug within reasonable limits.
As well as it works, I'm surprised it ever went OTC.

She was depending a bit too much on Tylenol. ;-p

If I can use inversion to relieve the pressure, I'd rather do that tho'.
I don't want to stress my kidneys too much. <g>
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

On Sep 1, 4:43 pm, Omelet <omp_ome...@gmail.com> wrote:
> In article <fbcgq0$89...@registered.motzarella.org>,
> "David Cohen" <sammies...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > "Omelet" <omp_ome...@gmail.com> wrote
> > > "David Cohen" <sammies...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > >> "Omelet" <omp_ome...@gmail.com> wrote
> > >> > David Cohen <sammies...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > >> >>http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.htmlor any of many similar devices.
>
> > >> >> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression problems.
>
> > >> > David,
>
> > >> > I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as they
> > >> > can
> > >> > hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.
>
> > >> > Do you think that would work?
>
> > >> Yup. But get the inversion table, not the boots. Boots allow only full
> > >> free
> > >> hanging inversion, which can be dangerous. Inversion table allows
> > >> infinite
> > >> angles, from horizontal to free hanging vertical.
>
> > > Very cool.
>
> > > What angle works best for Sciatica?
>
> > Vertical free hanging, but you have to work up to it gradually.
>
> > David
>
> Thanks.
>
> I'm not having to deal with it with any great frequency, but it does
> happen. Makes me limp around work for a few days. Ibuprofen tears up my
> stomach if I use it daily for more than 3 days.
>
> I have a co-worker however that misses work due to it (Sciatica) . To
> date, it's never taken me down to THAT level. I've always managed to
> work thru the pain. But, I never have believed in bed rest for Sciatic
> pain for various reasons.
>
> I'll pass the advice on to her and see if she listens.
> Could be I have a higher pain tolerance too and am not afraid to OD a
> but on Ibuprofen. ;-) Only for a short term...
>
> She finally listened one day and upped the Ibuprofen dose and she was a
> LOT better within 3 days. She'd been suffering badly for 2 weeks and had
> missed 5 days of work.
>
> I often wonder how far one can push that drug within reasonable limits.
> As well as it works, I'm surprised it ever went OTC.
>
> She was depending a bit too much on Tylenol. ;-p
>
> If I can use inversion to relieve the pressure, I'd rather do that tho'.
> I don't want to stress my kidneys too much. <g>
> --
> Peace, Om
>
> Remove _ to validate e-mails.
>
> "My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Get off our NG you fat homo.

"Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
> "David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
>> > "David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
>> >> > David Cohen <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar
>> >> >> devices.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression
>> >> >> problems.
>> >> >
>> >> > I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as they
>> >> > can
>> >> > hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.
>> >> >
>> >> > Do you think that would work?
>> >>
>> >> Yup. But get the inversion table, not the boots. Boots allow only full
>> >> free
>> >> hanging inversion, which can be dangerous. Inversion table allows
>> >> infinite
>> >> angles, from horizontal to free hanging vertical.
>> >
>> > Very cool.
>> >
>> > What angle works best for Sciatica?
>>
>> Vertical free hanging, but you have to work up to it gradually.
>
> Thanks.
>
> I'm not having to deal with it with any great frequency, but it does
> happen. Makes me limp around work for a few days. Ibuprofen tears up my
> stomach if I use it daily for more than 3 days.
>
> I have a co-worker however that misses work due to it (Sciatica) . To
> date, it's never taken me down to THAT level. I've always managed to
> work thru the pain. But, I never have believed in bed rest for Sciatic
> pain for various reasons.
>
> I'll pass the advice on to her and see if she listens.
> Could be I have a higher pain tolerance too and am not afraid to OD a
> but on Ibuprofen. ;-) Only for a short term...
>
> She finally listened one day and upped the Ibuprofen dose and she was a
> LOT better within 3 days. She'd been suffering badly for 2 weeks and had
> missed 5 days of work.
>
> I often wonder how far one can push that drug within reasonable limits.
> As well as it works, I'm surprised it ever went OTC.
>
> She was depending a bit too much on Tylenol. ;-p
>
> If I can use inversion to relieve the pressure, I'd rather do that tho'.
> I don't want to stress my kidneys too much. <g>

Or your liver?



Anyway, drugs cover up the pain but cure nothing. Inversion can virtually
cure the problem.

David

"David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:fbd1ir$o1q$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
>> "David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
>>> > "David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> >> "Omelet" <omp_omelet@gmail.com> wrote
>>> >> > David Cohen <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> >> >
>>> >> >> http://www.teeterhangups.com/home.html or any of many similar
>>> >> >> devices.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Cured my decades of chronic L5-S1 and SI joint compression
>>> >> >> problems.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > I'd considered getting an inversion table (or just the boots as
>>> >> > they
>>> >> > can
>>> >> > hook over a fixed bar) for treating the occasional sciatic pain.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Do you think that would work?
>>> >>
>>> >> Yup. But get the inversion table, not the boots. Boots allow only
>>> >> full
>>> >> free
>>> >> hanging inversion, which can be dangerous. Inversion table allows
>>> >> infinite
>>> >> angles, from horizontal to free hanging vertical.
>>> >
>>> > Very cool.
>>> >
>>> > What angle works best for Sciatica?
>>>
>>> Vertical free hanging, but you have to work up to it gradually.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> I'm not having to deal with it with any great frequency, but it does
>> happen. Makes me limp around work for a few days. Ibuprofen tears up my
>> stomach if I use it daily for more than 3 days.
>>
>> I have a co-worker however that misses work due to it (Sciatica) . To
>> date, it's never taken me down to THAT level. I've always managed to
>> work thru the pain. But, I never have believed in bed rest for Sciatic
>> pain for various reasons.
>>
>> I'll pass the advice on to her and see if she listens.
>> Could be I have a higher pain tolerance too and am not afraid to OD a
>> but on Ibuprofen. ;-) Only for a short term...
>>
>> She finally listened one day and upped the Ibuprofen dose and she was a
>> LOT better within 3 days. She'd been suffering badly for 2 weeks and had
>> missed 5 days of work.
>>
>> I often wonder how far one can push that drug within reasonable limits.
>> As well as it works, I'm surprised it ever went OTC.
>>
>> She was depending a bit too much on Tylenol. ;-p
>>
>> If I can use inversion to relieve the pressure, I'd rather do that tho'.
>> I don't want to stress my kidneys too much. <g>
>
> Or your liver?
>
>
>
> Anyway, drugs cover up the pain but cure nothing. Inversion can virtually
> cure the problem.

Pretty good! So you get a virtual cure. By the way I had virtual sex the
other day. Plus I had a virtual meal - was a steak at a virtual restaurant -
Chris Ruths

>
> David
>

Omelet wrote:

> I'm not having to deal with it with any great frequency, but it does
> happen. Makes me limp around work for a few days. Ibuprofen
> tears up my stomach if I use it daily for more than 3 days.

> I often wonder how far one can push that drug within reasonable limits.
> As well as it works, I'm surprised it ever went OTC.


I was taking Rx strength INDOCIN 3x50 daily between 1976 and 2000 for
ankylosing spondylitis.

Never once had a stomach problem and though it did not stop the progression
of the disease, it did ease the pain (especially in the morning).

The FDA did approve a weak, "sissy" formula/version after I began taking the
Rx.

In article <fbd1ir$o1q$1@registered.motzarella.org>,
"David Cohen" <sammiesdad@gmail.com> wrote:

> > If I can use inversion to relieve the pressure, I'd rather do that tho'.
> > I don't want to stress my kidneys too much. <g>
>
> Or your liver?
>
>

I thought Ibuprofen only stressed the kidneys?
Am I mistaken in that?

I don't use acetaminophen at all as it does not work for ANYthing.

>
> Anyway, drugs cover up the pain but cure nothing. Inversion can virtually
> cure the problem.
>
> David

That is why I was interested in it.
I understand the concept. ;-)
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

On Sep 2, 4:16 am, Omelet <omp_ome...@gmail.com> wrote:
> In article <fbd1ir$o1...@registered.motzarella.org>,
> "David Cohen" <sammies...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > If I can use inversion to relieve the pressure, I'd rather do that tho'.
> > > I don't want to stress my kidneys too much. <g>
>
> > Or your liver?
>
> >
>
> I thought Ibuprofen only stressed the kidneys?
> Am I mistaken in that?
>
> I don't use acetaminophen at all as it does not work for ANYthing.
>
>
>
> > Anyway, drugs cover up the pain but cure nothing. Inversion can virtually
> > cure the problem.
>
> > David
>
> That is why I was interested in it.
> I understand the concept. ;-)
> --
> Peace, Om
>
> Remove _ to validate e-mails.
>

Still living with your elderly boyfriend?

"shaz likd" <shazlikd@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:1188601330.070074.129630@i38g2000prf.googlegr oups.com...
>I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
> some possible self traction? I have done all manner of stretches and
> exercises, but there is one particular thing I am trying to achieve,
> but need some advice what/how to go about it.
> When lying on my back with my head pointing away from the wall, thighs
> vertical, calves horizontal, and feet planted against the wall.....I
> want to effect a kind of traction where my thighs are pulled
> horizontally towards the wall. I have a pole outside, near the wall,
> where I have tried this by tying a thick rope around my thighs (near
> my hips), attached it to the pole, then pushed against the wall with
> my feet. The problem is that the rope simply cuts into my legs too
> much, before I can achieve any significant stretch. I have tried
> "forward flexion" over an upright stool inside, and this stretch
> targets the exact area in question, except there is nothing for me to
> anchor my feet to, so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
> to be to have my torso and thighs more or less at 90 degrees when I
> effect the stretch on my hips. Any advice?
> Also, if I stand with one foot on a gutter, and the other foot hanging
> in free space.....if I hang onto a pole for balance and swing the
> "free
> leg" backwards and forwards, this feels fantastic, but it just isn't
> intense enough.

You can accomplish a great deal by learning to hang from a chinup bar.
I do it regularly and it feels great.

You might also try exercises that teach good things about your spine,
e.g., anything from Pilates to various forms of yoga right through to
weightlifting, e.g., an overhead squat using just a broomstick, _if_ you
learn proper technique, will teach you a lot about how to align your own
spine. The "face the wall" squat is also great for this - here's a
YouTube clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31z5DR9P1kw The exercise,
which has its origins in Chinese Qigong as I understand it, works fine
with just bodyweight - start with your feet a bit away from the wall and
work your way in but do not allow yourself too wide a stance or you'll
defeat the purpose of the exercise. I prefer to go deeper than what you
see here, FWIW.

Both these exercises require you to use or develop flexibility in your
hips, a much-underrated commodity among back pain sufferers, IMHO. If
you have good hip and shoulder flexibility, you don't need much
flexibility in your spine for the activities of daily living and, truth
be told, for many sports as well.

Just my opinion.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

On Sep 3, 4:51 pm, "Steve Freides" <st...@fridayscomputer.com> wrote:
> "shaz likd" <shazl...@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
>
> news:1188601330.070074.129630@i38g2000prf.googlegr oups.com...
>
>
>
>
>
> >I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
> > some possible self traction? I have done all manner of stretches and
> > exercises, but there is one particular thing I am trying to achieve,
> > but need some advice what/how to go about it.
> > When lying on my back with my head pointing away from the wall, thighs
> > vertical, calves horizontal, and feet planted against the wall.....I
> > want to effect a kind of traction where my thighs are pulled
> > horizontally towards the wall. I have a pole outside, near the wall,
> > where I have tried this by tying a thick rope around my thighs (near
> > my hips), attached it to the pole, then pushed against the wall with
> > my feet. The problem is that the rope simply cuts into my legs too
> > much, before I can achieve any significant stretch. I have tried
> > "forward flexion" over an upright stool inside, and this stretch
> > targets the exact area in question, except there is nothing for me to
> > anchor my feet to, so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
> > to be to have my torso and thighs more or less at 90 degrees when I
> > effect the stretch on my hips. Any advice?
> > Also, if I stand with one foot on a gutter, and the other foot hanging
> > in free space.....if I hang onto a pole for balance and swing the
> > "free
> > leg" backwards and forwards, this feels fantastic, but it just isn't
> > intense enough.
>
> You can accomplish a great deal by learning to hang from a chinup bar.
> I do it regularly and it feels great.
>
> You might also try exercises that teach good things about your spine,
> e.g., anything from Pilates to various forms of yoga right through to
> weightlifting, e.g., an overhead squat using just a broomstick, _if_ you
> learn proper technique, will teach you a lot about how to align your own
> spine. The "face the wall" squat is also great for this - here's a
> YouTube clip.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31z5DR9P1kw The exercise,
> which has its origins in Chinese Qigong as I understand it, works fine
> with just bodyweight - start with your feet a bit away from the wall and
> work your way in but do not allow yourself too wide a stance or you'll
> defeat the purpose of the exercise. I prefer to go deeper than what you
> see here, FWIW.
>
> Both these exercises require you to use or develop flexibility in your
> hips, a much-underrated commodity among back pain sufferers, IMHO. If
> you have good hip and shoulder flexibility, you don't need much
> flexibility in your spine for the activities of daily living and, truth
> be told, for many sports as well.
>
> Just my opinion.
>
> -S-http://www.kbnj.com- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Aloha Strangers and Familiar Member(s?)!

Please excuse my interruption here, but I've been following this
thread since it started and was at first horrified at what extremes
the OP went through just to get some sort of "traction". I'm happy
that some others have come on and suggested some "safer" sounding
techniques for accomplishing the desired result. However, even some of
the suggestions, for some reason, just don't sound quite safe enough
since people still seem to get hurt.

Why are you trying do-it-yourself traction? Just curious to know if
you've or any of you other than Lavon have gone to a spine doc to see
just WHY you are having sciatica pain? You could have a condition that
simply won't ever heal on it's own, you know. Now don't think I'm an
advocate of surgery, because I'm not and I became that way by being
too trusting and naive with the "medical professionals". If I had
everything to do again, I'd delay the surgery for as long as I
possibly could (even though at the time, it seemed the pain was more
than I could bear. And I did try traction at a physical therapists!)

I think what's happened is I've been able to tolerate a higher level
of pain over the past ten and a half years.

I'd only suggest getting some sort of professional advice on how to do
self-traction at home or you may end up doing some nasty things to
your spine! Spines in humans are so wrong for all the activities we do
and there's scientific documentation to back that up (no pun). PLEASE,
be careful! OK?

Aloha for now,
Hawaiian Wayne

On Aug 31, 7:02 pm, shaz likd <shazl...@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
> I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
> some possible self traction? I have done all manner of stretches and
> exercises, but there is one particular thing I am trying to achieve,
> but need some advice what/how to go about it.

There are special websites devoted to telling you how to suck yourself
off. Good luck.

On Sep 4, 2:25 am, Hawaiian Wayne <birdie...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Spines in humans are so wrong for all the activities we do
> and there's scientific documentation to back that up (no pun).

The real problem with our spines isn't the activities we perform, it's
the ones we don't perform, and what we do between that damages our
spines.
The main culprit are chairs. The spine was never meant to sit in a
chair the way modern chairs are designed. It is designed to stand,
squat, and lie down, not much else in terms of resting. Add in hours
of sitting in chairs, a completely unnatural condition, and the
inactivity of the average american, and you have weak spines. 99% of
spine problems would be solved if we got out of bed onto our feet, and
stayed that way, but we don't. We rise, sit to crap, then sit to drink
coffee and read the paper, and your back is locked up before you ever
leave the house. If people tried this upright thing, chiros would be
out of biz.

On Aug 31, 7:02 pm, shaz likd <shazl...@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
> I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
> some possible self traction? I have done all manner of stretches and
> exercises, but there is one particular thing I am trying to achieve,
> but need some advice what/how to go about it.
> When lying on my back with my head pointing away from the wall, thighs
> vertical, calves horizontal, and feet planted against the wall.....I
> want to effect a kind of traction where my thighs are pulled
> horizontally towards the wall. I have a pole outside, near the wall,
> where I have tried this by tying a thick rope around my thighs (near
> my hips), attached it to the pole, then pushed against the wall with
> my feet. The problem is that the rope simply cuts into my legs too
> much, before I can achieve any significant stretch. I have tried
> "forward flexion" over an upright stool inside, and this stretch
> targets the exact area in question, except there is nothing for me to
> anchor my feet to, so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
> to be to have my torso and thighs more or less at 90 degrees when I
> effect the stretch on my hips. Any advice?
> Also, if I stand with one foot on a gutter, and the other foot hanging
> in free space
>.....if I hang onto a pole for balance and swing the "free
> leg" backwards and forwards, this feels fantastic, but it just isn't
> intense enough.

I used to date a pole dancer (stripper) who did that.

On Sep 4, 4:10 am, TBRallamericanh...@yahoo.com wrote:
> There are special websites devoted to telling you how to suck yourself
> off. Good luck.

Oh I know LOTS of those, er, no I mean I HEARD OF THEM kind of sites,
yeah that's it, that's what I meant.

--
_________________
Alric Knebel

http://www.anailiron.com/C-SPAN_loon...ratiemypoo.com

"Hawaiian Wayne" <birdie998@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1188887137.924422.326550@r29g2000hsg.googlegr oups.com...
> On Sep 3, 4:51 pm, "Steve Freides" <st...@fridayscomputer.com> wrote:
>> "shaz likd" <shazl...@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
>>
>> news:1188601330.070074.129630@i38g2000prf.googlegr oups.com...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> >I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
>> > some possible self traction? I have done all manner of stretches and
>> > exercises, but there is one particular thing I am trying to achieve,
>> > but need some advice what/how to go about it.
>> > When lying on my back with my head pointing away from the wall, thighs
>> > vertical, calves horizontal, and feet planted against the wall.....I
>> > want to effect a kind of traction where my thighs are pulled
>> > horizontally towards the wall. I have a pole outside, near the wall,
>> > where I have tried this by tying a thick rope around my thighs (near
>> > my hips), attached it to the pole, then pushed against the wall with
>> > my feet. The problem is that the rope simply cuts into my legs too
>> > much, before I can achieve any significant stretch. I have tried
>> > "forward flexion" over an upright stool inside, and this stretch
>> > targets the exact area in question, except there is nothing for me to
>> > anchor my feet to, so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
>> > to be to have my torso and thighs more or less at 90 degrees when I
>> > effect the stretch on my hips. Any advice?
>> > Also, if I stand with one foot on a gutter, and the other foot hanging
>> > in free space.....if I hang onto a pole for balance and swing the
>> > "free
>> > leg" backwards and forwards, this feels fantastic, but it just isn't
>> > intense enough.
>>
>> You can accomplish a great deal by learning to hang from a chinup bar.
>> I do it regularly and it feels great.
>>
>> You might also try exercises that teach good things about your spine,
>> e.g., anything from Pilates to various forms of yoga right through to
>> weightlifting, e.g., an overhead squat using just a broomstick, _if_ you
>> learn proper technique, will teach you a lot about how to align your own
>> spine. The "face the wall" squat is also great for this - here's a
>> YouTube clip.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31z5DR9P1kw The exercise,
>> which has its origins in Chinese Qigong as I understand it, works fine
>> with just bodyweight - start with your feet a bit away from the wall and
>> work your way in but do not allow yourself too wide a stance or you'll
>> defeat the purpose of the exercise. I prefer to go deeper than what you
>> see here, FWIW.
>>
>> Both these exercises require you to use or develop flexibility in your
>> hips, a much-underrated commodity among back pain sufferers, IMHO. If
>> you have good hip and shoulder flexibility, you don't need much
>> flexibility in your spine for the activities of daily living and, truth
>> be told, for many sports as well.
>>
>> Just my opinion.
>>
>> -S-http://www.kbnj.com- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> Aloha Strangers and Familiar Member(s?)!
>
> Please excuse my interruption here, but I've been following this
> thread since it started and was at first horrified at what extremes
> the OP went through just to get some sort of "traction". I'm happy
> that some others have come on and suggested some "safer" sounding
> techniques for accomplishing the desired result. However, even some of
> the suggestions, for some reason, just don't sound quite safe enough
> since people still seem to get hurt.
>
> Why are you trying do-it-yourself traction? Just curious to know if
> you've or any of you other than Lavon have gone to a spine doc to see
> just WHY you are having sciatica pain? You could have a condition that
> simply won't ever heal on it's own, you know. Now don't think I'm an
> advocate of surgery, because I'm not and I became that way by being
> too trusting and naive with the "medical professionals". If I had
> everything to do again, I'd delay the surgery for as long as I
> possibly could (even though at the time, it seemed the pain was more
> than I could bear. And I did try traction at a physical therapists!)
>
> I think what's happened is I've been able to tolerate a higher level
> of pain over the past ten and a half years.
>
> I'd only suggest getting some sort of professional advice on how to do
> self-traction at home or you may end up doing some nasty things to
> your spine! Spines in humans are so wrong for all the activities we do
> and there's scientific documentation to back that up (no pun). PLEASE,
> be careful! OK?
>
> Aloha for now,
> Hawaiian Wayne
>
Lemme 'splain this thing to you, Wayne - we are talking 'natural traction'
which is another way of saying 'natural decompression' - you are upside down
and hanging vertically which reverses 'natural compression' on your spinal
discs which is the effect of gravity over many years of walking upright.
See, we are genetically very similar to apes and walking upright is not all
that 'natural' for humans. So to reverse 'natural compression' we do
'natural traction' or inversion to get 'natural decompression'. All very
healthy and 'natural' and nothing to be concerned about for a healthy
person. I would be far more concerned about the unnatural effects of natural
compression due to the forces of gravity.

On Sep 1, 10:47 pm, "california_chief"
<Fire_Chief@Jamacha_Junction_FD.ca.us> wrote:
> I was taking Rx strength INDOCIN 3x50 daily between 1976 and 2000 for
> ankylosing spondylitis.
>
> Never once had a stomach problem and though it did not stop the progression
> of the disease, it did ease the pain (especially in the morning).
>
> The FDA did approve a weak, "sissy" formula/version after I began taking the
> Rx.

Indocin, at least the non-generic form that my doctor prescribes, is
still very powerful, did you mean they approved a weaker, OTC version
of indocin? I'd be interested in knowing about that, have't heard of
it at all. But I'm not quite sure what you mean, a weaker
version.... ?

I've been taking between 225mg and 375mg of indocin for about two or
three years now, and have yet to see any problems from it either, and
I have a fairly sensitive, delicate stomach. Many of my other meds
make me throw up or feel very ill, but not this one. My (ex) doctor
tried to get me off indocin when I first started seeing her, for the
sole reason that the "potential risks" worried her, not that she
elaborated on what exactly those risks were. Less than a week off the
indocin and I was in so much pain and so sore I couldn't get out of
bed for more than a few hours a day, and begged my doctor to let me
take it again. I hadn't realized how much it was doing, actually, or
how much worse condition my body was til I stopped taking it. :/

Dragonfly

On Aug 31, 7:02 pm, shaz likd <shazl...@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
> I was hoping someone might be able to give me some pointers regarding
> some possible self traction? I have done all manner of stretches and
> exercises, but there is one particular thing I am trying to achieve,
> but need some advice what/how to go about it.
> When lying on my back with my head pointing away from the wall, thighs
> vertical, calves horizontal, and feet planted against the wall.....I
> want to effect a kind of traction where my thighs are pulled
> horizontally towards the wall. I have a pole outside, near the wall,
> where I have tried this by tying a thick rope around my thighs (near
> my hips), attached it to the pole, then pushed against the wall with
> my feet. The problem is that the rope simply cuts into my legs too
> much, before I can achieve any significant stretch. I have tried
> "forward flexion" over an upright stool inside, and this stretch
> targets the exact area in question, except there is nothing for me to
> anchor my feet to, so the stretch is way way too mild. The trick seems
> to be to have my torso and thighs more or less at 90 degrees when I
> effect the stretch on my hips. Any advice?
> Also, if I stand with one foot on a gutter, and the other foot hanging
> in free space.....if I hang onto a pole for balance and swing the "free
> leg" backwards and forwards, this feels fantastic, but it just isn't
> intense enough.

I'm not sure what the heck you're talking about, I've re-read this
several times. But try this and see how it goes for you - if your
problem is in the hip/sacroiliac joint, particularly if it's an
imbalance issue in the hip (such as caused by one leg being longer
than the other), you'll feel this: stand in a doorway, with back to
one wall. Raise one leg and place your foot flat against the other
wall, as high up as you can (comfortably). Press your foot against the
wall while keeping your back flat against the other wall and relax
into the stretch (don't force it and don't go overboard with it). Then
switch sides and do the other side (always do the other side and not
just one). Never do this stretch more than once a day though (learned
that the hard way!).

A yoga pose you can practice is the downward dog, but get a yoga
instructor to show you the proper form, or at very least, do some
googling for detailed instructions because this is really easy stretch
to do wrong. It takes a lot of practice so keep repeating it and never
force the move.

Kind of a modified downward dog is to stand facing a counter or
railing that's about waist height, a few feet away. Spread your legs
keeping feet pointed forward. Without locking your knees but keeping
legs straight, bend at the waist, keeping back perfectly flat. Make
sure you don't round your back. Try to ease yourself so your arms are
resting on the counter and your back is horizontal to the ground. Hold
this position and relax into it, stretching/flattening your back, then
feeling it in your butt/hips, and finally, stretching your
hamstrings.

I second the yoga recommendation. Yoga has helped me to realize that
my lower lumbar/sacroiliac problems originate elsewhere. In my case,
tight hamstrings are a big culprit. I also agree with the poster who
suggested that chairs are a problem. Yoga will also teach you never to
bend over at the waist unless your hips are "unlocked." This is a hard
thing to describe but once you figure it out it's like an "ah-ha"
moment. The spine itself isn't meant to bend.

As for traction, you can always try draping yourself over an exercise
ball. Works for me, but I'm not very tall so YMMV. The cobra position
is good too but in my case I finally figured out that extension was
what I needed, not more flexion. Again YMMV.

I am not responsible if any of these moves create worse problems for
you.

jen