Smiling at Life: The Challenge of Being a Mother with Rheumatic Disease

Many women with rheumatic diseases have normal pregnancies. However, it is difficult to predict in advance what effects the physical changes during pregnancy will have on rheumatic diseases in individual cases, and vice versa. These effects also depends on the specific clinical condition. About two out of three women with rheumatoid arthritis have fewer symptoms during pregnancy than before

Source: https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/family-planning-and-rheumatoid-arthritis

– regardless of the duration and severity of the illness. However, there are cases where joint swelling and pain may not resolve in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Under favorable events, joint function can improve so much that fewer or no medications are needed until birth. However, other women may require drug therapy throughout pregnancy, which should be discussed with a rheumatologist.

What Is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal decompression is a method of gently stretching the spine to relieve back, neck or leg pain and aid in the proper healing of degenerated, bulging or herniated discs. Spinal decompression is highly beneficial for treating back or neck pain caused by degenerative or herniated discs, conditions such as Facet Syndrome, failed spinal surgery and accidental DISC injuries. Over 80% of Americans suffer from low back pain due to herniated discs, and spinal decompression can be helpful in alleviating this pain.

Types of Spinal Decompression

There are primarily two types of spinal decompression:

Surgical Spinal Decompression

Surgical Spinal Decompression – This method is used for treating certain conditions through surgery, such as severely ruptured discs. Typically, orthopedic surgeons perform this type of surgery. Common types of surgical spinal decompression include laminectomy or microdiscectomy.

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression – Non-surgical spinal decompression involves stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves. During this type of spinal decompression, the patient lies on a special bed with one harness placed around the waist and the other around the pelvis. The lower half of the table moves back and forth, while the top half remains stationary, causing slight traction. Each treatment session lasts up to 30 minutes.

You are an ideal candidate for decompression therapy if you experience:

Bulging/herniated discs
Sciatica/facet syndrome
Degenerative disc disease
Failed back surgery syndrome
When a doctor recommends spinal surgery
Spinal stenosis

However, there are contraindications to the treatment of your spine by decompression therapy. So if you experience any of the below conditions then it would be best to avoid the decompression therapy:

Meningitis, arachnoiditis, etc; Since infections such as these can be spread when decompression is applied.
Spinal cancer; There is some evidence that mechanical decompression can increase the potential for metastases. Not to mention the possibility of instability in bone because of the cancer.
Bilateral signs; If you exhibit signs that indicate the cord itself may be compromised (Cauda Equina), watch for saddle sign numbness. Decompression may aggravate such a condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); Joint capsules, ligaments, and even bone are all negatively affected by RA. Always keep in mind that RA can progress to include the atlantoaxial joint. Mechanical decompression of this joint could result in subluxation of this joint.
Recent fractures; Any recent fracture in the upper part of your body should be cause to avoid spinal decompression since the bone fracture could be sensitive and not yet healed.
Osteoporosis; When the bone density of a patient is questionable, decompression forces could result in fracture. Such a fracture could come from the decompression pull but could also result from pressure associated from belts and harnesses. Example: osteoporotic ribs.

Abdominal pressure issues; Patients who have conditions such as hiatal hernias, uncontrolled hypertension, aortic aneurysm or even severe hemorrhoids may not tolerate decompression.
Pregnancy; Since the strap will cause pressure under the rib which is not safe for the baby
Cardiac or respiratory insufficiency; Since the pressure exerted by the strap will reduce breathing slightly
Decompression anxiety; since you will be set for about 30 min
Joint hyper-mobility
Acute joint injury
Active or pending spondylolisthesis
Certain vertebral fusions

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

The procedure is simple and painless.

During a spinal decompression session, patients lie on a motorized table while fully clothed. The lower half of the table is adjustable.

The doctor then places a harness around the patient’s hips, which is connected to the underside of the motorized table.

A typical treatment session lasts approximately 30 minutes. With 20-28 treatment sessions spread over eight weeks, you’re most likely to relieve the majority of your pain and underlying cause. The effects of the therapy become visible after your first session, but it’s crucial to attend all sessions for maximum results as part of the natural healing process.

It’s important to remember that each patient reacts differently to pain and treatments. Patience and consistency are key.

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