Staring at your computer screen for too long can put a toll on your back, especially if your posture is not that great. Over time, your poor posture will leave you with chronic pain in your neck and back.
Along with stress as the major causal factor, poor workstation ergonomics, lack of exercise, psychological problems, and excess weight also contribute to increased back pain. Misalignment of the spine can also add to this excruciating pain.
When ignored, long-term back pain may impair the body’s range of motion and affect the quality of life. Fortunately, there are methods that correct posture and spinal issues, like chiropractic treatment.
Spinal manipulation is the most common technique in chiropractic care. Contrary to people’s belief that spinal adjustments are performed entirely using bare hands, chiropractors use specialized tools to adjust the spine manually. One of these devices is the Y strap chiropractic device.
What Is a Y Strap Chiropractic Device?
The Y strap chiropractic device, also known as the y-axis traction strap, is used to guide the decompression of the spine along the y-axis of the body.
Spinal decompression using a y-axis traction strap is a quick and gentle procedure proven safe and effective. Using Y straps prevents rotations, contortions, or shearing from happening to the spine.
If you decide to visit a chiropractor for a spinal adjustment using a Y strap, here is how the procedure will be done:
- You will need to lay straight on the chiropractic table with your whole back pressed flat on the surface.
- Your chiropractor will fasten the bottom of the Y strap to the bottom of your head, at your skull’s base. They will grab the other end of the strap, where the hairgrip is located.
- Your chiropractor will push the fitter in the middle to secure the strap around your head, forming a Y-shape at the top portion.
- To decompress your spine, your chiropractor will gently pull the strap up and away; in some cases, they may need to move sideways or use a gentle tug to release the tension from your spine further.
Do You Need Y Strap Chiropractic Adjustment?
When hands-on manipulation cannot straighten a stubborn spine angle, chiropractors use devices to fully “pull out” and equalize the spine. If used by a licensed practitioner, Y strap chiropractic adjustment can provide numerous benefits such as:
1. Relieve Chronic Pain
The most common reason people attend a chiropractic appointment is the persistent pain in different areas of their body. When used as a supplement to medical care, chiropractic Y strap adjustments can relieve back pain by aligning and releasing tension from the spine, specifically in the y-axis. Depending on the patient’s condition, a Y strap chiropractic tool can restore the spine’s functionality and prevent possible injuries.
2. Improve Athletic Performance
A healthy and functional body is essential to achieve success in sports. With healthy joints, athletes can freely move while still in control, reducing the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries.
Regular adjustments are beneficial in increasing the body’s performance level and improving its functions. A chiropractic Y strap device can assist spinal adjustments and increase the body’s strength, coordination, flexibility, and speed.
3. Prevent Spine Disorder
Chiropractic Y strap adjustment is not just for pain. Beyond the immediate relief, spinal adjustments using a Y strap chiropractic tool also strengthen your body and prevent unpredictable conditions from happening.
Regular Y strap chiropractic treatment provides extra benefits, such as:
- Stronger immune system
- Improved digestive health
- Better sleep quality
Is Y Strap Chiropractic Adjustment Effective?
While there is no published research on the effectiveness of Y strap chiropractic treatment, spinal manipulation can provide an insight into the positive effect of using a Y strap chiropractic tool.
A review of studies showed that high-velocity low amplitude (HVLA) manipulation of the neck and spine could influence the body’s pain tolerance, strength, and mobility. Y strap chiropractic treatment is also categorized as an HVLA therapy as it is quick and only puts low pressure on the spinal column.
Given that hands-on manipulation can effectively decompress the spine, chiropractic care using a Y strap may yield similar benefits. This indicates that more research about the potential effectiveness of chiropractic Y straps is still needed.
While chiropractic treatments, even with a Y strap, are considered safe when performed by a professional, it is not for everyone. The World Health Organization does not recommend chiropractic adjustment for patients with:
- Bone abnormalities
- Aggressive cancer
- Dysfunctional nerve roots
- Spinal cord injury caused by severe compression
- Fractures, infections, and tumors in the spine
Maintain a Healthy Spine With Advanced Chiropractors Group
Strengthening your spine can stave off potential problems and improve your quality of life.
Have a reputable chiropractor perform a comprehensive evaluation to help determine if a Y strap chiropractic adjustment is suitable for your condition and create an appropriate treatment plan for your concerns.
Advanced Chiropractors Group is here to help you find safe and effective chiropractic care. Contact us and schedule an appointment; we’ll connect you to the best licensed and trained chiropractors near your area. We look forward to helping you find pain relief and keep your spine healthy and strong.