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Spine is an integral part of a human body. It comprises the vertebrae from the neck to the pelvis, the gelatinous discs between the vertebrae and the nerves which pass through this vertebral enclosure.

The spine supports the weight of the body, absorbs the sudden jerk while jumping and helps in bodily movements like bending and turning around. Moreover spine is the conduit for nerves which control the functioning of various organs. Hence any injury to the spine can effect the locomotion of a human body and impair the functioning of its organs.

There are many kinds of treatments available for treating an injured spine. Depending on the extent of spinal injury, they can vary from a simple massage, pain relieving ointments, anti-inflammatory medicines, physiotherapy and in extreme case, to a surgical operation.

Here we shall discuss hydrotherapy as a new age supplementary treatment for spinal injuries.

Healing Principle of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapeutic treatment helps to heal an inflammation of the spine by causing an increase in the retarded blood circulation and by strengthening the weakened muscles, tendons and ligaments of the injured tissues. To achieve this healing objective, the patient is prescribed with some exercises to be done with his / her body submerged in a pool of lukewarm water.

Merits of Hydrotherapy

Due to the buoyant force of water, a patient undergoing hydrotherapy can easily do exercises in water which he / she could not do on land. The patient can easily lift the injured hands or legs as well as turn the injured spine while being submerged in water. Moreover when such exercises are done in lukewarm water having a temperature of 35 degree Celsius, then the muscles get simultaneous relaxation due to which they do not feel the stress and strain when such hydrotherapeutic exercises are performed.

By regular hydrotherapeutic exercises, the muscles of a spine patient eventually get strong enough to bear the stress and strain felt during normal walking, bending and sitting. Also an improved blood circulation in the injured tissues helps to heal the inflammation.

The feeling of painlessness during hydrotherapy is like a feeling of weightlessness experienced by astronauts.

Hydrotherapeutic Exercises and Rehabilitation

Based on the diagnosis of an orthopedist, there is a trained hydrotherapist who prescribes specific exercises to a patient having a spinal injury. For example, a patient with lower back pain may be advised to walk in the pool of lukewarm water, to do stretching exercises, etc. under the supervision of a hydrotherapist. Also there are paraphernalia to help and support the patient while doing hydrotherapeutic exercises. Since these exercises are done in a pool with varying depths of water, there is no fear of getting drowned if one does not know swimming.

Gradually, once the patient regains strength and recovery from spinal injury, then the exercises can be done on land, including stretching exercises on the bed which are done every morning. Then precautions are to be followed for maintaining the correct posture while bending, sitting, lifting small weights, etc.

To a rehabilitated patient, it is like living a new life.