Dr. Clark’s Spinal Apparatus, an ineffective scoliosis treatment, 1878
Poor kid.
Poor kid.
It actually looks a lot like spinal halo-gravity traction which is a modern treatment for childhood scoliosis.
My spine is pretty messed up and this actually looks kind of relaxing/nice for relieving pressure. Is Dr. Clark still offering these apparatuses?
You can sign up for suspension therapy. It's copay but by aunt did it for years to treat her back problems. It's not like this where you're upright, but you're held up on your side (EDIT: any prone-oriented position) by slings that raise and lower your hip, lumbar, shoulders, and legs at different angles to get your spine to lean into the "straight" orientation in the lateral direction.
P.S. never go to Chiropractors. Look for certified physical therapists.
This is the old timey medicine I can respect. It may not have really worked, but it doesn't actually look like torture, seems to involve some craftsmanship, and doesn't get someone addicted to crazy narcotics.
It's was worth a shot and probably didn't hurt anyone any more than they were already suffering. He probably relieved some pain for the moment even.
I remember that - it was a few years back, I'll see if I can find the link.