Inversion table therapy is a relatively common therapy that targets chronic back pain. It works by placing the body in traction in an upside down position, causing gravity pressure and tight muscle pressure to be relieved. This allows the spinal discs to return to their original shape and replenish lost fluid, effectively removing all misplaced pressure on nerves in the area.
Therapy with inversion is beneficial because it places the body in traction while in an inverted position. With the entirety of the body weight suspended from the lower body, the joints are decompressed at each point below the point of suspension. When hanging by the feet, this means that the ankles and everything below them are decompressed. This helps to stimulate the joints to replenish lubrication and also encourages each joint in the body to realign correctly. The effect is most prominent in the back, making it a popular treatment for chronic back pain.
One way that inversion table therapy works to alleviate pain is by forcing a change in posture. The traction device restores the spine to its natural alignment, which in turn makes it easier to use natural posture normally once out of the device. Misalignment causes inflammation, which makes it difficult to use a natural stance or posture. Using an inversion table to realign the spine eliminates this problem and breaks the constant cycle of bad posture leading to pain.
Another benefit of inversion table therapy is that it promotes flexibility. There are many stretching exercises that are impossible to perform from an upright position because they are closed-chain exercises that are hindered by gravity. By performing them in traction, one can effectively stretch the spinal flexors and extensors in a way that allows extra spacing in the joint. This allows the muscles to lengthen more effectively than they could without traction.
Inversion table therapy is also said to stimulate the circulatory system by causing gravity to pool blood flow in an opposing cycle. This causes oxygen flow to increase, especially to the upper third of the body and particularly to the brain and the scalp. This is a gravity-related benefit that can only be gained by traction, since other alternate gravity exercises, such as stretching while lying down, do not have this opposite effect on the circulatory system and do not affect oxygen flow.
There are some risks associated with inversion table therapy for people with certain pre-existing medical conditions. These people should exercise caution and consult a doctor before beginning their regimen. They should progress slowly to avoid overwhelming their body, and should also have another person supervising the first few sessions in case they need assistance or experience a crisis. People who may be at higher risk while engaging in inversion therapy include people with heart disease, glaucoma and abnormal blood pressure, as well as pregnant women. You should try and seek professional advice first so that you can ultimately enjoy the inversion table benefits.
