Your vertebrae are protected by the shock absorbers provided by your discs. The nucleus and the annulus are the main components of discs. The annulus is the yellow cake, while the nucleus is the cream filling. A disc is like a Twinkie. The nucleus, however, is not filled with cream. It’s made from a jelly-like material which provides flexibility and “cushioning”, in your back.
What is a herniated disc? A herniated disc is also known as a slipped or bulged disc. The disc’s cream filling (nucleus), pops out through the annulus. The diagram shows that some nerves run through the vertebrae. When a disc is herniated, the cream filling (nucleus) can push through the yellow cake (annulus). A herniated disc can lead to “pain, weakness or numbness in one’s arm or leg.” Many people don’t experience any symptoms after a herniated disc. A herniated disc is not something that should be treated.
Teeter inversion tables allow you to invert on an inversion table. This helps to reduce the pressure on the discs by decompressing the vertebrae. The discs will naturally heal if they are freed from the pressure. The disc can be irritated by the slight increase in space between the vertebrae. This may encourage the nucleus to return back to its original position.
How to use Inversion Tables to Lower Back Pain
Inversion therapy is recommended for most patients. I recommend that you try it for at least 2 weeks, for 10 minutes each day. Do not go below 45 degrees horizontal. Inversion therapy can be felt in as little as 20-30 degrees of recline.
It is not recommended to place the table at an angle where the person is fully upside down. Inversions that are too aggressive can be dangerous. Full inversion can cause trauma if the disc is already damaged. Inversion can sometimes be too good a thing. If not done properly, these tables could cause more damage.
Who should not use inversion tables?
People with lumbar instability, such as a spinal injury or spondylolisthesis, should not use inversion tables. Inversion tables should not be used for low back pain. People with neck pain might benefit from cervical traction devices (e.g. pneumatic or ramp devices). Inversion tables should not be used by people who have high blood pressure, heart disease or are pregnant.