If you have ever seen many spine patients, chances are that you’ve been asked this question. “Does the inversion table work?” Inversion tables have been shown to be effective in treating acute and chronic pain. There are many studies. Even the most meticulously designed studies have not demonstrated any long-term benefit to inversion therapy.
Many patients who see this in clinic settings won’t believe it. Many spinal patients have relied upon an inversion to get relief for years. People might inquire about it from family members, friends, or neighbors who have heard of its effectiveness in relieving their pain.
Hippocrates (400 BC), who was the Father in Medicine, originated the inversion theory. Hippocrates used ladders and hung people upside-down to “stretch” their spine. Modern inversion methods are safer, easier, more secure, and more comfortable than ever before. Traction is the use of gravity to slowly stretch the spine. This leaves more space for the ligaments and nerves. The disc is defined as the space between the bones in the spine. Over time, gravity, poor posture, or exercise can make the disc more compressed. This can lead to leg and back pain. Inversion tables and/or traction therapy can reverse the effects. Many patients experience temporary relief from this. These patients feel normal pain when gravity relieves pressure from their lumbar areas.
Although inversion and traction tables are generally safe, not all patients should use them. Patients with hypertension and circulatory disorders, glaucomas, retinal detachments, circulation disorders, and hypertension should not use the inversion table therapy. Hanging upside down from an inversion table can result in increased pressure and blood circulation to the eyes.
Your discs act as shock absorbers, protecting your vertebrae. The main components of discs include the nucleus and annulus. Imagine a Twinkie shaped disc. The yellow cake filling is in the annulus and the cream filling in the nucleus. Instead of cream filling, the nucleus is made out of jelly-like material, which gives you flexibility and “cushioning”, on your back.
What is a herniated Disc?
A herniated or bulged disc is also known. The annulus holds the disc’s creamy filling (nucleus). This diagram shows that the vertebrae are connected by nerves. When a disc becomes herniated, the cream (nucleus), can push through the yellow (annulus). A herniated spine can cause weakness, pain, or numbness of one’s arm or foot. Many people don’t experience any symptoms following a herniated spinal disc. A herniated spine is not something you should treat.
You can relax your discs and relieve the pressure by inverting onto an inversion table. If they are released from pressure, the discs will naturally heal. You can cause irritation to the disc by increasing the distance between the vertebrae. This could cause the nucleus of the disc to return to its original spot.
How to use Inversion Tables To Lower Back Pain
Patients are advised to invert therapy at least for two weeks. This should be done at least twice per day for 10 min. Never lower than 45 degrees horizontal. Inversion therapy can also be done in as little as 20-30 degrees of recline.
It is best to not place the table at an angle that is too extreme for someone to see. Extreme inversions can pose danger. If the disc has been torn, an inversion can cause additional trauma. Inversion can sometimes cause more trauma if the disc has already been torn.
Who shouldn’t use an inversion table?
Inversion tables should be avoided by those with lumbar instability such as a spinal injury, spondylolisthesis or spinal damage. Inversion tables shouldn’t be used for low back pain. Some people with neck pain may benefit from cervical traction devices (e.g. There are pneumatic and ramp devices.
Inversion tables are not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other conditions. Inversion tables can be dangerous and you should consult your doctor first to make sure that you are getting the right treatment.
Inversion therapy has been around for a long time. For years, chiropractors and physical therapists have used inversion therapy. It is a very common treatment that offers significant relief to many people as well as an improvement in their quality of living. Although not recommended for everyone it can be an alternative to more intensive treatments for persistent lower back pain. It is important to discuss your specific condition with your doctor before you begin home treatment.