Why Inversion Therapy Really Works
First of all what is Inversion Therapy? Inversion Therapy involves hanging upside down at a vertical or near vertical angle to decompress the joints of the body, namely the spine.
There are two general systems of inversion: 1) Gravity Boot Inversion: hanging, fully inverted with the use of boots or angle straps 2) Inversion Table: using specially made tables which move in a see-saw motion around a fixed point, partial inversion is possible with this method. Of the two systems, inversion tables are commonly the more popular choice. Inversion tables are far easier for most people to use since the see-saw motion allows for easy loading, and the added benefit of partial inversion is more comfortable for many people who feel that full inversion is too intense.
Inversion therapy is most often used as a method of alleviating different types of back pain. In fact, more than 50% of people who use inversion therapy do so to relieve pain. Back pain comes in many forms and can be attributed to a number of different causes. Poor posture, weak core muscles (back and abdominal muscles) and misalignments are major contributors to back pain in most people. At the root of back pain is exactly that, a root. Nerve roots are housed in the cartilaginous discs between the vertebrae and exit though small openings there to extend throughout rest of the body. Pain occurs when the nerve roots become compressed between the vertebrae. Inversion can be used to counter the effects of compression on the vertebral discs, thus alleviating back pain.
To enjoy the benefits of inversion tables you use them. This enables the body to recover from the forces of gravity that we face each day. Inversion places your body in line with the downward force of gravity. When inverted, your spine is able to elongate and the space between your vertebrae increases taking pressure off of the nerves running between them. The inner core of the vertebral disc contains a jelly-like material that serves to cushion your back when sitting, standing, or exercising. When performing daily activities the inner fluid along with water is slowly squeezed out of the discs and into the adjacent soft tissue. The result is that the vertebral discs loose some of their moisture and height. This, in turn, reduces flexibility in the spine, decreases cushioning between vertebrae and places more pressure on the nerves.
The only time when you are giving your discs a break is while inverting. Some people may argue that when you are sleeping the vertebral discs can rest and soak up fluid and nutrients however, disc pressure still occurs while lying down. In order to bring that pressure down to zero, you must be inverted to at least 60 degrees. Using an inversion table allows your spine to stretch and increases the space between the vertebrae reducing pressure. When pressure on the vertebral discs is reduced this encourages fluid movement back into the discs.
Inversion Therapy is valuable to the treatment of back pain, but there are additional health benefits that can be generated using a consistent regimen of inversion. Inversion can help encourage good posture. When inverting, the spine wants to conform to its natural and proper form, a gentile “S” curve. A regular program of inversion therapy can help maintain proper posture and keep the body free from related troubles. Additionally, inverting can stimulate circulation and increase flexibility. These benefits involve increasing blood flow to the brain, relieving varicose veins, and staying free from injury. Whether inversion tables are used to relive back pain or for their other health benefits, a regular regimen of inversion is the only way to fight the powerful force of gravity and its effects on the body.
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September 9th, 2008