A common question that is often asked by people unfamiliar with inversion therapy is do inversion tables work?
One of the most well-known techniques to help relieve body and back pain is what medical professionals call inversion therapy. This requires the use of an item of equipment called an inversion table which places the body in an upside down (inverted) position.
Although there are thousands of reviews online that recommend the use of the table for back pain relief, there are still those who question the equipment’s credibility.
It’s not surprisingly that they are somewhat sceptical as they wonder if they will get the results they desire and whether it would be worthwhile them purchasing one.
You have probably read from various reviews that it has been proved that they do indeed work! Several studies have been carried out over the years and, one in particular, in the mid 1980’s, showed that there was a significant reduction in pain following the use of an inversion table for only 3 minutes!
Do inversion tables work?
A Brief Glimpse at Back Pain
Back pain is probably one of the most common body pains complained of and is very common among adults.
This type of pain can cause mild to severe discomfort, and can prevent people from being able to complete their daily chores. This is one of the reasons why there has been such an increase in devices, such as inversion tables, that relieve back pain.
Some of the most common spinal problems are:
- Herniated discs
- Lumbar osteoarthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Coccygodynia
All of these issues can contribute to back pain and results in a lot of people searching for effective pain relievers including cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, medicated oil formulas, and many more.
Countless other treatments are available, but it has been observed that not all these treatments produce long-lasting relief. Inversion therapy is not an exception, which is why people question whether or not it really is a good choice for back pain relief.
Inversion Therapy
When trying to determine “do inversion tables work”, you first need to understand the history of inversion therapy.
Inversion therapy is one of those age-old techniques that help provide relief from back pain. It originated around the earlier part of 400 BC and requires placing one’s body at an elevated angle or hanging it upside down.
Since one of the causes of back pain is the compression of the discs in the spine, the force of gravity in the opposite direction that comes with the inverted position helps in decompressing the herniated discs. This, in turn, causes a relaxing and rejuvenating feeling in the spine area which eventually leads to the relief of any back pain.
Popular methods of applying inversion therapy include the use of inversion frames, head-first suspension, and inversion tables.
Inversion Tables
First, you should know that the table is nothing more than a customized table or an exercise device where you can keep your body in an upside-down position while keeping the feet supported by means of an ankle clamp fitting attached to one end of the table.
The height and angle of the table can easily be adjusted by the user. The lesser the angle, the more time is needed to relieve back pain.
Most manufacturers include instruction manuals in their products’ packages, and it is recommended to browse through the manual before hastily getting on the table.
Inversion tables can also help in the treatment of several health problems. However, the most common use is for the treatment of back pain. They are much safer to use than medication.
Not only that, they can also treat the problem at its source and not just the symptoms. There are also no potential side effects that you can get from using medication. There is no risk as there could be with surgery.
Some research indicates that inversion, although momentary, causes most of the internal organs to settle into their correct positions. You can almost think of it like a massage for your tummy where your digestive tract will feel relieved. You can also probably compare it to a jar of pickles with most of the liquid settling at the bottom.
If you want the contents to more evenly spread out, then all you need to do is to turn it upside down and keep it inverted for a few minutes.
Another thing that an inversion table can do is to create good blood flow to the head and brain and many people believe that being inverted really helps in improving blood circulation in the head.
Gravity compresses the spine and pulls against your muscles. This makes it all the harder for blood and oxygen to flow around the body.
(It isn’t just inversion tables that can be used to create an improvement in people’s blood flow. Did you know that many Yoga poses involve inverted positions?
Some poses performed by Yoga enthusiasts involve raising both feet up in a straight vertical position. The whole lower body is raised and supported by the shoulders and neck which is bent.)
It is for these reasons that inversion tables have become more popular for their various health benefits.
When used regularly, an inversion table helps to improve your strength, balance, and orientation. It also helps to relax tense muscles. It can even help you to reduce your stress levels and helps in relaxation.
Many people report that using an inversion table is a good way to stretch muscles and ligaments and improve circulation. Stretching also stimulates the lymph glands to increase the flow of lymphatic fluids, part of the body’s waste disposal system.
Inversion therapy can also help relieve motion sickness and stress.
Possibly one of the biggest reasons why inversion tables don’t appeal to some people who have asked the question “do inversion tables work?” is because they try it out or use it incorrectly.
Contrary to what many people believe, you are not supposed to turn a full 180 degrees. It’s not healthy to suddenly put your body in a completely upside down position without warning like many people do with inversion tables.
The correct way is to start out gradually at a comfortable angle. What this comfortable angle is depends entirely on you. It could be a 60 degree diagonal turn or horizontally flat.
Although safe to use in the majority of cases, you should always check with your doctor before using an inversion table.
Using one is not recommended if you are pregnant, have heart disease, suffer from blood pressure issues or eye diseases. Also, if you have recently had surgery to your back or suffer from acid reflux, consult a doctor before using an inversion table.
It is also recommended that the first time you use one, you have someone else around. This is in case you need assistance or suffer from previously unknown health issues.
Popular methods of applying inversion therapy include the use of inversion frames, head-first suspension, and inversion tables.
If you find yourself asking – do inversion tables actually work?, then the following information will help you answer this question.
Do Inversion Tables Actually Work?
The only disadvantage to inversion therapy is that not all patients are suitable candidates for the therapy. People who have pre-existing medical conditions, including the following should not use an inversion table:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Eye disorders such as glaucoma
- Pregnancy
Based on reviews, here are the reported benefits of using the product:
- Decreases the intensity of back pain
- Improves one’s flexibility
- Enhances the circulation of blood in the body
- Reduces pain felt in the muscles
- Alleviates motion sickness and stress
The Verdict
If you still find yourself asking – do inversion tables actually work?, then you might just have to do your own further research regarding the benefits of using one. Upon running an Internet search, you will find a number of positive reviews coming from people who have already used the device.
It is wrong to assume that going on an inversion table guarantees making one’s back pain go away for good. In fact, some users have reported experiencing sudden pain right after using one. This is not because of the ineffectiveness of the method. It’s just that not everyone with back pain who decides to undergo the therapy will come out 100% cured in the end.
Remember that using equipment such as an inversion table entails understanding and knowledge on the part of the user to make sure it gets used the right way.
So, inversion tables-do they actually work? Yes they do. However, you should first remember that before you use an inversion table, you should consult with a suitably qualified physician. Also, you should take the time to read the instruction manual to avoid hurting yourself while using it. The bottom line here is that inversion tables really do work, but they have to be used in the correct way for its effects to be maximized.
If you are planning on purchasing the table, then make sure to buy only from a reputable manufacturer to make sure the equipment you will be using is safe and made only from the highest quality materials.
For further information on how inversion tables work CLICK HERE
Before you use any product for health care, always consult with your physician or primary healthcare provider and seek the appropriate advice and supervision prior to use.
