Inversion Therapy
Inversion therapy may sound like a trendy thing, but inverting the body is a natural therapeutic modality used for centuries for stretching, strength-building, pain-relief and more. Many therapists recommend inversion therapy for various kinds of ailments.
Inversion therapy can help in multiple ways.
1. Improve Spine Health
One of the primary reasons people experience back pain is due to improper spine alignment. Not adhering to a neutral posture consistently throughout the day puts unnecessary stress on the spine when it’s misaligned. Gentle massage and light manipulation of the spine are techniques that therapists use to help people relieve compression in the spine, ultimately leading to better spine health over time. Inversion therapy is similar to these approaches, as it carefully inverts the body downward, allowing for gentle stretching from gravity’s pull.
2. Avoid the Need for Painkillers
Many people who live with chronic back pain are dependent on prescription painkillers to find relief. Inversion therapy may help people reduce their need for medication by providing a natural pain management solution. A 2013 study looked at 47 women suffering from chronic low back pain and their results after an eight-week inversion therapy program. The participants were divided into three groups that tested the results of inverting at different table angles—0 degrees, 30 degrees and 60 degrees—four times per week for three sets of three-minute inversions each. After the eight-week program, the inverted groups saw significant improvements in their chronic low back pain symptoms. Additionally, the results showed that the inverted groups had greater flexibility in their upper bodies and lumbar areas, meaning they had a better ability to bend forward and touch their toes.
3. Prevent the Need for Surgery
Holistic wellness and natural pain management approaches are important for those who are at risk of requiring surgery for their lumbar pain or sciatica. Making lifestyle changes to protect your spine health can help prevent further damage that will eventually require surgical intervention. Inversion therapy could be a good solution for many people who would otherwise need to undergo a surgical procedure.
One study looked at how inversion therapy may help patients listed for lumbar surgery. One group of participants received both inversion and physical therapies, while the control group received only physical therapy. In the first group, 77% of participants avoided the need for surgery after undergoing both inversion and physical therapies. Only 22% of participants who underwent physical therapy alone avoided surgery.
4. Reduce Stress
Many people who use inversion table report that it helps them de-stress. Inverted positions—keeping your head below your heart—are known to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is our rest-and-digest mode that’s opposite of our fight-or-flight mode (the sympathetic nervous system). Yoga instructors explain this well when they recommend child’s pose—a position inspired by the way children sleep with their heads down and bums in the air. It’s a naturally soothing position that puts the body into a more restful state after experiencing an active sympathetic nervous system. Taking time to invert yourself may help you regain control over your stress and calm your nerves.
5. Increase Mobility
Many people with back pain avoid physical activity. However, light and consistent physical activity is strongly recommended for back pain. Without it, your back pain will likely worsen, and you’ll experience decreased mobility. For this reason, maintaining mobility is very important when suffering from back pain. Inversion therapy, combined with exercise, may help.
Inversion Table for just a few minutes daily can give your spine the relief it needs to heal and prevent low back pain, improve circulation and increase mobility.