Back Pain Relief Using Inversion Tables – Do They Work?
Spinal traction of any kind is a pulling force intended to stretch the ligaments and muscles in the spine and add to the space separating the vertebrae. It is used by physical therapists and chiropractors, along with other treatments, to ease lower back pain in general and treat sciatica in particular.
Inversion therapy
This form of traction has been used since ancient times, and it involves having the patient hang upside down to relieve pressure on the spine, Today, a well-known piece of equipment, the inversion table, is used for this purpose, and the patient’s body weight is used to stretch the spine in the inversion process. Some people feel more comfortable with partial inversion, and an inversion table can be adjusted to tilt at different angles, even a slightly inverted level of 20 – 30 degrees.
As people adjust to the treatment, the slant can be increased to 60 degrees, which will automatically add to the stretch. There is also a psychological component to this treatment, and if they feel insecure in the optimum inverted position, the muscles will contract, which will defeat the purpose of the therapy.
Adjusting to the treatment
The amount of time people spend using an inversion table is correlated with the particular angle being used at the time. Ordinarily, they start by inverting for a few minutes and work up to 10 minutes as they adjust to the process and become more relaxed while doing it. (Many patients use the inversion table 2 or 3 times daily to relieve their lower back pain.)
As the back is stretched, pressure in the nerve roots and intervertebral disks lessens and back pain is reduced. This treatment can also be beneficial to individuals with poor posture as it elongates the muscles, and medical professionals sometimes rely on using the inversion table to increase the flow of blood to the brain and boost the patient’s mental alertness.
Recommendations before using an inversion table
Always consult with your physician before taking this step, and note that it is not recommended for individuals with osteoporosis, coronary or circulatory problems, high blood pressure, or related conditions. Note also that it has not been proven scientifically that the use of any type of traction will ensure long-term benefits, but it is generally used and accepted as a means of providing temporary relief for people living with chronic pain in the lower back.
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