The latest surveys show that the number of people using an inversion table for back pain relief is increasing, and that’s because there’s a growing body of scientific and medical research proving that it works.
Lower back pain (LBP) might be due to any number of reasons such as frequent bending, heavy lifting or poor sitting posture, but regardless of the cause, an inversion table can help.
Overview: How the Table Works
An inversion table is a table with special padding that is hooked to a steel hinge frame. To use it, you strap yourself onto it and allow the table to slowly flip over. This will invert your body, and over time it will relieve back pain. The reason why this method works is that when your body is flipped, you’ll be able to unload your discs, joints and bones in your lower back.
The end result is that an inversion table for sciatica will produce a traction that will go through your spine, and it is this traction that will reduce back pain. Inversion tables are also known as gravitational traction and inversion therapy.
Supporting Scientific Evidence
Unlike other alternative therapies, there is strong scientific and medical evidence proving that inversion therapy works. One study showed that traction force does go into the lumbar spine, and that a separation of as much as 3 mm has been uncovered in some cases. Combining the scientific evidence and the positive feedback that patients report, and it is clear that products like the Ironman Gravity 1000 inversion table can really help.
Studies do show that good diet and going through your normal routines will help as will exercising on a regular basis. However, using a mechanical device like an inversion table will help reduce back pain by a significant amount. Depending on the type of back pain you’re feeling though, it is always advisable to consult your physician for the proper type of inversion therapy to use.
Other Benefits of Inversion Therapy
The benefits of inversion therapy for the lower back is well documented, but it’s also proven effective for those suffering from Spondylolisthesis, (vertebra displacement), facet joint dysfunction, SI joint dysfunction and pulled back muscles. In addition, those suffering from neck pain and chronic back pain will find inversion tables for back pain useful.
The multiple benefits of inversion therapy is something that is often overlooked, but it’s actually one of the reasons why these tables are gaining widespread acceptance. Based on the latest scientific research, inversion therapy can provide additional medical benefits such as the following.
Improved Circulation
Studies have shown that when you are inverted on an Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table your blood circulation will improve as gravity is working with it than against it. Furthermore, gravity assists your emphatic system clear up more quickly, reducing your muscle aches and pains. Studies also show that as your blood circulation improves, your muscles loosen up.
Stress Relief
There is also good evidence proving that a full body stretch will rejuvenate your body. In fact there’s plenty of research showing that you’ll receive the same benefits as if you attended a yoga class but it is easier.
Improves Mental Alertness
An inversion table for back pain will also increase your mental alertness since any activity that involves going upside down increases the oxygen supply to your brain, which improves mental sharpness.
Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility
Inversion therapy improves your joints’ flexibility, making them more flexible and less susceptible to injury. What this means is that with continued use of inversion therapy you’ll be able to move like you did when you were younger and your joints were much stronger.
Better Posture
Those who have used inversion therapy also say that after a while their posture improves. This is not just wishful thinking on their part as medical researchers have pointed out that gravity’s reverse force helps your body sit, move and stand in a more graceful and natural manner. This is something that was borne not just out of scientific research but also from testimonials of people who have used the Body Champ IT8070 inversion therapy table for some time.
However, the benefits of inversion therapy do not stop here as it also helps realign your spine after working out. It’s been long established that strenuous workouts and activities like running, aerobics and other activities will take their toll on your spine and compress it unevenly. By using inversion therapy, these health problems will be corrected before they become any worse.
Are There Health Risks Involved?
One of the most common questions asked by those thinking of using inversion tables is if there are side effects that might arise from its use. However, extensive research has shown there are no side effects. You might feel a bit disoriented at first, but that is basically all the discomfort you will feel as there are no long term issues to deal with.
Tips and Suggestions for Buyers
There are a lot of inversion tables available today, so it is important that you do some research first. Although there are many kinds available they are not built the same way, so for this reason, you need to do some investigation and find out which one works best. There are many ways to do this, but the most effective is to conduct your research online and read some product reviews.
If you are going to buy an inversion table for sciatica you need to consider all these facts so you’ll end up with the best value for your money. This might take a bit of tine, but you’ll be able to get the maximum value and attain the pain relief you’re after. The good news is, the competition among these companies is growing so the cost of each product has gone down by a significant margin.
For more recommendation on the best inversion table, check out my review of the Teeter Hang Ups EP-560.
