A spinal disc lies between each set of vertebrae and is similar to a sponge. As such, it depends on your body movement to squeeze nutrient-rich fluid in and out of its structure. When discs are damaged by trauma, disease or other causes, that necessary motion can be reduced. Just as a sponge would, the disc may lose hydration and shrink a bit, bringing the bones closer together. This narrowing speeds the natural degeneration of aging and often results in back pain, stiffness and inflexibility.
Inversion therapy essentially refers to the therapeutic use of remaining upside down in order to relieve back pain. There are several different ways to do this including gravity boots and inversion tables. The use of inversion therapy undoubtedly help relieve back pain. The premise of inversion therapy is that by reversing the pull of gravity on the spine, the pressure on the discs is relieved – thereby enabling them to regain nutrition and blood flow. Chiropractors often recommend regular use of inversion tables as a supplemental treatment to other treatments such as spinal decompression. In fact, inversion therapy is a form of spinal decompression.
Inversion therapy is used for a number of reasons including improving ligament strength and body posture. There is evidence that inversion therapy aids in better flexibility as well as blood flow. The lymphatic system in particular benefits from the inversion therapy since it doesn’t have it’s own dedicated circulatory system, but borrows off from the action of the muscles.
Athletes frequently make use of inversion therapy to strengthen their muscles and improve circulation. It has also been shown that the procedure aids in the speedy recovery of the muscles after exercise. When using an inverstion table, you are gently lowered to an angle that you are comfortable with.
