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Inversion Tables
Inversion tables are great! Learn the benefits, how to use one, and how to purchase one. Let's get started!
What the heck is an inversion table? Sounds like something you might use in a math class. Looks like something you might see in a gym or weight room.
But inversion tables aren't used for math or for exercising.
They are used for hanging upside down!
Well, not entirely upside down, but close enough.
That might sound a little scary, but it is actually incredibly relaxing.
And they can be an excellent way to relieve chronic back, hip or neck pain.
Inversion Therapy
If you have ever observed a possum or bat sleep, you already know what inversion therapy is. Yes, it is hanging upside down.
Think about it for a minute .... How many times have you hung upside down since you have been an adult? Probably zero times.
But why is this important? Well, it has to do with gravity and the effects gravity can have on our body and our spine over time.
Most of us never even think about our vertebrae and discs until there is a problem with them. But when a problem does arise, it can nag you 24 hours a day 7 days a week until you find a way to heal the problem.
So that brings us to our next question. How does using an inversion table help our spine?
Inversion Tables and Back Pain Relief
Inversion tables use gravity to decompress the spine and stretch the muscles throughout the body.
Spinal discs are under constant pressure from the force of gravity and the weight of the body and head. Even when we are lying down, the spine is managing a lot of pressure.
The pressure on our discs while lying is less than when we stand or sit, but there is still pressure.
The only way to take all the pressure off of our spinal discs is to invert at 60 degrees. And one of the easiest ways to do this is with an inversion table.
What types of conditions can inversion tables help us with? Let us dig through the hard earned literature on inversion therapy and find out.
Scientific Studies Put Inversion Tables to the Test
1. Sciatica Pain Caused by Bulging Disc
This study was done at Newcastle University. There were two groups. One group received physical therapy. The other group received physical therapy and inversion therapy.
Both groups were told that they would need surgery to correct their sciatica pain. The results were astounding.
78% of the non-inversion group still needed surgery at the end of the trial. But only 23% of the inversion group still needed surgery at the end.
This is great news! Back surgery is expensive, risky, and may not even help in the end. So giving inversion therapy a try in this situation should definitely be the first line of treatment!
2. Employees with Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the main causes for work-related sick days. So obviously if a company could help with its employees back pain, it would benefit both parties.
Well one company in Sweden did just that. Volvo treated employees suffering with back pain with inversion therapy. The results were very promising. The employees who participated in the therapy decreased their sick days with back pain by 7.9 days, on average, per individual. That’s a big improvement!
3. Inversion Tables and Depression
Many people and practitioners have reported improvement with depression by practicing inversion therapy. Hanging on an inversion table increases blood flow to the brain, which increases the oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain. Also the very act of inversion table relaxes the body. We all could benefit from a little less stress and a little more relaxation!
4. Inversion therapy works so well even the US Army uses it
Our government has access to the very best goods and services. And in Fort Benning, home of the army physical fitness school, they take advantage of the benefits of inversion tables.
The physical rigors of basic training takes a toll on the soldiers' spines and joints. So obviously a therapy that could help alleviate some of the damage would be super helpful. Inversion therapy helped the soldiers in Fort Benning tremendously, so much so they added it to their basic training programs.
Inversion Tables Buyer's Guide
What should you look for when buying an inversion table?
Space Available -- While inversion tables aren’t the biggest piece of equipment in the world, they are not small either. So it would help to decide if you have a designated spot where your inversion table will stay, or if you need an inversion table that is easy to fold up and store in a corner or closet.
Ease of Use -- The table you choose should be easy to use. Make sure to get a table that allows you to use simple arm movements to rotate the table.
Safety -- It is best to buy inversion tables with UL standard. These tables have been put through rigorous tests to ensure they are safe.
Assembly Requirements -- Look for tables that come mostly assembled, especially if you aren’t mechanically inclined.
Benefits -- Make sure your table is built to give you the best benefits. Examples are ergonomic design, a smooth table surface, and assist handles.
Price -- Inversion table prices vary greatly. I have an Innova brand inversion table that I purchased on amazon for around $100. It is a good quality inversion table for the price. You must also factor in cost of delivery. Here is a link for the Innova, https://amzn.to/2y1KHBt
Warranty -- Look for a table with a good warranty, of at least 5 years. The table will be better quality.
Sources for This Page
[http://research.ncl.ac.uk/nctu/documents/backswing/poster.pdf].
http://www.mastercare.eu/resources/Volvo-study.pdf].
[ http://www.energycenter.com/grav_f/army_inversion.pdf].
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