An inversion table is a very important tool in the treatment regimen known as inversion therapy. The theory of inversion therapy is this: inversion fights the harmful effect of gravity by using it in the opposite direction. This creates traction which takes pressure off the spine, increases blood flow, stretches muscles, and improves health. Relief in the back and joints, better posture and circulation, and even mental health are possible through regular inversion therapy.
One reason many people use with an inversion table is to relieve back pain. We live every day with gravity pulling our spines downward. The disks in our backs are compressed constantly. This compression also puts stress on the nerves, causing back pain. Inversion takes the daily pulling-downward effect of gravity and turns it on its head. This natural form of traction lengthens the spine and takes pressure off the disks, allowing them to return to their original expanded state. All that force is also removed from the nerves for pain relief.
Using an inversion table helps with joint pain in a similar way. Our weight-bearing joints (pelvis, hips, knees, ankles) are compressed by gravity and pulled out of alignment. Inversion stretches these joints, removing pressure and aiding blood flow, lubricating them and relieving pain. This stretching also alleviates muscle soreness.
Combine the lengthening of the spine with the stretching of joints and muscles and you'll see another benefit of inversion: improved posture. When the effects of downward-pulling gravity are countered by inversion, the spine straightens, joints align, and muscles loosen. When this happens, the body is more relaxed and posture improves. Spinal compression causes us to lose up to an inch of height during the day! We start our day upright and get more slouched as the day goes on. Inversion fights this.
Inversion therapy increases blood flow, and you already know how that can help with back, muscle and joint soreness. But did you know that this can also help your brain? Increasing blood flow toward your head by using an inversion table allows better circulation and oxygen exchange in the brain, which stimulates mental alertness and an overall sense of well-being. This means you will think clearer and feel better. This feeling is increased by the physical health benefits mentioned above, as well. Chronic discomfort, such as back pain, causes depression. Daily stretching to remove this pain, increase circulation, and stretch the muscles leads to overall feelings of comfort and happiness. The brain is in less of a fog, and you're no longer miserable from being in pain.
Consider gravity and its effect on the body. The spine is a stack of vertebrae with soft disks in between. Gravity is always pulling this stack downward, squeezing the disks and nerves. A similar problem is occurring in your joints, and it's all happening right now. An inversion table is essential to giving these sore backs and aching joints relief for less pain, better posture, and an overall sense of feeling great.
