One of the most common spinal complaints is a disk bulge, which usually occurs in the lower spine, where the soft-tissue disks sometimes swell beyond normal limits. When a disk bulge is suspected, the patient needs to be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions and to ensure that inversion therapy is safe for the individual. Many therapists, clinics and patients say inversion therapy is helpful, while more conservative practitioners consider it ineffective. The Mayo Clinic supports the belief that inversion therapy can be part of a cost-effective, noninvasive therapy plan that includes weight control, postural improvement, exercise evaluation and understanding the effects of psychological stress.
Reduction of Painful Swelling
In addition to providing space between each of the vertically stacked vertebrae, disks serve to reduce shock and maintain the shape of the spine so it looks like two 'S' curves, one on top of the other. Gravity and stress can squeeze the disks and alter this system of curves. The disks are 75 percent water, so constant compression can alter the fluid balance, allowing a portion of the disk to flatten and another portion to swell.
When the curves are stretched through inversion, pressure on the disks is reduced. This allows for better circulation and blood supply to the disks so chemical irritants can be removed and good nutrients can be delivered. In addition, the body can deal with daily stress and compression more effectively.
Maintaining the proper curves also places the vertebrae in the proper position, so the body weight is placed on the joints of the vertebrae and not on the softer disks, which can more easily collapse and deteriorate.
Relief of Nerve Pressure
Openings for spinal nerves come off the spinal cord just behind the disk. A bulging disk can block a nerve opening. It can also bulge enough to touch the nerve directly. This can cause spinal pain, inflammation and muscle spasms. Proponents of inversion tables say the devices reduce the bulge and so free the nerve path at the opening and take pressure off the nerve, reducing pain and spasms. If pressure on the nerve continues, the nerve can be permanently affected.
Convenience
Work and lifestyle schedules can make it difficult for people to follow through with therapy. Inversion tables aren't limited to clinics, and having effective and affordable equipment at home can be invaluable in maintaining a consistent treatment plan. Long-term improvement is more likely when therapy is done on a regular basis, alleviating the day-to-day accumulation of mechanical stress.
