During the vibrant ages of youth, many kids spend a lot of time upside-down, either hanging from playground equipment or standing on their head for no apparent reason. As we ease into adulthood, however, these inverted poses seem difficult, painful and downright ridiculous. Interestingly, though, inversion therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a pain management technique. If you are looking to hang upside-down to relieve your neck or back pain, carefully consider the advantages of inversion tables vs. inversion chairs.
Inversion Therapy Benefits
Over the years, inversion therapy has become an increasingly popular form of pain remedy for people with back and neck pain. Inversion therapy involves hanging the body upside down and allowing gravity to take effect. The Energy Center website explains inversion therapy as "using your own body weight as a natural form of traction, inversion elongates the spine by increasing the space between the vertebrae, relieving the pressure on discs, ligaments and nerve roots." The website goes on to explain that regular inversion therapy through the use of an inversion table or chair can promote proper posture, balance and flexibility. Inversion therapy can also help strengthen ligaments, stimulate circulation and relieve stress. Always consult with your health care provider before using equipment or exercise to self-treat back pain.
Inversion Table Capabilities
The design of an inversion table typically allows the body to hang completely upside down. However, the Energy Center website explains that full inversion is not always necessary. In fact, the website claims that angles as small as 10 to 15 degrees can have positive effects on the spine. However, the table does allow for full inversion. While fully inverted, gently swing your body from side-to-side to stretch our your hips. Additionally, the Muscle Rumor website recommends trying upside down crunches if your specific table allows the motion.
Inversion Chair Capabilities
Most inversions chairs are only designed to invert about 60 to 70 percent of the way. This characteristic may be considered a downfall among people who prefer the full inversion. However, the Energy Center website explains that even small angles can be beneficial. When using the inversion chair, it will essentially feel as though you are sitting upside down. Inversion chairs also tend to be easier to adjust once you are inverted. They do not, however, allow much opportunity for core exercises while inverted.
Joint Stress
When inverted, the inversion chair typically requires the body to hang upside-down from the ankles. As gravity pulls the body toward the ground, it places a significant amount of stress on the knee and ankle joints. An inversion chair, on the other hand, does not require the body to hang in this precarious position. As a result, the knee and ankle joints receive much less stress.
Considerations
Before selecting an inversion table or inversion chair, it is important to consult your physician or physical therapist. A trained medical professional can help you select an inversion therapy device to best suit your needs. Using an inappropriate device or using the device incorrectly can actually worsen back pain, posture and alignment. Additionally, inversion therapy is generally not advised for pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, certain heart problems and/or back injuries.
References
- Inversion Table Guide: Inversion Chair vs Inversion Table -- Which is Better?
- Muscle Rumor: Choosing Between an Inversion Chair vs Inversion Table
- Energy Center: Medical Studies on Inversion Therapy
- Energy Center: Benefits Of Inversion Therapy
- Energy Center: Inversion Therapy - Suggestions For Getting Started
