Sciatica, or sciatic pain, is a tingling, ache, or burning feeling that may radiate from one hip and down the leg on that side, or may be localized in the hip area or even in the calf or foot of that leg. Sciatica is the symptom of one of many possible medical conditions such as herniated disk, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, pelvic injury, tumors, or degenerative disk disease. In many cases, sciatica may be resolved with chiropractic care, massage therapy, and inversion table treatments.
Inversion Therapy
Inversion therapy has been around for years in the form of boots and racks. In fact, Hippocrates--considered to be the father of medicine--hung a patient upside down to treat back pain in 400 BC. It is not necessary to be completely upside down, as an inversion of only 15 degrees is effective for some people. Modern inversion tables have a sliding backrest and a lock mechanism which allow for exercises while the person is inverted.
Gravity
Once properly secured to the inversion table, the person is slowly inverted to an angle which feels comfortable, somewhere between 15 and 60 degrees. This positioning reduces and even eliminates the effects of gravity on the spine and supporting muscles. Gravity may cause compression during every-day life and inversion therapy can provide relief. The spine is lengthened during this process and any compression which causes sciatica is temporarily relieved.
Recommendations
Anyone can purchase an inversion table for home use, and there are gyms and treatment centers which provide inversion tables for clients and patients. For use at home, adjustable inversion tables allow the user to select the degree at which he or she inverts. For beginners, a slight angle is recommended. As you get used to being inverted you can stay in that position for longer periods, and increase the degree of inversion. Keep in mind that shallow inversion degrees allow the user to remain in that position for a longer period of time, and deeper inversion shouldn't be maintained for long periods. Once comfortable with the sensation, some users may invert for up to 20 minutes a time, two or three times a day for relief.
Caution
There are concerns that inversion therapy causes increase in blood pressure as well as an increase in internal eye pressure. Talk to a doctor to ensure certain medications will not contraindicate with inversion therapy. Some people should not do inversion therapy: people with high blood pressure, spinal injuries, heart disease, and eye diseases; people with unhealed fractures; and women who are pregnant. If you do use an inversion table, go slowly into the inversion and when returning to an upright position, and rest in a horizontal position before going upright.
