Inversion tables use the effects of gravity to apply gentle traction to the spine. When used passively or with aggressive inversion exercises, the inversion table has many uses that benefit the spine and weight bearing joints. The inversion table, when used as a fitness tool, may reverse the aging effects on the spine caused by day-to-day activities, assertive exercises or constant pounding from running.
Reduce Pain
The relief of neck and back pain is the most common use of the inversion table. The weight of your body uses the downward force of gravity to exert mild traction on your spine when you use the inversion table. As the spine stretches and elongates, the spaces between the vertebrae increase, minimizing the pressure and compaction on nerves in the spine. Less pressure, in many cases, means less back pain.
According to the website EnergyCenter.com, a study published in the August 1978 edition of the "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation" found that muscle pain declined by more than 35 percent within 10 seconds when subjects assumed the inverted position. Physiotherapist L.J. Nosse found that there was a correlation between reduction in pain and increased spinal length caused by inversion.
Fitness and Conditioning
For efficiency of movement and to encourage proper posture, the core muscles in the body's abdominal and lower back must be strong. Weak abdominal muscles cause misalignment of the spine and put pressure on the discs, which may increase the likelihood of injury. Exercising on inversion tables helps develop and condition core muscles without loading the spine. A strong and fit torso means an increased efficiency with daily activities and athletic performance. Properly executed back extensions and exercises, such as crunches, from full inversion on a table can strengthen the core without risk of hyperextension or stressing the spine.
Relief of Stress
Tension can cause muscle spasms in your neck, shoulders and back, causing headaches and other problems. Using an inversion table can help tense muscles relax and increases the flow of lymphatic fluids, which flush out body wastes and encourage a supply of oxygen. Inversion tables are beneficial to relieve daily stress and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones -- small and rock-hard clumps formed from the accumulation of material in the kidneys -- can cause extreme pain in your back, fever, chills, blood in the urine and vomiting. Kidney stones formed in the lower portion of the kidney known as lower pole, may be reduced with the use of an inversion table. The Huazhong University of Science and Technology conducted a study in 2009 using 23 subjects that had stones ranging in size from 2 mm to 4 mm. The researchers found that treatment with the inversion table caused 83.3 percent stone clearance without any cases of cardio-cerebral problems. The study concluded that inversion table treatment is safe and valuable in the assistance of the passage of stones in the lower kidney.
References
- SportsInjuryClinic.net: Inversion Therapy
- EnergyCenter: Medical Studies on Inversion
- EnergyCenter: Benefits of Inversion Therapy: Train Core Muscle Groups without Loading the Spine
- American Kidney Fund: Kidney Stones
- "Chinese Journal of Surgery"; Application of Inversion-Table in the Treatment of Lower Pole Renal Stones; Yu X, et al.; 2009
