Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by widespread body pain, stiffness, muscle tenderness and fatigue. Approximately five million Americans have fibromyalgia. There is no known cause or cure for fibromyalgia, so physicians treat the symptoms caused by the disorder. Some people use inversion table therapy to help improve the musculoskeletal symptoms caused by fibromyalgia. Consult your physician before trying inversion therapy.
Basics
Inversion therapy has been around since ancient times and uses gravitational pull to decompress the vertebrae of the spine. Inversion tables were designed to make inversion therapy easier to perform. An inversion table is a narrow padded table that the individual straps himself into or onto, depending on the model. Some tables use straps to hold the body in place while other models use padded metal bars you slip your feet under to secure your body. Using your body weight, you then tip the table over and place your body at different inverted angles. Inversion therapy is a popular choice of treatment for fibromyalgia sufferers who want a noninvasive option for symptom relief.
Effects
Inversion tables help reduce pressure on the nerves and discs in the spinal column, while utilizing your own body weight as a form of traction. This increases the amount of space between your vertebrae and stretches the tissues supporting the spine, which can help alleviate tendon, ligament and muscle pain. Fibromyalgia sufferers often experience spasms and pain along the spine, occurring anywhere from the neck to the lower back. Inversion therapy helps elongate and stretch these connective tissues, increasing the amount of oxygen and blood flow to the areas. Some people use inversion therapy for its relaxation and stress-reducing benefits, which can also benefit fibromyalgia patients.
Advancements
Inversion therapy has become more popular over the years, prompting manufacturers to add improvements to inversion equipment. Modern-day options include curved and padded back tables to increase the users comfort while hanging suspended. Adjustable inversion tables offer people the flexibility to choose a wide range of inversion angles, including levels perfect for beginners new to inversion therapy. You can experience a mild muscular stretch and increased circulation from as low as a 15-degree angle inversion. Some advanced inversion tables feature a sliding backrest, which allows the person to do upper body exercises while suspended. If you are new to inversion therapy, start slowly and increase the angle, according to your comfort level.
Considerations
While suspended for more than a few minutes, your heart rate slows and circulation increases, resulting in increased pressure in the eyes and blood vessels. MayoClinic.com reports that inversion therapy can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure, glaucoma and heart disease due to the increased pressure. Patients with serious spinal disorders should also check with their doctor before beginning inversion therapy. Inversion therapy may benefit fibromyalgia sufferers, but you must check with your physician before beginning any alternative treatment.
