If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain, an inversion table may offer the relief you've been seeking. An inversion table offers a form of traction, which is a form of passive stretching to alleviate pressure on your spine. When you use an inversion table, you literally invert your body by hanging upside-down. Many inversion tables can be used at a variety of inclination levels, based on your personal preference or the recommendation of your chiropractor.
Pain Relief
The primary reason that many people purchase an inversion table is for relief of upper and lower back and neck pain, according to pain expert and author Dr. Beth Murinson in her book, "Take Back Your Back." Hanging upside down offers pain relief through stretching your spine and muscles while you relax. For many people, hanging upside-down invokes feelings of fear, but this is counterproductive to the process. When you become fearful, your muscles tighten up and you no longer experience the benefits of the inversion table. If you are fearful, it's important to get used to the sensation by starting off at a gentle inclination and working your way up to a full inversion.
Relaxation
While some people may find it scary to hang upside-down on an inversion table, long-time users often feel an extreme sense of relaxation and release. According to author Leah Garcia in her book, "Knack Weight Training for Women," inversion promotes stress relief and helps to realign your spine. Inversion may help promote stress relief and relaxation because it decreases tightness and strain in your muscles and spine. Inversion also reduces muscle spasms that can occur due to stress and tense muscles.
Mental Alertness
Inversion promotes the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain and increases circulation, which can promote feelings of mental acuity and alertness. Additionally, according to author Jesse Cannone in his book, "The 7-Day Back Pain Cure," increasing the flow of oxygen to your brain on a regular basis, such as through inversion therapy, may help to maintain feelings of mental sharpness as you age.
Increased Workout Recovery
Certain exercises, such as running, biking or weightlifting, can often cause spinal compression and pull your spine out of alignment. According to Cannone, inversion tables can help improve workout recovery time because they help to self-correct misalignments in your vertebrae caused by your regular workouts. An inversion table can also help with workout recovery because it gives your muscles a chance to relax and elongate passively.
