Spinal inversion decompression is thought of as a new treatment for spinal issues. In reality, it has been used as far back as 400 BC as documented by Hippocrates, and it is as effective today as it was 2400 years ago. Back pain is one of the most common ailments experienced by people, and alternatives to pain killers and muscle relaxants are sought after by millions of Americans. Inversion therapy is one of the simplest and most effective treatments for spinal pain, although like any treatment, there are pros and cons.
Decreased Lower Back Pain
A study published in the "Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association" ("Adaptation of Tilt Table for Lumbar Traction," September 1985) reported that low back pain responded significantly to inversion therapy. The study related that approximately eight inversion therapy treatments caused a decrease in lower back pain in 88 percent of the participants. Decompression has been found to increase the space between the spinal segments (intervertebral disc space) and to relieve pain from conditions such as spondylolisthesis, sciatica, disc herniation and osteoarthritis.
Increased Disc Health
Thinning of the discs can cause increased pressure on spinal nerves, muscles and the bones of the spinal column. Loss of disc height is often due to compressive forces during the day, as the fluid filled center of the disc "dries out" and fluid is pushed out of the disc. It has been shown that the only time spinal discs recover from daily trauma is during non-weight bearing activity such as sleep. Inversion allows the discs to expand and reduces muscular and ligamentous tension on the spine. The expansion of the discs allows them to re-hydrate and reach their full thickness again, preventing pressure on spinal nerves and tissues.
Increase Circulation
The heart is the pump that circulates blood throughout the body, but it works against gravity the entire day. As we move, muscles throughout the body compress veins and assist in pushing blood back to the heart. Inversion therapy helps to promote circulation in the lower body, allowing blood to drain out of the legs and towards the heart with the help of gravity. This can help to alleviate poor oxygenation and circulation in the lower extremities.
Contraindications
While inversion therapy is a safe and natural treatment, there are a few conditions that are contraindications to inversion therapy. Studies by the Canadian Chiropractic Association relate that blood pressure and heart rate remained stable during inversion, but that internal eye pressure increased. This precludes patients with glaucoma or detached retinas from using inversion therapy. Other conditions including pregnancy, hernias, excessive obesity, uncontrolled hypertension or vascular disease, congestive heart failure, recent surgery or recent fractures are all contraindications for the use of inversion therapy.
