Benefits to Using Inversion Therapy

You've probably heard that one major benefit to using inversion table therapy for back pain is that it can help decompress the spine, or increase disk space. However, in a Harvard Women's Health Watch report, Dr. Robb-Nicholson describes how inversion table therapy actually provides something referred to as "traction" to the spine.

Traction of the spine causes the lengthening of the muscles and ligaments near the spine, which can reduce muscle spasm. It is this process of "traction" that has helped many users to find short-term relief for back pain.

Traction is purported to help restore fluid to load-bearing joints and disks. This can improve posture and flexibility resulting in relief from back pain, even if relief may only be short-term.

Some users have found inversion tables to help reduce back pain, most likely because it can relieve disc compression and muscle spasms.

Other accounts of users include experiencing an increase in mood apparently from the increase in blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Sources:
"Turning exercise on its head with inversion therapy." Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL). April 20, 2007 pNA.

"By the way, doctor: Do inversion tables work?" Harvard Women's Health Watch 1 Nov. 2009. General Reference Center Gold. Web. 20 Jan. 2010. .

Sellers, Dave. "Hang Ups F5000 Inversion Table: $389.95: www.teeterhangups.com; (800) 847-0143." Runner's World Mar. 2002: 75. General Reference Center Gold. Web. 20 Jan. 2010. .