Inversion Therapy: The anti-gravity way of healing chronic back pain

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Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Understanding Inversion Therapy

Inversion therapy is a non-invasive method that is used to primarily relieve back pain. This therapy involves suspending a person upside down for several minutes using different types of equipment. This technique works by taking the pressure off of a person’s spine, opening up the vertebrae and increasing circulation. The effectiveness of this method, however, is highly debated as there is no evidence that this is a long-term solution to back problems.

The science behind inversion therapy

Inversion therapy works on the theory that inverting a person upside down reverses the effect of gravity on the body. Although it may sound ridiculous, the stress that gravity on our bodies is unbelievable. When we stand, the spine is pulled down by gravity and this compresses the discs, nerves, and vertebral structures. As we grow old, the constant force of gravity can lead to problems like spinal disc deterioration, nerve pain, tight muscles, and poor circulation.

Inversion therapy works by simply reversing the effects of gravity on the body. During inversion therapy, the length of the spine is temporarily increased and this is when decompression occurs as the pressure inside the discs is reduced. This therapy also relieves nerve pressure and due to this most back pains are alleviated. In a way, this therapy works in the same way a gentle massage does.

Apart from easing pressure on the spine, this therapy also affects the nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and cardiovascular systems of the body.

Does it Work?

Most studies have shown had inversion therapy does work especially on lower back pain. However, in many instances, pain relief is temporary. However, people find this method helpful as a part of a broader treatment for lower back pain. Meanwhile, another study has shown that 77% of the patients, who had chronic back problems, were able to avoid surgery using inversion.

The origins of inversion therapy

Although Inversion therapy may seem like a modern technique, it can actually be traced back to millenniums, with Hippocrates (known as the father of medicine) developing it around 400 BCE. He had invented a device called the Hippocratic Bench, which would stretch the body, set the spine straight and mend broken bones. The patient would lie on the Hippocratic Bench and the parts of the body that required treatment would be tied with ropes. There were clamps on either side of the bench that would hold the ropes, which was pulled to stretch the different parts of the body. The only problem with this bench was that the force of the pull could not be regulated.

Hippocrates also used another technique that involved putting a patient upside down using ladders and pulleys. This was said to be effective in curing spinal and joint problems.

Long after Hippocrates was gone, the Inversion therapy gained mainstream attention in the 1960s after Dr. Robert Martin presented his Gravity Guidance System, which described the effects of gravity on the body and how inversion therapy would help people.

It gained even more in the 1980s after the movie American Gigolo starring Richard Gere showed him using Gravity Boots. However, the popularly of this therapy declined after some doctors published a paper highlighting the adverse effects of inversion on health.

Equipment needed for Inversion Therapy

Inversion equipment is generally not very expensive; however, prices may vary depending on the brand and build quality.

These are some of the most common equipment used for inversion therapy:

Inversion tables: These are special tables that swivel in order to enable a person to hang upside. The table is padded and connected to a metal frame with hinges. People strap themselves on to the table and slowly flip over until the whole body is inverted. You should be careful while getting on and off an inversion table, especially if you are alone, to reduce the risk of accidents.
Inversion chairs: These chairs allow a person to hang upside down in a sitting position. Some believe that inversion therapy is more effective in the sitting position as the pressure on the leg joints is reduced.
Gravity boots: These sturdy ankle boots allow a person to hang upside down by their feet. These boots allow a person more maneuverability compared to inversion tables or chairs.
Yoga sling: The yoga sling is used to practice asanas that require you to be inverted. The sling is made from a sturdy fabric that has a long and wide piece in the center.
Headstand bench: Like the sling, these are also usually used in yoga. These benches generally have a reinforced steel frame and padded seats to rest your head and shoulders. The steel frames are shaped like handstands so you can hold on to them while inverting.

Who can benefit from Inversion Therapy?

MULTIPLE MYELOMA backpain People with most kinds of back problems can benefit from inversion therapy. But this method is most effective in people who suffer from:

Chronic lower back pain: Several conditions can lead to lower back pain including Spinal Stenosis (narrowing of the space around the spinal cord) and Fibromyalgia (widespread musculoskeletal pain). Inversion therapy is found to be a good non-invasive method to ease lower back pain.
Poor blood circulation: It is said inversion therapy is a good remedy for poor blood circulation as blood flow is found to be greatly improved when the body is put in the upside down position.
Sciatica: This is a type of back pain that is caused when there is a problem with the sciatic nerve (a long nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg). Inversion therapy is found to be effective in easing the pain caused by sciatica
Scoliosis: Scoliosis is the term given to the condition which results from the spine curving sideways. This may happen due to a number of reasons including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Inversion therapy is said to be effective in posture correction for people with

How can Inversion Therapy help you?

It is believed that inversion therapy can cure back problems. It is said inversion exercises help the spine by creating more fluid around spinal discs, decreasing inflammation and increasing blood circulation. Furthermore, it is also believed that stretching and improved circulation can prevent future health issues.

Here are some of the other benefits of doing inversion therapy

Injury prevention: The military use inversion therapy to help soldiers decompress their spines, mobilize their joints and increase circulation in their muscles and ligaments. It is believed that this technique keeps people flexible, agile and less prone to injuries.
Strengthens Ligaments: Practicing this therapy helps strengthen ligaments, which in turn helps you reduce the risk of getting a fracture.

Stress reliever: Hanging upside down is a very effective way to relieve stress. Inversion results in the release of endorphins (the good mood hormone), which immediately brings down stress.
May cure varicose veins: As inversion improves blood circulation, it may help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins (a condition where the veins, particularity in the legs, appear enlarged, swollen and blue).
Reduced need for back surgery: A study found that people who needed lumbar surgery didn’t require it after doing six weeks of inversion therapy.
Improves posture: Sitting at a desk for long periods of time can have an adverse effect on your spine as it may lead to the misalignment of the hips and result in poor posture. Inversion therapy helps improve posture by giving the spine an opportunity to stretch and realign.
Relaxes Muscles: The muscles of the body are constantly fatigued and inversion therapy is an effective way to relax those tense muscles. This therapy also alleviates built-up pressure in the muscles.
Clears the lymphatic system: Inversions may help your body adjust the lymphatic flow and remove built-up waste naturally.
Enhances Immunity: Regularly doing inversions is said to have a positive effect on the immune system as white blood cells circulation is improved.
Helps with Insomnia: Inversions are also known to help with sleep and decrease episodes of insomnia. While being upside muscle tension comes down and the mind also relaxes. This is the main reason why this therapy helps with insomnia.
Makes your skin glow: This is an added benefit of doing inversion therapy. When a person’s posture is improved, he/she automatically starts looking smart. Additionally, good blood circulation also makes the skin look better as acne and other ailments start reducing.
Reduces Headaches: Headaches are usually caused by either dehydration or the spasming muscles around the head and neck. Inversion therapy can help reduce these symptoms by increasing blood circulation and relaxing muscles in the aforementioned areas.

Risks of practicing Inversion Therapy

Back pain may worsen: If you don’t do it properly or overdo it, there is a chance that you may make your symptoms worse. While some people are benefitted by inversion therapy, others are harmed by it as their symptoms worsen. Therefore, you should always consult a doctor beforehand. Also, if you do get the green signal always remember to start slowly.

You may get injured: Some people end up overdoing it and as a result, they may pick up an unnecessary injury. Therefore, do not stay inverted for too long or invert the table too far. Going too far or staying inverted for too long may result in you pulling a muscle or something more dangerous.

Blood Pressure Increases: This is not a problem if your blood pressure is under control. However, if you have hypertension, you should never be upside down. When the body is inverted the heart rate slows down and the blood pressure rises as it puts a lot of pressure on the circulatory system.

People who should not practice Inversion Therapy

It is important to consult a doctor before starting inversion therapy. This is because certain medicines or health conditions may make practicing this therapy unsafe. You should not practice inversion therapy if you are or have:

Obese
A detached retina
Fracture
Glaucoma
Heart condition
Hernia
Implanted device
Middle ear or eye infection
Osteoporosis
Pregnant
Spinal injury

Can you die from hanging upside down?

It is unlikely that a person will die from hanging upside down. However, staying inverted for too long may result in the rupture of a blood vessel or lead to a brain hemorrhage. Other heart problems may also come as your heart is under more exertion in the upside down position. Hanging upside down also affects your eyes as the eye pressure is doubled in that position.

After remaining on the fringes of society for many years, Inversion Therapy has again gained popularity due to the rise of alternative medicine and the development of better inversion equipment.

TL;DR?

References

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