For those of us with back pain a Teeter Inversion Table allows us to practice Inversion therapy easily at home; indeed over half the number of people who buy an inversion table do so to help relieve back pain.
What causes Back Pain?
Our vertebrae are separated by discs that allow the nerve roots to exit from the spinal column. Discs that are healthy are therefore important to keep the nerves free of pressure and you free from back pain.
But the shock absorbing disks between our vertebrae are compressed and abused daily by the effects of gravity on our bodies and our lifestyles that involve sitting and poor posture. This is seen by the discs losing moisture which results in a loss of the shock absorbing ability of the discs and flexibility of the spine and for some back pain is the result.
How Does an Inversion Table Help Reduce Back Pain?
Using an inversion table will help most poeple with simple back pain as while safely and comfortably inverted on an inversion table the force of gravity gently applies traction to our whole body. This results in a stretch that elongates the whole back, increasing the distance between the vertebrae (*1), that in turn reduces the pressure on the nerves and discs in the spine. This reduction in pressure can result in a reduction of back pain in as little as 10 sec (*3)
Harmful compression of the body can thus be slowed or reversed by use of an Inversion table that offers a method of stretching and exercise otherwise impossible.
If your back pain comes from pressure on the nerves it will be of interest to know that studies (*2) have shown that no other position is as effective for reducing the pressure on your discs. Even laying down, the pressure inside the discs is around 25% of your body weight. This produced by the other ligaments in the spinal column acting like rubber bands and compressing the spine even when gravity has stopped. The study concluded that around 60% of your body weight is required to relieve that pressure.
References *1 Kane, M, et al: Effects of Gravity-facilitated Traction on Intervertebral Dimensions of the Lumbar Spine. Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Phys Ther. 281-288, Mar 85 *2 Nachemson, A and Elfstrom, G: Intravital Dynamic Pressure Measurements in Lumbar Discs. Scandinavian Journal of Rehab Medicine, supplement, 1970. *3 Nosse, L.: Inverted Spinal Traction. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 59: 367-370, Aug 78.
Medical Study shows Inversion Reduces Back Pain
175 patients who were unable to work due to back pain were treated. After eight inversion treatments, 155 of the patients with back pain were able to return to their jobs full time. - Sheffield, F.: Adaptation of Tilt Table for Lumbar Traction. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 45: 469-472, 1964.
Newcastle Hospital Study 2007
A preliminary study from Newcastle Hospital shows evidence that the regular use of an inversion table may significantly reduce the need for back surgery.
Patients who were told they needed sciatic operations were divided into two groups. One group regularly practiced inversion therapy along with regular physiotherapy, while the other practiced physiotherapy alone.
The results showed that patients who practiced inversion were 70.5% less likely to require surgery.
Professor David Mendelow, head of Neuroscience at Newcastle University in England, told the London Telegraph that he estimates inversion therapy could save £80 million a year in unnecessary surgeries.
“My wife suffered from severe sciatica for four months… Finally I purchased your inversion table. In less than one week she was sleeping again and the pain had diminished considerably. Purchasing your inversion table was the best thing we ever did.”
- J. Luper
I have lower back pain and sciatica. The honest truth is before I ever inverted… I would have to crawl out of the bed in the morning. The pain was so bad. As long as I invert, there is no signs of pain-
M. Lauer
"I wish to express my satisfaction with the Nubax® Trio. Since using it over the last few years my back problems have eased dramatically. I have no hesitation in recommending the Nubax® Trio to other sufferers of back pain, as the machine is easy to use and definitely worth trying."
S. Leach
