The 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.
The shock absorbing disks between our vertebrae are compressed daily by the effects of gravity on our bodies. This can be seen by the temporary loss in height experienced daily during our waking hours. Studies show that we may lose between 1.3 and 1.9 cm during the course of average day due to the compressional effects of gravity. The height is lost as the discs lose moisture which results in a loss of the shock absorbing ability of the discs and flexibility of the spine. Using an inversion table to recline at around 60 degrees helps the discs to recover and gain moisture.
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.
As it is the space between the vertebrae that allows the nerve roots to exit from the spinal column, discs that are healthy and contained in their annulus (the outer ligament "wrappers" of the disc) are important to keep the nerves free of pressure and you free from back pain.
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.
Studies (*2) have shown that no other position is as effective for reducing the pressure on your discs. Even when 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.
