Ease back pain naturally through inversion therapy

Monday, August 29, 2011 by: Shona Botes
Tags: back pain, inversion therapy, health news

(NewsTarget) These days, a large portion of the population suffers with some form of back pain. While conventional doctors are quick to recommend operations to repair damage and relieve pain that has been sustained by the discs between the vertebrae, it is good to know that there are actually natural and less invasive ways of dealing with back pain. The most common remedies involve either exercise or inversion therapy or a combination of the two.

Inversion therapy places a person upside down so that pressure can be relieved on the spinal nerves, ligaments and discs. By reducing the pressure on these parts, pain in them is also significantly reduced. A study carried out as far back as 1978 showed that patients who engaged in inversion therapy experienced a 35% decrease in pain levels almost immediately. Another study revealed that over 80% of patients who had undergone just eight inversion table treatments were able to return to work and normal everyday activities. The most recent study confirmed that just over 70% of patients who were scheduled for back surgery were able to cancel their surgeries.

Not only does inversion therapy benefit those suffering from back pain, but it has also been shown to offer benefits to those suffering from pinched nerves, scoliosis, neck pain, spinal stenosis, Fibromyalgia, herniated discs, Sciatica, spinal arthritis, vertebral compression fractures and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. Patients have also reported a significant decrease in headaches and migraines after engaging in inversion therapy.

Those beginning with inversion therapy should start with inverting to between 25 and 30 degrees initially. Once you are comfortable with this degree, you may extend the table to around 60 degrees. Most people will find that they do not need to go beyond the 60 degree mark. However, those who wish to may extend the inversion table to the full 90 degree mark.

You do not need to invert a full 90 degrees to experience the benefits of inversion therapy. Inverting by as little as 25 degrees for just a few minutes each day will improve the flow of lymphatic fluid and help to ease tense muscles. This therapy can also help to train core muscle groups without placing any additional pressure on the spine. It has been shown to help improve circulation and may also be beneficial in the fight against the ageing process.

Patients suffering from osteoporosis, Pink eye (conjunctivitis), middle ear infections, retinal detachment, uncontrolled high blood pressure and heart or circulatory disorders and those who have had complete hip or knee joint replacement surgery should always consult with a physician before using inversion therapy. Pregnant women, those who have suffered recent bone fractures or severe spinal cord damage, patients who have suffered a stroke and those who are clinically obese should also exercise extreme caution and seek medical advice before using inversion therapy.

Sources:

http://www.losethebackpain.com/inversion3.ht...
http://www.natural-sciatic-relief.com/2010/0...
http://www.energycenter.com/grav_f/benefits....
http://sitincomfort.com/inthinthbein.html

About the author

Shona Botes blogs about green living, budgeting, saving money, natural remedies and humour (which is often combined with the abovementioned topics). Her spare time is spent tending to her organic herb garden, cycling and engaging in photography.
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