Uncategorized

What are the benefits of using an inversion table

by Anne Paton

Modern lifestyle and the price we pay

Many modern ways of earning a living these days are quite sedentary, with many people sitting for long periods of time at computers, driving long distances and generally not being able to get up and move around very much during the day.

The result is very often back, neck and shoulder pain due to inflammation and congestion in our joints and muscles.  We feel stiff and achy; more often than not resorting to pain killers to ease our discomfort.

Spinal Traction – Help for your back pain

Instead of reaching for our usual medication to ease our pain, perhaps we could look at an alternative remedy which is sweeping the world; and that is the Inversion Therapy table.

Never heard of it? Then let me explain; the Inversion Therapy Table is basically a see-saw suspended between a supporting frame, with different settings so that you can adjust it to your height, weight and body type.

It might sound like an instrument of torture, but many people swear by it as shown by this review snippet:-

“Bargain! Already paid for itself as it’s doing the same for me as a weekly osteopath visit was. Using it two or three times a day plus after exercise is helping get my back into better shape.”

Let me explain what the benefits of using an inversion table are.  I can’t vouch for the validity of the claims, but here is what is being said:-

PRO’S

Better mood

Helps Back pain by reducing pressure on discs

Reduces pressure on all joints, including the neck

Can boost blood circulation

Better menstruation/menopause

Puts viscera (organs) back into their proper place

Improved hormones

Inverted stretching can help with flexibility

Improved digestion and elimination

Blood flow to the brain can help raise mental alertness

Get better posture by inverting regularly

Better complexion/Hair growth due to extra blood flow to the head

Relieves stress

Prevents loss of height

Realigns spine after workouts

Anti aging

Relief of insomnia

There are, of course, some contra-indications.  Some medical conditions would not benefit from hanging upside down like a bat, and so the con’s are as follows:-

CONS

Pressure on the eyes would be damaging to anyone with Glaucoma or retinal Detachment

Increased blood pressure would again be damaging to someone who already had high blood pressure

Anyone with Heart Disease should ask their doctor first, depending on the actual heart problem

Anyone who is pregnant should, again, ask their doctor first, depending on which trimester and their general health

My experience with my Medicarn Inversion Therapy Table

I have had my table for about nine years now and have used it with varying regularity throughout those years; sometimes I don’t use it for weeks and sometimes I use it several times a day.  During this Coronavirus lockdown, it has been the latter.  Sitting around watching TV is not good for my poor old bones, and ten minutes on my table is just what the doctor ordered to get me moving again.

I’ve looked online and can’t see any new Medicarn Inversion Therapy Tables, so I can’t tell you how much one would cost today.  I got mine pre-used from Ebay all those years ago, so again, probably not relevant today, but here is my little friend.  As you can see, she folds up nicely against the wall of my small second bedroom, and when I have people come to stay, I walk her into my bedroom and she slips neatly up the side of my wardrobe; so although they are a bit large when unfolded, they are quite a flexible piece of equipment.

 

This table is an indispensable part of my self care.  I use it especially when I have been sitting at the computer for long periods of time; when I feel as though gravity is crushing my spine.

I use it in the mornings, and combine listening to a morning “get up and go” meditation on YouTube with getting my poor old achy body stretched out and ready for the day.  Similarly, I sometimes have a night time stretch too if my day has been spent sitting for too long for any reason.

I’ve worked up to being varying degrees of upside down for about 15 minutes now; occasionally going flat if I feel the pressure in my head is getting too strong.  I initially started with just 3 minutes and gradually added the minutes.   It’s so much fun being able to see-saw if you want to just by slight movements of your arms, which I do if I get bored.

It is so easy to control, and I feel like a million dollars when I can eventually tear myself away.  If I had my way I would stay there all day.  It feels so nice to have my spine and neck stretched, the vertebrae separated again so the gap is what it’s supposed to be, and the tension in my neck and shoulders considerably eased.

Prices start at about £70 (about $86) and go up to £509.95 ($629) and here are two examples from both ends of the spectrum for you to check out.

Teeter  Contour L5  Inversion Table  –   £509 ($629)

  • Easy reach, triple lock security for ankles.
  • One click balance feature, adjusts the balance point to suit your body.
  • Curved front for ease of mounting and dismounting.
  • Specially designed ankle grips for comfort and security
  • The back support is flexible – moving as you do without any noisy distractions
  • Adjustable pillow for extra comfort and support
  • Teeter accessories: Teeter lumbar bridge for extra support and Teeter acupressure nodes to relieve muscle tension.

 

Yoleo Gravity Table – £138.99 ($173)

  • Heavy duty steel frame for durability and stability
  • Easy reach adjustable ratchet ankle locking system
  • Precision chuck buckle and safety lock pin system – makes the table more secure when inverting.
  • 3 angle position adjustable rear cross bar for easy inversion angle adjustment to eliminate usual strap system.
  • Headrest pad and padded backrest
  • To suit 4.26 ft to 6.1 ft person
  • Certified for safety

 

There are several books written on the subject, and the example I have here is one called:-

In the book Mia tells us that Hippocrates is known to have devised a version with a system of ropes and ladders to relieve pressure on his patients’ spines around 400 BC; so you can see it isn’t exactly a new idea.  I think we have drastically improved the design though from ropes and ladders.

If you are considering trying out an Inversion Therapy table for yourself, but aren’t sure which one to get, maybe try one of the cheaper ones and, if you find it suits you and you gain benefit, then maybe you could sell that one and go for a more expensive model.  There are always people like me looking for a bargain on Ebay.

They are all built on the same principle, so I’m not sure why there is such a large difference in prices; maybe ease of use, durability, quiet operation without any clanking of metal.  All those things will be worth paying extra for some people.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my review and given you something to think about.

I look forward to seeing you again when I post my next article.

In the meantime, I hope you stay healthy.

Anne.

 

 

Please note, I may receive payment as an Affiliate for any purchase you make, as a result of using my website.