Benefits of Inversion Therapy
Experts have indicated the benefits of inversion therapy to the alleviation of back pain. In theory, the therapy is supposed to help the spine in the four ways outlined below:
• Increase blood flow to the surrounding muscles of the spine region.
• Detoxify the spine and remove harmful debris and waste from the spine.
• Lessen inflammation around the spine.
• Allow for increased protective fluid around the spinal discs.
Apart from the aforesaid theoretical benefits of the therapy, there are other possible advantages of the inversion therapy which have been discussed in several research reports.
Improving spinal health:
Stress and pressure from daily activities, such as sitting, standing, and running compress the spinal discs against their bone, increasing the risk to develop back pain, or leading to a collapsed spine, or any other complications. In theory, inversion therapy is capable of creating space between the spinal discs and easing up the pressure that develops as a result of activities.
Increased flexibility
Applying the inversion therapy over time helps improve the flexibility of the spine. This is thought possible due to the room for minute movements created by the stretching of the spine. It has been argued that the therapy might be helpful for improving posture too, especially for people who work long hours humped at a desk. Hence, you might bend and reach for objects more easily.
Decreased back pain
A study was carried out on 50 people with severe chronic back pain, receiving inversion therapies over three minutes to sets at different angles. After a period of eight weeks, it was found that people who practiced the therapy at a 60-degree angle showed improvement in their back pains. The therapy can also work for strengthening the torso.
Reduced need for surgery
Several studies have shown that inversion can decrease the compression of the spine, and hence reduce the risk of disability from back problems. It was also found to reduce the need for surgery amongst people with lumber disease, according to a 2012 study. [3]
