Why Should I Use an Inversion Table? Here's All You Need to Know

Benefits of using an inversion table

Why should I use an inversion table? Is it really beneficial and safe to use one?

Questions around using an inversion table are becoming increasingly common amongst those who are looking for ways to improve their overall health.

These therapeutic devices have been around for decades and remain popular today. They work by suspending your body in a head-down body position, providing gentle traction and stretching to various parts of your body through inversion therapy.

Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain or looking to improve your posture and flexibility, using an inversion table can be a great addition to your lifestyle.

They are popular among athletes, yoga practitioners, and just about anyone looking to get in shape and stay healthy. If you're curious about using an inversion table but aren't sure where to start, you are not alone.

In this article, we'll dive into reasons why you should use an inversion table and how to get started with one. You'll also discover people who stands to benefit most from using inversion tables and when to avoid using one.

Let's get inverted!

5 Reasons to Use an Inversion Table

While sitting in an inverted state can make some people feel a bit uncomfortable or dizzy at first, the benefits of using an inversion table can be long-lasting.

Here are five reasons why you should try one:

1. Improved spinal health

Spinal health symptons and relief

Perhaps one of the most obvious reasons to use an inversion table is to improve spinal health.

As we all know, our spine is one of the most important structures in our body. It supports us while we stand and move and is vital for good posture and health.

Unfortunately, poor posture and other habits can cause our spine to become misaligned over time. This can lead to stiffness, pain, and a decreased range of motion.

Using an inversion table helps stretch out your spine and muscles in the back area, relieving any tightness or discomfort.

For one, the traction provided by the inversion table helps extend and decompress your spine, which can help correct misalignments. In addition, inverting can also help to improve circulation in this area, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to your spinal tissues and helping them heal.

This way, you can enjoy improved spine health and increased overall mobility.

2. Better joint health

Another reason to use an inversion table is that it can help improve joint health.

Your joints connect your bones and allow you to move freely. Unfortunately, they can become stiff and painful due to age, injury, or illness.

Inversion therapy has been found to be beneficial for joint health. As the body is inverted, traction is applied, which helps to extend the spine and improve circulation to the joints.

This can help reduce inflammation and pain and promote healing in damaged areas.

3. Increased flexibility

If you are looking to improve your flexibility, an inversion table can be a great addition to your workout routine.

The inverted position helps to stretch out tight muscles and ligaments, allowing for improved flexibility in your back and other areas of your body. This increased flexibility can make activities like yoga and Pilates much more enjoyable.

What's more, increased flexibility can also help reduce the risk of injury.

4. Stress relief

Are you looking for a way to relax and reduce stress?

Inversion tables can provide a great way to do just that.

Many people find inversion therapy therapeutic and calming, making it a great way to unwind after a long day.

When you invert, the force of gravity is taken off your body, and the muscle tension is relieved, allowing you to relax and de-stress. Using an inversion table can also help increase your body's production of endorphin hormones that naturally reduce stress.

This can bring about a feeling of calmness and tranquility that can be incredibly beneficial for reducing stress levels.

5. Reduced nerve pressure

Ever wonder why some people feel tightness and tingling in their legs and lower back?

It could be due to nerve pressure.

When our muscles become too tight, they can put a lot of pressure on the nerves in our spine, leading to painful sensations such as numbness, tingling, and burning. Adding an inversion table to your routine can help reduce this pressure, as the traction provided by the table helps to stretch out tight muscles and ligaments.

This can reduce the pressure on your nerves, improving nerve health and less painful sensations.

An inversion table can benefit your spine, joints, flexibility, stress levels, and nerve health.

So why not give it a try?

With all the potential benefits of inversion therapy, you can easily see why it is an excellent addition to your fitness routine. Next, we'll discuss how to safely use inversion tables for maximum benefit.

How to Properly Use an Inversion Table

Using an inversion table for the first time can seem a bit daunting. However, it's actually quite simple if you follow some basic safety tips. Here's what you should keep in mind:

Adjust the table to your desired angle of inversion

Inversion Table for pain relief

The first step to using your inversion table is to adjust it to your height.

Different tables have different ways of adjusting the height, so follow the instructions included with your specific inversion table.

Most models will have a lever or knob that you can use to make the table fit your body properly. Decide which angle of inversion you prefer, and make sure the table is adjusted accordingly.

Beginners may want to start with the table set at a lower angle, like 90 degrees, rather than a complete 180-degree inversion.

Secure yourself to the table

Once you've set the table to your desired inversion angle, it's time to secure yourself to the table.

Stand with your back against the table and use the ankle straps to secure your feet to the footrests.

Most inversion tables come with body straps or a backrest that you can use to make sure your body is secured and safe while inverted. Ensure they are tight but not too much, as you don't want them to be uncomfortable.

Now slowly move back onto the table. Make sure your head is supported by a pillow or cushion if necessary. You should be in an upright position with your feet pointing towards the ceiling.

Invert slowly and cautiously

Now that you're secured to the table and in the proper position, it's time to undergo inversion therapy.

Start by slowly moving your body back until your feet point towards the ceiling. Hold onto the table's handles if necessary and stay inverted as long as you are comfortable.

If you find it disconcerting to be upside down, you can always start by inverting for shorter periods and gradually increasing the duration over time. When you finish your therapy session, slowly move back onto the table until you are upright.

Be sure to listen to your body if you start to feel pain or discomfort. This way, you can ensure that your inversion therapy session is as safe and beneficial as possible.

Now that you know how to safely use an inversion table, you can start experiencing the many benefits of inversion table therapy. In the next couple of sections, we'll look at just who can benefit from using an inversion table and those who should avoid it altogether.

Stay tuned.

People Who Should Use an Inversion Table

Using an inversion table can be a great way to improve your well-being, but it's especially beneficial for people dealing with certain conditions.

Let's take a look at some of them below:

People dealing with chronic back pain

Chronic back pain

Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons why people use inversion tables.

This prevalent and debilitating condition affects millions of people around the globe. It comes with a wide range of symptoms that include muscle spasms, cramping, and numbness.

Undergoing inversion therapy can help relieve some of these symptoms and provide much-needed relief for those with chronic back pain. Through the use of an inversion table, you can stretch out tight muscles and reduce the pressure on your spinal nerves.

This way, you can enjoy a better quality of life and improved mobility.

People with poor posture or scoliosis

Do you spend hours hunched over a desk?

Poor posture can be an issue for many people, particularly those who work at desks all day.

Sitting in a hunched position for long periods can cause muscle strain and tightness in the back, neck, and shoulders.

By inverting your body on an inversion table, you can stretch out tight muscles, improve blood circulation and relieve pressure on the spine. This can help to reduce pain and improve posture over time.

Inversion tables can also benefit people with scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally. Through inversion therapy, you can help to reduce the curvature of the spine and improve your posture.

Inversion therapy helps to stretch out tight muscles and reduce pressure on the spine. This can help correct posture and relieve discomfort in people with scoliosis or poor posture.

Sciatica patients

One of the most common conditions an inversion table can help treat is sciatica.

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain and numbness along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down to your feet. This condition is often caused by tight muscles, poor posture, or misalignments in the spine.

Using an inversion table can help to stretch out the muscles in your lower back, reduce pressure on your nerves, and correct misalignments in your spine. This can help to relieve sciatica pain symptoms, allowing you to enjoy improved mobility and reduced pain.

People with a herniated disc

Are you suffering from a herniated disc?

Herniated discs occur when the intervertebral discs between your vertebrae become damaged or displaced. This can lead to pain, numbness, and a decreased range of motion.

Inversion therapy can be an effective way to manage any discomfort caused by herniated disk pain. When you invert, the traction provided by the table helps to reduce the pressure on your spinal discs, giving them time to heal and reducing any pain or discomfort.

This way, you can enjoy improved spine health and increased range of motion for improved mobility and quality of life.

People dealing with spinal stenosis

If you're dealing with spinal stenosis, an inversion table can be a helpful tool for relieving your pain symptoms.

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the space between vertebrae becomes narrowed. This can put pressure on your spinal cord, leading to acute pain and a decreased range of motion.

People dealing with spinal stenosis can benefit from the spinal traction provided by an inversion table. This traction can help enhance your flexibility, reduce nerve pressure, and relieve pain.

Inverting with an inversion table also helps to open up these spaces and relieve pressure on your spinal cord. This can help to limit any risk of spinal injury and improve quality of life.

Pinched nerve patients

Are you familiar with the feeling of a "pinched nerve"?

This occurs when the surrounding muscles put too much pressure on the nerves in your spine. People with this condition often experience pain and decreased mobility, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks.

Finding relief from a pinched nerve can be difficult, but using an inversion table may help. By inverting, you relieve nerve compression as the spinal traction provided by the inversion table helps to relax the surrounding muscles.

This can help reduce pain or discomfort and give you back the mobility you need to live an active lifestyle.

Degenerative disc disease patients

Another medical condition that an inversion table can help to treat is degenerative disk disease.

This is a condition in which the intervertebral disks between your vertebrae wear down and deteriorate over time. Causes of this condition include age or a lack of water or gel components that support your back over time.

Undergoing inversion therapy is a safe and effective way to treat this condition.

Using an inversion table helps to promote the flow of spinal fluid, which can reduce inflammation and lubricate the vertebrae. This can help to reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.

Neck pain sufferers

Do you suffer from neck pain?

If so, an inversion table may be able to help. Inverting can help stretch the muscles and ligaments of your neck, reducing any stiffness or tightness that is causing discomfort.

The traction you experience when using an inversion table can help to reduce any nerve pressure that might be causing chronic pain. In addition, the improved spinal alignment caused by inverting can help to reduce neck pain in the long term.

Inverting regularly with an inversion table can help to improve your posture and neck flexibility, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle. I mean, who wouldn't want that?

So, there you have it: these are just some ways an inversion table can benefit your health.

If you're dealing with any of the conditions mentioned above, consider trying inversion therapy! Don't forget to stick to the recommended safety guidelines we've outlined, and you'll soon be reaping the benefits of inversion therapy.

Now let's look at when you should avoid inversion table therapy.

When You Should Not Use an Inversion Table

While using an inversion table can offer many health benefits, there are certain circumstances in which you should avoid using one. Some of them include the following:

High blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, using an inversion table can be very harmful.

When you are inverted, gravity causes your blood to flow more quickly to your head, which can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure.

This could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, stroke, or heart attack. That's why avoiding using an inversion table is best if your blood pressure is higher than normal.

Heart disease

Heart disease is a severe medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

For people dealing with this condition, using an inversion table can be pretty risky. Inverting increases your heart rate and can cause shortness of breath due to decreased lung blood flow.

In addition, this increased pressure on the heart can lead to an increased risk of stroke and even cardiac arrest. If you have heart disease, avoiding an inversion table is best. This way, you can reduce your risk of severe health complications.

History of stroke

Do you come from a family with a history of stroke? If so, it's best to avoid using an inversion table.

Inverting increases the pressure on your brain, which can lead to a stroke if you have any vascular condition or blockage. The increased pressure can also increase your risk of developing clots or aneurysms.

For this reason, it's best to avoid using an inversion table if you have a history of stroke in your family.

Osteoporosis or other bone-weakening diseases

Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

It's characterized by an increased risk of bone fractures due to the thinning and weakening of bones in the body.

Inverting can put a lot of pressure on your bones and joints, which can be dangerous if you have osteoporosis or another type of bone-weakening disease. This increased pressure can cause severe pain, inflammation, and even fractures.

That's why it's best to avoid undergoing inversion therapy if you are experiencing any form of bone-weakening disease.

Hernia

Have you recently been diagnosed with a hernia?

Hernia is a medical condition in which an organ or tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall. This can cause severe pain, discomfort, and a host of other health problems.

Unfortunately, using an inversion table can put extra pressure on your hernia and worsen it. That's why it's best to avoid using one if you have been diagnosed with this condition.

This health condition involves a weakened abdominal wall, which can be easily injured by inverting. That's why avoiding using an inversion table is crucial if you have recently been diagnosed with a hernia.

Inversion therapy can be a great way to relieve pain and improve your overall health.

However, caution is important when using an inversion table, especially if you have any of the conditions mentioned above. This way, you can avoid health risks and get the most out of your inversion therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we get about inversion tables. Feel free to reach out to us if you don't find the answer you are looking for.

How long should I use an inversion table?

When using an inversion table, it's important to practice moderation.

You should limit your time on the table to no more than twice a day and no more than 5 minutes per session. This ensures you don't overextend yourself and risk injury or other health complications.

Can regular use of an inversion table present any health risks?

No, regular use of an inversion table does not present any health risks. However, it is essential to only use the table in moderation and ensure you use it correctly.

It's also important to avoid using the table if you have any heart condition, hernia, osteoporosis, or other bone-weakening diseases. This way, you can stay safe and get the most out of your inversion therapy without any health risks.

If you are still unsure, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before using an inversion table.

How do I know the right inversion table to use?

With a wide variety of inversion tables on the market, knowing which one is right for you can be challenging. It's essential to do your research and read reviews before deciding.

You should also consider what safety features you need, such as a backrest or adjustable body weight and height settings. What's more, ensure the table has a secure locking mechanism to keep you safe while using it.

This way, you can find the perfect table for your needs and get the most out of your inversion therapy sessions.

Conclusion

Hope this article has given you a better understanding of how and why to use inversion tables for an improved quality of life.

These therapeutic devices can be a great way to ensure back pain relief, improve posture, and even boost overall health. Studies have also shown that inversion therapy can be an effective treatment option for back pain, sciatica, and herniated discs, among other health issues.

Inversion tables are relatively easy to use, with simple steps and instructions outlined in this post. By incorporating one into your daily routine, you can experience many long-term health benefits without risking your safety.

While inversion tables are generally safe to use, there are certain precautions and considerations to take into account. People with certain medical conditions like osteoporosis, hernia, and stroke should avoid these devices.

If you have any of these conditions, it's always best to consult a medical professional before trying inversion therapy. Now that you know all about the benefits and safety precautions of using inversion tables, it's time to get started on your path to improved health and well-being.

Stay safe and enjoy the journey, if you are in need of any advice feel free to contact us!

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