Inversion Table For Lower Back Pain

[Kronk]

Sometimes I'll lie back on one of those big exercise ball things. Seems to help my back out a bit when it is feeling a bit stiff. I was kind of wondering about an inversion table, but no longer after this thread.

[Marquette]

Originally Posted by ls99

The shock absorbers will rip apart, can't handle 80000lb or so.

Then, by extension, I shouldn't use an inversion table because my massive brain will place undue strain on my spinal shock absorbers.

[ls99]

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

Yes, I see your point -- as long as the lower body was suspended completely and allowed to hang free. But to the extent the body was lying on the table and resisting free suspension (friction), there might be some load on the discs, although less than standing upright.

But lying horizontal in bed accomplishes complete disc unloading, too (at least in the axis of the spine), no?.

Looking at it mechanically, horizontal position would be neutral, thus accomplish unloading. Unloading amount would depend on the connective material's elasticity.
The further one deviates from horizontal towards inverted, the greater the extension load. Thus depending on the elasticity of the connective material, the space between sticks, or vertebrae, would get greater. Reaching maximum extension, and, by the allowance of connective stuff's elasticity the space between sticks ( vertebrae) at full inversion. Firction against the surface gets less as the angle gets closer to vertical.

PS. Mercifully humans are not made like Light Rail cars, Don't fall apart upside down. Paraphrasing the science guy: try it you might like it.

[ls99]

Originally Posted by Marquette

Then, by extension, I shouldn't use an inversion table because my massive brain will place undue strain on my spinal shock absorbers.

Eh, you pays your money and takes your chances.

[cantlogin]

How is hanging by your feet different, relative to the spine, than hanging by your hands?

[ls99]

Originally Posted by cantlogin

How is hanging by your feet different, relative to the spine, than hanging by your hands?

Minus weight of head and arms, about same stretch. Effort required, huge. No effort for strapped in, hanging by ankles.

One can test their endurance by grabbing a tree branch and time the duration from ascent to descent.
There are readily practiced options, one hand or two hand hang at will.

[Rich_in_Tampa]

Originally Posted by cantlogin

How is hanging by your feet different, relative to the spine, than hanging by your hands?

You'll dislocate your shoulders eventually.

[cantlogin]

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

You'll dislocate your shoulders eventually.

That would be an undesired result.

[frayne]

Well damnit, I'm buying one anyways, less the cost of two bone crusher visits. If it doesn't help the lower back maybe I can talk the Mrs.s into some fun n games on the thing.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Originally Posted by cantlogin

That would be an undesired result.

Better than your head falling off.

[HFWR]

Originally Posted by frayne

Well damnit, I'm buying one anyways, less the cost of two bone crusher visits. If it doesn't help the lower back maybe I can talk the Mrs.s into some fun n games on the thing.

"Re-purpose"!!

[jclarksnakes]

I injured my back lifting a patient two years ago. MRI showed several discs in my lower back were deteriorated and that L5-S1 disc was seriously bulging and impinging against S1 nerve. I kind of knew I would need surgery but I wanted to try as many alternatives as possible before going the surgery route. A close friend is a Chiropractor and I worked with him for several months. After that I went to Physical Therapist for several months. Both Chiropractry and PT provided some relief but I found that over time I was using more and more pain meds and decided to try Inversion Therapy as the last resort before surgery. I bought an inversion table from an Ebay source and used it 5 to 10 minutes three or four times per day. It provided immense relief of the pain and I nearly quit using narcotics. The relief I got from the inversion therapy was adequate for being a couch potato but I would have pain come back with much physical activity. I finally decided to have the surgery (L5-S1 discectomy) and have had good results with that. I use no narcotics and am able to do most of what I could do before the injury. Inversion therapy is contraindicated for people with BP problems or some cardiac problems or those with ocular pressure related problems. The most common problems encountered in inversion therapy are small bleeds in the eyes. I did not have this or any other problems while I was doing inversion therapy. Hanging completely suspended from your ankles can be uncomfortable and it takes a few weeks to work up to being able to tolerate it for ten minutes at a time. IMO inversion therapy is worth a try for people with lower back disc problems. BTW, DW did look kind of nice hanging upside down. A highly motivated young couple might be able to find interesting things to do while one party was suspended inverted.
Jeff

[TromboneAl]

Or you could use this:

back stretcher