Introduction
Herniated discs can make even the most mundane tasks painful. They could make you dread simple tasks like lifting a box, opening a door, or sitting or lying down. Since most people tend to consider surgery a last resort, it is paramount to find alternative treatment options. In this article, we explore how to use an inversion table for herniated disc.
Although this can be an expensive venture, the benefits outweigh the cost. Read on to find out how to turn your inversion table into a source of relief.
What Is Inversion Therapy?
Herniated vertebral discs exert undue stress on the nerves in your spine. Inversion therapy works by decompressing your spine and temporarily relieving your body of this pressure. It also stretches the soft tissues and muscles surrounding your spine.
Inversion therapy has been around for centuries. It is a natural way of relieving lower back and spine pain by inverting the body, sometimes up to 90 degrees. When done correctly, it can mitigate the untold agony caused by a herniated disc.
The following is the ultimate guide on how to achieve this using your inversion table.
A Guide on How to Use an Inversion Table for Herniated Disc
The Best Inversion Table cater to your specific needs. Make sure you research or speak to your doctor before purchasing one. Basically, you want an inversion table that will alleviate your pain without sinking your budget.
To use your table for a herniated disc:
1. Set it Up
Most tables come pre-assembled. You only need to put up the table and fix the pivots, straps, and joints. Make sure they are connected securely for optimum functioning and safety. You can read the user’s manual for more specific directions.
Next, use the height adjustment tubes on the side of the table to calibrate it to your height. You have the correct height when the table balances horizontally with you on it and inverts in a steady motion.
Finally, set a recline angle. Most tables have an inversion range of 30 to 90 degrees. However, an angle of 20 to 30 is more suited to a beginner.
Make sure the belt is set to a length that corresponds to the recline angle.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Your shoes are critical because you need to anchor your feet to the table’s clasp to stay in place when you are upside down. Also, going on the inversion table barefoot could lead to bruising.
Find a pair of shoes that fit around your ankle cuffs.
3. Position Yourself
Rest your back on the table and slip your ankles into the clasps while keeping the inversion table upright. Make sure the fit is snug but comfortable. You can use the micro-adjustment lever to adjust the lock.
If your table is perfectly balanced, the pivot should be at your midriff. Raising one arm above your head, slowly invert the table away from your feet. It should move to the set maximum angle. This is ideal for a Body Power Inversion Table.
Once there, relax and stretch. You should begin to feel your spine decompress.
Hold this position for about 2 minutes then lower your hand to revert to an upright position.
How Does Inversion Therapy Treat Herniated Discs?
The pain from a herniated disc is caused by undue pressure on your nerves. Inverting your body increases the spaces between your vertebral discs.
This eliminates contact between your nerves and the herniated discs, reducing the pinch and encouraging the nucleus to reposition.
Within just 10 seconds of inversion, your pain should begin to ebb.
The therapy is also useful in relieving pain caused by:
- Lower back pain
- Chronic back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
Practice Caution When Using an Inversion Table
Herniated discs can range in severity. While some people may not experience any signs, others may suffer chronic pain, limb weakness, and numbness. Be very careful when practicing how to use an inversion table for herniated disc.
Being aggressive or going too fast can worsen your condition significantly.
Always remember to:
- Clear with your doctor before using an inversion table
- Make your sessions short and spread them across several months.
- Invert your body to 60 degrees for herniated discs
- During the initial stages, maintain the recline at 20 to 30 degrees.
- Go slow. Let your body adjust.
Listen to your body. An inversion table should offer relief, not amplify your pain.
When Not to Use an Inversion Table
As with every treatment, inversion therapy is not suited to everyone. Hanging upside down can be detrimental to people with high blood pressure, spinal fractures, hip and knee problems, osteoporosis, or a heart condition. It is also not advisable for pregnant women.
Final Thoughts
According to a study by Newcastle Hospital, inversion therapy can reduce the need for surgery by up to 70 percent. Many patients have reported success after just two 10-minute sessions on an inversion table every day for two weeks. If you are struggling with restrictive pain that is disrupting your life, learning how to use an inversion table for herniated disc might be the answer to all your problems.