Tackling Back Pain from a Different Angle with Inversion Therapy  

Ever feel like the whole world is on your shoulders? In a way, you’re right – we all suffer the harmful effects of gravity. 

I know that sounds funny, but hear me out… 

The same force that holds the moon in orbit and controls the ocean tides also pulls our bodies mercilessly downward – placing every muscle, bone, ligament, and joint in your body under constant stress and strain.  

By far, the part of the body affected most by gravity is our spine. 

The good news is those harmful effects, called spinal compression, are easy to reverse. I’ll tell you how in a moment. But first, let’s look at how exactly gravity affects us. 

Between every pair of vertebrae in our spine is a soft, spongy protective disc made of 70% water. These discs give our spine the flexibility and cushioning essential for daily activities like sitting, standing and exercising.  

All day long gravity forces your vertebrae downward, squeezing those spinal discs like a vice grip. The discs become compressed as spinal compression forces the fluid out of them.  

During a typical day, you can lose as much as 3/4 of an inch in height from spinal compression! 

Since gravity still affects us while we sleep, only some of the fluid lost each day is soaked back into the discs as we rest. Over the course of a lifetime this daily deficit leads to a loss of anywhere from 1/2 to 2 inches. No wonder herniated discs are so common. 

OK, so what does that have to do with back pain? 

As the discs become more compressed, less distance between our vertebrae can result in nerve root pressure – leading to back pain, neck pain and sciatica. Enough pressure and a slight twist the wrong way and a herniated disc is almost a given. 

Fortunately, there’s something you can do about spinal compression. It’s called inversion therapy. And it’s simpler than you think. 

Inversion therapy uses gravity to heal back pain.  

The principle behind inversion therapy is simple: reverse the effects of spinal compression by reversing the direction gravity on pulls your body. 

Gravity inversion occurs when your hips are raised above the level of your shoulders. You don’t even have to hang completely upside down. As little as a 25° angle provides inversion benefits. 

As soon as you’re inverted, vertebrae once compacted together are gently pulled back to healthy positions. 

Tension and tightness melts away. Circulation to the head, neck, and back improves. Flexibility increases as muscles along the back and torso are lengthened and loosened. 

Chiropractic patients find inverted decompression improves the effectiveness of adjustments and helps them maintain proper spinal alignment.  

Even patients with painful herniated discs frequently find relief as discs slip back into their normal position when the compressed vertebrae are allowed to relax. 

Inversion therapy offers more than just back pain relief. 

Back pain, neck pain, and sciatica are the most common reasons for starting inversion therapy. Pain usually disappears within days. Yet many side benefits keep people using inversion therapy long after the pain is gone. 

Improved circulation – Inversion increases blood flow to the spine. Hydration of the spinal discs promotes faster healing. Stiffness and pain in muscles disappear as more oxygen reaches the muscles and waste is carried away faster.

Relaxation – Emotional stress often manifests itself as pain. Just a few minutes of inversion therapy relaxes tight muscles and wipes away daily stress.

Good posture – A regular program of inversion therapy promotes good posture. Allowing the back to relax lets the spine more easily assume its natural s-curve. 

Stress relief – The full-body stretch achieved from inversion rejuvenates and relaxes. Much easier than yoga classes. 

Maintain height – Regular inversion helps you avoid the loss of height over your lifetime by keeping your spinal discs hydrated and healthy.



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How to start inversion therapy 

Inversion therapy can be found in many chiropractor, physical therapist, and professional sport trainer facilities. Even the U.S. Army uses it. But you can enjoy the benefits of inversion therapy right in your own home.  

Gravity boots and inversion therapy tables are two of the most popular ways to invert. Gravity boots by themselves are used primarily for exercise. Inversion tables provide more flexibility in usage and often incorporate gravity boots for strengthening exercises. 

If you’re suffering from back pain, use a well built inversion table and invert just a little as you get started. As your back heals and strengthens you can increase the angle, or even go completely upside down when you’re ready. 

Finally, a word of caution. Extensive research has shown inversion to be as safe as most daily activities. But if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, an eye condition, or have had fusion surgery, it’s best to check with your doctor before inverting.