Inversion therapy is used to ease back pain from herniated discs and other spinal conditions. Gravitational pressure is placed on the nerve endings causing pains in the back, buttocks, legs, and feet. Inverting your body (hanging upside down) on a table while securing your ankles to ankle locking system, increases space and reduces pressure between the vertebrae.

Full inversion is defined as hanging completely upside down (90 degrees) with your back free from the table bed. Advanced user’s enjoy this position for added freedom for extended stretching and ab exercises. Full inversion is not recommended for beginners. In fact you may never need to go to full inversion as the benefits from partial inversion are felt almost immediately.

Start at a moderate angle of 20 to 30 degrees beyond horizontal for the first few weeks. As you get used to the equipment and become more comfortable with deeper inversion, try inverting to 60 degrees. This “magical angle” is what is needed for a traction load of about 60% of your bodies weight. Try relaxing in this position for one to two minutes and feel your body start to fully decompress.

Inverting frequency is more important that inverting for longer periods of time. Begin with 1 to 2 minutes four times a day. Only advance as you feel comfortable, your body will tell you what it can handle. Over time work up to 3 to 5 minutes per session. Inversion is about relaxing and releasing tension and pressure. Some will feel the benefits right away, others it may take 2 to 3 weeks before their bodies begin to adapt.

A couple of tips to remember. Breathe deep while closing your eyes. Focus on relaxing the muscles for the full health benefit. Listen to your body. If you feel discomfort in your ankles, legs, or back, slowly return to the upright position and rest. It’s not a “no pain no gain” activity. Ask a friend or relative to spot you (stand near the table) as you get more comfortable controlling the table.

I had been visiting a chiropractor twice a month for a couple of years. I did not have any pre-existing back conditions and I had never been in an accident. I just liked the way I felt after leaving the chiropractor's office. After some modifications to my health care plan my insurance no longer covered my visits. I work at a desk most of the day and eventually gravitational pressure began to irritate the nerves in my back. I asked the chiropractor about the inversion table and she highly recommended it. I’ve really enjoyed the benefits of this all natural therapy. I usually invert after running on the treadmill and before bed time. I feel relief in my back and hips. The inversion table has also helped me to move deeper into Yoga positions with more comfort.