Introduction
Many people ask whether an inversion table for herniated disc is a viable solution for treating lower back pain that results from the herniated disc. Medical experts believe that the method works and they recommend the use of inversion tables to treat herniated discs. If you have herniated disc and prefer inversion therapy, it is important to first understand what herniated disc is. It is also great to know how it affects your body. No need to go through surgery to treat herniated discs. It becomes very easy to decompress the spine and remove the pressure on the discs through inversion therapy.
What Exactly Is Herniated Disc?
First, we must begin by understanding the structure of the spine.
The spine is like a stack of bones put in a way that allows them to support the back and the entire body. There are discs that prevent the bone from rubbing against each other. The spine has nerves and blood vessels that pass through it. The nerves transmit sensory impulses from various parts of the body to the brain. When the cushioning discs wear out, the outcome is often what we call a herniated disc.
A herniated disc is a condition where the disc itself has burst and the softer inner material flows out of the disc into the exterior of the spine. Since the nerves in the spinal cord pass through these spinal bones, the overflowing cushioning material touches the nerves. This interferes with the functioning of the nerves.
The nerves may cease to send impulses to the brain. For this reason, some of the symptoms of a herniated disc include loss of feeling in some body parts. For example, if the leg is the affected nerve sends impulses from the leg to the brain.
Does Inversion Therapy Treat Herniated Disc Pain?
Sometimes, the herniated disc has the exact opposite result. I mean causing a lot of pain in the areas of the body that the affected nerves serve. Many patients look for options that help ease this pain. Most of these options work by relieving pain in the spine which reduces the pressure on these herniated discs.
One such method that patients can use is inversion therapy. We will start by looking into what exactly inversion therapy is. Then evaluate whether it relieves the pain that results from herniated discs.
Inversion therapy is a form of medical treatment that counters the force of gravity on the body thereby relieving the pressure on various body organs. Inversion therapy treats a host of diseases, all of which bear the symptom of back pain. What inversion therapy does is that it goes against gravity and takes off the pressure off your spine. This involves squeezing your cushioning discs less.
When this happens, it places the overflowing softer tissues inside the disc under little pressure. They will not push the nerves too much and the pain that results from the pressure on the nerves reduces. According to the Keystone Chiropractic, the use of inversion therapy to create spinal traction (distraction of the vertebrae thus releasing pressure on the spinal discs) offer great relief to patients affected by nerves pinched by herniated discs.
Having said this, however, experts appreciate that the relief is only temporary. For a permanent solution to the problem, you need to seek other methods of treatments. Despite that, some patients turn to inversion therapy because it is very effective and is a better alternative to taking medication.
Inversion Table for Herniated Disc – How It Works
With all these advantages in mind, we will then proceed to understand how an inversion table for herniated disc works. First, what is an inversion table? An inversion table is a tool that holds a person in an upside down position for a limited amount of time.
If you have herniated disc and decide to go with inversion therapy, using inversion tables reduces the pain or the numbness that results from a herniated disc. As stated above, the process work by relieving pressure on the bones of the spine. But how exactly does this happen on an inversion table?
In our normal everyday lives, we are always fighting against the force of gravity in a bid to keep our bodies upright. Were it not for the support our spines offer, we would be unable to stand, sit up, or generally maintain good posture.
The spine features a stack of bones. Because we are constantly on the move, these bones are liable to shift from side to side when, say, walking. The discs between the bones act as cushions against the friction that may result. When the disc ruptures, a herniated disc will result as explained above.
When one’s body is upside down, there is relief on the pressure on the spine and the nerves are in less contact with the herniated disc. The inversion table keeps the body upside down for some time to relieve the spine, and consequently ease the pain. In this way, the inversion table method is very effective in easing back pains, and the numbness that results from herniated discs.
Inversion Table for Herniated Disc – Is it a Good Choice?
A proper diagnosis is very important before you proceed with the process. Sometimes, a herniated disc may not be the actual problem you have. Even if you have all the symptoms of the condition.
At other times, the patient may not even have any symptoms. When you experience the pain, the numbness, or even the tingling sensations, see the doctor for a proper diagnosis. Do not go directly into inversion therapy for something you have little information about.
Second, if you have a herniated disc, ask your doctor whether inversion therapy would be the best option. As we have already seen, the treatment is very effective in terms of offering relief for back pain. It could also act as an alternative to taking painkillers or even having back surgery to correct the problem.
However, inversion might not be the best option for some patients. It has side effects that may worsen conditions that the patient already has. A good example of such a situation is a patient with glaucoma. Inversion causes fluid to rush to the socket. When this happens, the patient’s eyesight condition may get worse.
Also, people with high blood pressure should not turn to inversion therapy as a treatment option unless you consult a physician first. Pregnant women are also asked to stay away from inversion therapy because it could harm the baby.
For first time users, you can buy the inversion table yourself to use it in the comfort of your home. It is wise to get some help as you begin so that you learn how to use the table correctly.
Safety Measures When Using Inversion Table for Herniated Disc
First, it is advisable to ensure that the table is in the right condition before you use it. Start by checking the size to make sure it is proportional to your own weight. If not, you may end up being uncomfortable during the process of inversion.
Also, ensure that the table has a strong construction. Otherwise, it may give away under your weight while you are still inverted. You should check all the joints of the frame, and even the table that you lie on.
For first time users, having a person to assist you with the process is a measure that you cannot overlook. Even if you have an instruction manual, a person with the important knowledge of the process can secure you onto the table. This ensures that the clasps on your legs are comfortable, and also move you to the position you prefer before you can practice how to do it yourself. The assistance will be helpful because you can also ask for any clarification on how the process works if you happen to have any questions.
Conclusion
We can correctly conclude that the inversion table for the herniated disc is a great equipment when it comes to easing the symptoms of the condition. You can go for this option if you do not want to use painkillers and creams for the pain. It is not intrusive because it offers actual relief for the spinal nerves as opposed to taking medicine to curb the pain that results.
With these remarks, it would be unwise to start the process without consulting your doctor first. An expert will help you decide if the process is good for you. You will also know if it could end up having any undesired effects. Talk to your doctor first to know whether it is safe to use an inversion table depending on your condition.