Using Inversion Tables for Low Back Pain

Is using inversion tables for low back pain a good idea? Is it safe? Who shouldn't use one?

These are all very important questions for anyone considering inverting. Although simply hanging upside down may seem benign, it can aggravate certain types of health conditions. In this article I'll discuss what I've learned in my experience with inversion tables and what my chiropractor has told me about using them.

Over the years my back has taken a beating from martial arts, running, scoliosis, sciatica and a bad car wreck. However, the last thing I wanted to do was give up being physically active. I didn't want to completely stop my martial arts training, my weight lifting and my running. - But, I definitely wanted to completely stop my low back pain and other issues like sciatica.

For many years I had tried medication, stretching, physical therapy, massage therapy and chiropractic care in order to treat my back issues. Yes, all of these methods helped to some degree. However, I didn't want to have to depend on expensive prescription medications forever. Medications that would make me drowsy and worthless. I also didn't like the expensive bills that came with physical therapy.

In the end, the best options for me seemed to be chiropractic care and massage therapy together. These two seemed to be a great natural way of easing my back pain, but again, these things cost money.

After realizing the amount of money I was spending on my chiropractor and massage therapy, I began to look at other options. My friend had been using inversion tables for low back pain for the past few years and said I should really give it a shot. So, I did.

My first time on one of these tables, I didn't completely invert, but the experience was still amazing. As soon as I was partially inverted, I felt relief from the weight of my body being lifted off of my spine. It was pretty amazing.

So the next time I saw my chiropractor, I decided to ask for her thoughts on using inversion tables for low back pain.

She said that using inversion tables could be really good for the back because they decompress the spine. Decompressing the spine is healthy because as people get older the discs in the spinal column get dried out and decompression of the spine helps to re-lube the spine which is very healthy.

She did say however that people with high blood pressure, glaucoma and people with certain heart problems should probably not use inversion tables. Also people who have had back surgery and neck problems should not use inversion tables. In short she said, just check with your doctor.

Anyway, I was pleased to find out that she approved. Because for me, I had already tried one of the best inversion tables around and could majorly feel the difference.

So yes, using inversion tables for low back pain can definitely work. - But always remember to check with your doctor first. Especially if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications. Article written by Elvis.

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Back Pain As A Result Of Breast Augmentation

Women with large breasts often complain about the back pain that they experience as a result. Such back pain ranges from mild to severe, with some even developing poor posture as a result. Large breasts also put women at a risk of developing spinal deformity. The weight of the breasts may cause strain on your shoulder and chest muscles.

These are important considerations you should keep in mind if you want to increase your breast size significantly through augmentation surgery.

Why Do Large Breasts Cause Back and Spinal Problems?

Larger breasts tend to cause a shift in the centre of gravity which leads to a whole host of other problems in the body. Large breasts are additional weights which extend far beyond your normal centre of gravity, leading to up to 10 times the amount of pressure being placed on the spinal column.

This is a problem that slowly develops which leads to other complications in the long run. The resulting change in posture may lead to disc hernia or a pinched nerve.

How Large Breasts Affect Posture

It's a subconscious effort that women make to change their posture in order to compensate for the additional weight from particularly large breast implants. The upper back tends to pull back, pushing the chest out and causing an arc to form in the lower back. Doing this will give you temporary relief, but over time, it will become harder for you to maintain that kind of posture. Eventually, it leads to back pain and spinal injuries.

Complications from Larger Breasts

The change in your spinal curve may lead to numerous problems that will affect nerves, back skin, bones and muscles.

As a result of the increase in breast size, the right kind of support bra is needed. Because of the extra weight, bra straps may dig into your skin, causing permanent bruising. The bruising can lead to skin chaffing which in turn causes breast fungus.

Lordosis is another complication that may develop as a result of having large breasts. It is characterized by increased curvature of the spine as a result of increased weight. Lordosis causes frequent pain in the back. It sometimes leads to muscle cramps as well as pinched nerves.

Also, women with large breasts tend to develop a duck walk, which is characterized by the jutting out of the lower back as a result of the body accommodating the additional weight.

If you choose to have breast augmentation, you may want to keep these facts in mind. Ensure your doctor knows about your concerns by voicing them. He/she should have an understanding of the kind of effect increased breasts will have on your body.

Before you undergo surgery, it's important for you to determine whether your body weight can handle the additional weight of the boobs. A lot of women make the mistake of choosing the biggest size they come across when it comes to choosing breast implants. A shady surgeon will happily increase your breast size with little regard to the implications it may have on your health.

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The Link Between Mental Health and Back Pain

Some medical professionals suggest depression could be the most common emotion associated with chronic pain. Medically known as major depression or clinical depression, the mental symptoms that patients experience go beyond the normal emotions of sadness that everyone feels at some point or another. Clinical or major depression is more likely to be diagnosed in patients suffering from chronic back pain than those who experience acute or short term problems with their backs. This article explains how being aware of the host of symptoms associated with chronic back conditions goes a long way to understanding why depression sometimes develops.

For many patients living with long-term back discomfort, being able to get a good night's sleep is close to impossible. This can lead to fatigue and irritability during the day which can contribute to continuous feelings of negativity and low mood. On top of that, there is the possibility of not being able to take part in activities with the family, which again, can leave the patient feeling low, disconnected and isolated.

The points below highlight some of the main reasons why back pain can often lead to depression:

·         Chronic back conditions can make it difficult to sleep which can lead to extreme tiredness, irritability and frustration during the day.

·         Back pain can cause some people to become inactive movement which results in spending a lot of time at home. This can lead to the patient feeling socially isolated and unable to enjoy regular activities with friends and family.

·         If a patient is unable to work due to their back problems, financial stress and strain may have an impact on the entire family.

·         Gastrointestinal problems may arise as a result of taking anti-inflammatory medication. Some patients suffering from back issues also report "brain fog" or feeling mentally "dull" as a result of pain medications.

·         Many back pain sufferers lose interest in a physical relationship with their partners, which can put more stress and strain on relationships.

Contact your GP or medical professional if you are experiencing long-term back problems and any of the following symptoms:

·         Regularly feeling depressed, sad, irritable or hopeless

·         Crying for no obvious reason or crying more than usual

·         A reduced appetite or unusual weight loss

·         An increased appetite or unusual weight gain

·         Sleeping difficulties - either sleeping too much or too little

·         Low energy and fatigue

·         Agitation

·         Reduction or loss of interest in usual hobbies/ activities

·         Reduced/ diminished sex drive

·         Feeling worthless or guilty

·         Lack of concentration or memory problems

·         Suicidal thoughts (contact 999 immediately)

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