Fighting Spinal Fusion Pain Upside Down

At least, twice per week I hang myself…

…with my Inversion Table! I call it my anti-gravity machine (I know. That doesn’t really make sense. Roll with me.). After my spinal fusion, my orthopedic surgeon told me it would become an essential part of my recovery. I had no idea what he was talking about. Hang myself upside down? Ehhh….

Here’s the thing: It works!

I step into the machine, tighten the foot holders, and slowly tip back backwards.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Sweet relief.

How does it work?

Well, some studies will tell you it doesn’t. Those studies are full of crap. The traction created from the pull of gravity puts more space between your vertebrate and makes it feel like your spine is lengthening or straightening out. It’s not, but it feels good. Decompression, baby!

Yeah, you might get dizzy. Duh. You’re upside down. So, be careful when you flip back over. And don’t stay un-right-side up for longer than a few minutes. I actually feel better when I do it multiple times for shorter periods.

Pain relief (no matter how short lived) for less than $100 investment. Yes, please!

(Here’s a warning: Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or a higher-than-average heart rate.)

Tarah Neujahr Bryan

I'm from Montana and despite living in six different states, Montana is still my heart's home. I have passion for many things in life, including my beautiful daughter and son, my amazing husband, Nebraska Football, playing softball, hiking, healthcare policy, aviation, running, yoga, reading, outdoor life, animals, hiking, sports, and so much more. It's always growing and changing. I have a BA in History, with a minor in Sociology from Montana State- Billings and an MA in Journalism and Mass Communications (specialization in Marketing, Communications, and Advertising) from the University of Nebraska.

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View Comments

medicme says:

March 2, 2014 at 9:36 pm

I'd used an inversion table for six months prior to my L5-S1 surgery in November of 2013. How long did you wait before using it again? I liked it beforehand and want to use it again, but afraid to do anything to complicate the healing fusion. Thanks for any advice you can give.
- Tarah Neujahr says:
  
  March 3, 2014 at 9:56 am
  
  First, I'd say check in with your orthopedic surgeon to make sure the fusion took and you have bone growth happening. By now, you should be able to see that growth on an X-Ray. If she/he is cool with it, I'd say the continuing the inversion table is an excellent strategy. My orthopedic surgeon said it was one of the best things I could do (aside from core strength, of course). Do it at least twice a week, along with core strengthening exercises, and I'll bet your fusion ends up being one the best things you've done for yourself. That said, be patient. You've just had a major surgery. :) Hope I helped. I wish you the best!