This has helped me more than anything I have tried over the years, and wanted to share with you on the outside chance that it could help you as well.
LBPS (Low Back Pain Sufferers) are you familiar with the “inversion table?” After 8 to 10 hours of wading on the river my low back is screaming. One day I finally borrowed one of these tables from a friend who has been telling me how great it was for his low back pain. “Long story short,” I tried his table for a couple of weeks and now I have my own. I don?t know if it will help you as much as it has helped me, but the very first time I got on this table, and it was for only 10 minutes, 70% of my low back pain was gone. This was after one of those ?8 hour days? wading but needless to say I was sold. I have now been using the table on and off for over 10 months and still swear by them. I only use the table 2 or 3 times a week for about 10 minutes at a time, and I have very little low back pain now compared to what I use to have in years past.
I don’t know if any of the sponsors sell this equipment or not, but if one of the sponsors do, and is reading this, then post a reply. I bought my table at DICK?S Sporting Goods. There are a number of different brands, just search on the web using “inversion table.”
I had the table for several months when I just mentioned to my doctor that I was using it. He had no problem with that said it make’s sense to him that the table would help and was all for me using it.
The table I borrowed was a ?Teeter,? and the one I bought is called ?Fitness Gear.? They are both good average tables and sell for about $250 to $300. If I had it to do over I would probably buy the Teeter because it breaks down easier than mine for traveling. I will be taking my table with me on trips when I can.
Anyone else had any experience with these tables that they would like to share?
My wife and sister in law both swear by them.
It did nothing for me, I cured my back problems with a rowing machine . different things work for different folks.
If your problem is being caused by a hurniated disk, any spinal decompression will help. For years I used a cranial tension device that would unload the disks in my neck to alliviate pain and numbness in my arms from a C5-5 hurniated disk. Eventually, you may have to have it fixed. Do so while you are young enough to recover and appreciate the results.
Gringo - The above site should explain what this is.
Thanks Bobinmich - You’re absolutely right, this isn’t a cure all for low back pain and I probably should have mentioned that. It sure has helped me and I would love for some other folks, who suffer from LBP, to at least know there “might” be something out there that could help them.
For me it was just plain exercise. The last time my back acted up, ie, I could barely stand, was some 6 tears ago. Since then, I have been exercising. After my back stopped twitching, I began to slowly build up my routine. I hit about 5 days out of 7 doing 100 crunches (not sit-ups) and 30 -40 leg lifts. I ride a stationary bike, or walk my stairs with 5 lbs. on each foot (wading streams) and I work on my chest, shoulders, arms, and wrists (casting). I absolutely HATE exercise, but I love fishing more.
Raw69 - Exercise is probably the best way to keep your back in shape, and I don’t mind to exercise at all, I just find myself not doing it. I have some dusty equipment in my basement, just like everyone else, but it sure is easy to just walk on by and keep on walking. I’d like to fish enough to keep in shape but that doesn’t pan out either.
I’m going to start walking on a regular schedule, yep! I sure am, and you know why I know I’m going to do that, because I have been talking about it for years and I haven’t forgotten it.
Inversion tables are one of several forms of traction. Traction can be useful in treating herniated discs, but in some cases can cause an acute flare up. Always be cautious with traction. It can also be useful with degenerative disc disease, a condition in which the disc has shrunk or dried out, which causes the vertebrae to come closer together. Overall, however, as mentioned above, research over the past twenty or so years has shown exercise to be of the most benefit with most back conditions. However, this exercise should be prescribed following an evaluation of YOUR own personal back condition. It should take into account which muscles are tight, which are weak or strong, etc. Also the spinal stability should be evaluated. While general exercise can be helpful, it can also exaccerbate a back condition. It would be impossible to prescribe an exercise program that would benefit everyone’s back, and I would not attempt to do so on a public forum.