RESEARCH ON BACK PAIN AND INVERSION

In Sweden, as in many developed parts of the world, back pain has become an epidemic. In 1987, there were 15 million paid sick-days for low pack pain (LBP) and for 90% of those listed, the average time off work was 73 days. 62% of their workers compensation claims were due to LBP.

In 1992, a study¹ was conducted at the Volvo Aircraft Engine facility in Trollhattan, Sweden. 116 people were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial which lasted for 12 months. A study of with two training groups and one control group was conducted to assess the effect of gravity inversion on pain level and absenteeism due to LBP.

• Group 1 - used inversion for 10 minutes, 1/day
• Group 2 - used inversion for 10 minutes, 2/day
• Group 3 - control group

Results after 12 months of the training program were encouraging:

• The employees in Group 1 and 2 decreased sick days due to back pain by 33%, as compared with the control group.
• A better effect was seen in Group 2 than Group 1 (those training twice daily compared to those training once daily). The dose-response effect is supportive of inversion as the main causal factor.
• The training groups saw a 50% improvement of the pain.

The study concluded: "Inversion is an efficient and cheap way to improve employee health and possibly reduce sick day costs to the employer."

To find out more about medical studies on back health and inversion therapy, click here.

1. Dimberg, L, et al: Effects of gravity-facitliated traction of the lumbar spine in persons with chronic low back pain at the workplace.