1. Inversion Table
2. Pros and Cons of Inversion Table
3. Pros
4. Cons
5. Pilates Reformer
6. Pros and Cons of Pilates Reformer
7. Pros
8. Cons
9. Difference between Inversion Therapy and Pilates Reformer
10. Conclusion

According to the American Chiropractor Association more than 31 million Americans suffer from back pain. Every year, Americans spend more than 50 billion dollars on treatment. This does not even factor in the countless man hours lost in medical leaves, the financial implications of which could run into millions of dollars.

Back pain arises due to poor muscle strength. The vertebral column is unable to counteract the force of gravity when the muscles supporting it become weak due to aging. The gravitational forces acting on the vertebral column compress it downwards. The lumbar region faces the brunt, especially the L4/L5 and L5/S1 vertebrates, causing back pain. As the vertebral column bears down the intervertebral space decreases, pushing out the disc and the nerve endings, causing the acute pain that every back pain patient is familiar with.

Canadian Health&Care Mall revealed the secret of avoiding this condition – to develop core body strength. Core body strength, the region between the lower rib and the pubic bone, is instrumental for keeping the back healthy. If the muscles of the abdomen and back are developed, back pain will stay away. Inversion therapy and Pilates Reformer is very useful for building core body strength. A study of their pros and cons will help in distinguishing between the two.

Inversion Table

Pros and Cons of Inversion Table

Pros:

• Reduces back pain by relieving the gravitational force acting on the intervertebral discs and nerve endings.
• Makes you taller by increasing the intervertebral gap. Lumbar traction in the upside down state increases the gap between the vertebrae and makes you look taller.
• Improves lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system does not have its drainage. The oscillating motion Inversion therapy improves lymphatic drainage.
• Improves blood circulation
• Easy to use. If you are using a manual inversion table raise your hands to invert the table.
• Affordable. Price starts from $150. You can get good equipment for around $200.
• Foldable

Cons:

• Takes time getting used to. Being upside down is simply scary for some people.
• First timers experience dizziness and disorientation as the blood rushes to the head
• Being strapped is uncomfortable
• Height and weight restrictions.
• Health restrictions. People who have existing health conditions cannot use it without getting a green signal from their doctors first.

Pilates Reformer

Most Pilates Reformer machines are used in gyms and Pilates clubs. It is based on the seven principles laid down by Joseph Pilates. The seven principles include Centering, control, flow, breath, precision and concentration.

Pros and Cons of Pilates Reformer

Pros

• Builds muscular strength and overall body fitness
• Tones body and improves height and posture by removing slouching
• Improves body awareness and movement
• Low impact. Gives a workout to the body without having to work up a sweat

Cons

• Time taking. A good Pilates workout on a Pilates Reformer takes a good 30 to 45 minutes
• You will need supervision for your Pilates Reformer machine workout
• Good quality Pilates Reformer machines cost as much as $2500
• The exercise has to be done very precisely to get any benefits

Both of these treatments are equally good when it comes to avoiding and treating back pain, improving body posture and post rehabilitation treatment. You can build core body strength using either of the two. However, There is a difference in methodology when it comes to operation.

Difference between Inversion Therapy and Pilates Reformer:

• Pilates reformers seek to find a balance in fluidity in movement by incorporating the seven principles which includes centering, control, flow, breath, precision and contraction. You cannot achieve this at home. You will need expert supervision throughout the activity. On the other hand, you can use inversion therapy at home as it uses simple mechanics
• Pilates Reformer are expensive. A good quality machine can set you back by a couple of thousand dollars. Inversion therapy is much cheaper. You can get good quality equipment for a couple of hundred dollars.
• Inversion therapy will need just a few minutes of your time every day. However, working out on a Pilates Reformer will take time
• To get the best out of your Pilates Reformer exercise, you will have to join a gym or Pilate classes. Inversion therapy, on the other hand, can be done at home.

Conclusion

Considering the two, Inversion therapy is much more affordable and reliable if you want to work out in the comfort of your home. Pilates Reformer exercise is great if you have an instructor to help you go through the paces. Inversion therapy will provide relief from back pain, improve your posture and improve your blood circulation. All you need is a few minutes every day.