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Zero Gravity to Relax the Spine

It is estimated that at least 95% of all people will suffer some type of back pain during their lifetimes. Many of those with chronic, unrelenting pain will resort to painkillers or cortisone injections in an effort to ease the pain. Ultimately, they may even resort to back surgery, often with little success.

When you stand or sit in an upright position, the effects of gravity compress the discs in your spine. When the discs compress, the muscles in your spine contract in order to keep the body in balance. This intensifies the discomfort you feel. Stress, poor posture and arthritis also lead to chronic back pain.

When the effects of gravity are neutralized, spinal muscles and discs return to their normal shapes and sizes and any pain subsides. To prove this, measure your overall height when you first wake up and then measure it again at the end of the day. You will discover that you are actually taller in the morning because your discs are relieved of the pressure caused by gravity while you are sleeping and in a reclining state.

Scientists originally discovered that zero gravity was the best position for astronauts during launches. In this position, your knees are at the same level as your heart, allowing your weight to be evenly distributed and supported.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, you can purchase chairs that produce the same effect as zero gravity. Also known as inversion therapy, use of this type of chair allows the spine to stretch to its natural length. As the spine stretches, the vertebrae realign themselves, which relieves pressure from pinched nerves so the spine and nervous system can heal.