Getting an inversion table, etc.

check this out – might help and probably won’t hurt at all.

I use one of these to manage my cervical issue,

https://international.chattgroup.com/products/saundersr-cervical-traction

That numbness gets old Eric, hope you find relief.

So maybe one of these for Eric, given his problem is probably lumbar?  https://international.chattgroup.com/products/saundersr-lumbar-hometrac

Foot numbness sucks (or any numbness).  But my right foot has been numb since 2015, so probably too late for it to reverse.

Good call.

Thanks guys. I’ll price that Saunders lumbar/thoracic stretcher. I’ll tell my wife about the cervical stretcher. How the hell do you guys find these things?

Still haunting Craigs List for a  good used inversion table.

Oh, it’s amazing what the combination of going through treatment for back injuries and having access to Google will do for some people… :-)

^ true.

Don’t know anything about back injuries or what you’re dealing with but I happened to notice Andrew recommended Pete Egoscue’s Pain Free book.  It’s saved me three times; therapy for a minor rotator cuff tear, plantar fasciitis treatment, and a recently sprained wrist.  He’s the real deal IMO and I’d give his routine for back pain a shot…he hasn’t let me down yet.

Agree with Greg and Andrew. I bought Pain Free back in 2015 when I asked a question about back pain on here, and Greg Mihalik recommended the book then. Solid info.

I also enjoy my inversion table. :-)

“Still haunting Craigs List for a  good used inversion table.”

I bought this inversion table last year for $92. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005P4NV3E/

I see they’re going up in price. My wife and I have had good luck with it. Very sturdy. Easy to assemble if you look at the Amazon pictures. Very fast to get on and off. We use it every day and lift 10lb weights while upside down. It feels good after a backpacking trip.

My uncle started first with 10° slants. In 8 weeks he worked himself to fully vertical. He claims he’s taller J. We started at full vertical (actually this table stops about 5° from vertical).

Good luck in relieving pain.

-Barry

Another vote for Pain Free! A PT recommended it to me and it’s one of the main reasons I’m still hiking, running,  and backpacking today.

Eric (and Ken) hope you feel better soon. I haven’t referenced the Egoscue book yet but have heard good things about it.

I have no experience with inversion tables, but thought a foam roller might be of help with your issue and it’s invaluable for overall flexibility and preventing injuries. I’m referring to the large black ones, stiffest available, 36 in. Long x 6 in. diameter, $19 on Amazon. Lots of youtube videos to show you how to use it.

Why? Sometimes numbness and pain can result from a nerve that’s being pinched due to overly tight muscles, sometimes because the muscles are pulling on your pelvis and/or lower back. Given that your numbness is in your toes, tight glutes, hamstrings (and even calves) can do that. I had a pain in my shin and foot that I’ve all but eliminated by rolling and stretching glutes and hamstrings before exercise and in the AM. And bonus, you feel great afterwards. Also very effective on the upper back to base of neck and front of the upper leg.

Eric, you can also check the various Facebook selling groups and set up an alert for when someone posts an inversion table for sale.

If you’re anywhere near Santa Clarita, I’ll introduce you to my sports med doc; just PM me.

Mike,

Thanks for the Facebook tip. The closest I get to Santa Clarita is Thousand Oaks where our youngest daughter lives.

BTW, ordered “Pain Free!” at my local Barnes & Noble since I have a discount coming.

I’m also an Egoscue disciple. The exercises feel kind of silly at first, but after many years of PT, medical procedures/surgeries, chiropractors, acupuncture, etc., I felt that I had little to lose, so when a PT that I respect recommended it, I swallowed my pride and gave it a try. It allowed me to get back into my activities … in moderation.

Interesting discussion. I just ordered the book. I’ve got all kinds of parts that hurt and I’m not getting younger. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

+1 on Egoscue

That book has bailed us out many times.

The amount of time for each position seems ridiculous but suck it up and try them.

RE inversion table. My husband’s doctor didn’t recommend one for his back problem, but said “if” you choose to use one, keep the angle lower and limit the time. It can damage the ankles.

Kelly