Inversion therapy is a method of treating back pain by diminishing the influence of gravity, reducing the compression of the vertebrae and discs and allowing the muscles and ligaments that encase the spine to relax.

This is typically performed on what's called an inversion table. The table allows you to lie on your back relaxed, in an inverted position. This position eliminates some or all gravitational compression, depending upon how far back you position your body.

When the body's weight is suspended from the lower body – the pull of gravity may decompress the joints of the body below the anchor. Hanging by the feet, as with the inversion tables, causes each joint in the body to be loaded in an equal and opposite manner to standing in an identical position of joint alignment.

An inversion table is said to be great for relieving hemorrhoids. The sudden reduction in blood pressure in the area helps to empty the hemorrhoid "sacks" from blood, and then gravity pulls them back with the sphincter contracting.