Inversion tables allow you to recline your body at varying angles. This equipment has been touted as a way to relieve back pain. Although it offers some benefits, it probably doesn't offer a long-term solution for your back problems, nor is it appropriate if you have certain medical conditions.
How It Works
Inversion tables help your body move against gravity. This can help you achieve decompression by stretching your spine, ligaments and surrounding tissue and creating more space between your vertebrae. Inversion therapy falls under the category of spinal traction, any technique that involves elongating the spine.
Effectiveness
Though this treatment might offer temporary relief, MayoClinic.com explains that long-term studies have found spinal traction therapies ineffective for long-term relief of back pain. It probably works best when combined with other means of managing this problem for the long term.
Proper Use
According to Teeter Hang Ups, a company that makes inversion tables for clinical and home use, you need to recline 60 degrees to achieve decompression. Tables go to about 90 degrees, but you don't need to go back this far to benefit from the technique. When you start, you should only recline about 20 to 30 degrees for the first few weeks to get your body accustomed to the therapy. The company recommends only inverting one to two minutes in the beginning and working your way up to at least three to five minutes for optimal results.
Contraindications
Inversion tables don't generally pose any risks in a healthy person, but having certain medical conditions precludes the use of this technique. You shouldn't use inversion therapy if you have glaucoma or other eye conditions, heart disease, circulatory problems, osteoporosis, recently healed fractures, middle ear or eye infections, hernias, skeletal implants, uncontrolled high blood pressure, take blood-thinning medications or are pregnant.
