Inversion tables -- devices which use the force of gravity to position the body in an inverted posture -- provide multiple therapeutic benefits, including relief of chronic back pain, according to inversion therapy proponents. However, evidence regarding inversion therapy benefits is limited. Furthermore, use of inversion tables is dangerous for pregnant women or those with high blood pressure and heart disease. See a doctor before using inversion therapy for back pain as it can make some back problems worse.
Short-Term Back Pain Relief
The theory behind using inversion tables for back problems is that they relieve pain by reducing gravitational pressure on the nerves and spinal disks. According to Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, Randy A. Shelerud, M.D., inversion therapy and other forms of traction, or spinal stretching, have proven ineffective for long-term back pain relief. However, inversion therapy may provide temporary relief of lower back pain caused by spinal compression, according to Shelerud.
Stress and Tension Reduction
When your body is inverted for more than a few minutes, your heart rate slows, which may promote a relaxed state. Inversion tables may also promote stress relief by reducing muscle tension. A small study published in "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation" found that healthy individuals undergoing inverted spinal traction had reduced levels of muscle tension in the lumbar region while inverted. However, these stress-relieving effects may be tempered by the increase in blood pressure which also occurs during inversion. For this reason, it is not safe to use inversion therapy for stress and tension relief if you have hypertension or heart problems.
Anecdotal Evidence
Inversion tables may also help relieve depression, although evidence supporting this claim is purely anecdotal. In 2007, comedian Rosie O'Donnell stated on ABC's "The View" that she uses inversion therapy, in conjunction with antidepressants, to treat her major depression disorder. O'Donnell said she used inversion therapy for 15 to 30 minutes per day. No scientific studies have been conducted on inversion therapy and depression.
Increased Blood Flow to Brain
Another possible benefit of using inversion tables is increased blood flow to the brain. According to inversion therapy proponents, the increased flow of blood to the brain during inversion increases the brain's oxygen supply, thereby aiding cognitive functioning. Self-proclaimed "mentalist" Uri Geller stated in a 2000 interview with "Women's Health" that he uses inversion therapy to boost his "thinking power." Chiropractor Carlos M. Gonzalez also claims in his book,"Hanging Out for the Health of It," that inversion therapy promotes brain health by increasing blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain. Nevertheless, while inversion therapy may increase blood flow to the brain, the benefits of this function are questionable. A small study published in a Russian medical journal in 1985 concluded that while inversion raises cerebral blood supply, the brain's use of oxygen during inversion actually decreases.
References
- Teeter Hang Ups: An Introduction to the Benefits of Inversion Therapy
- PubMed: Inverted Spinal Traction
- MayoClinic.com: Relaxation Techniques -- Essential for Reducing Stress
- Uri-Geller.com: Mindbending -- Women's Health, November 2000
- "Hanging Out for the Health of It"; Carlos Gonzalez; 2008
- PubMed: Brain Blood Circulation and Oxygen Supply in the Healthy Human Being During Measured Physical Loading in a Head-Down Tilt Posture
