Inversion tables are commonly used to treat back pain, as this type of therapy relieves pressure on the disks and nerves of the spine and increases space between the vertebrae. However, according to MayoClinic.com, anyone suffering from heart disease should not participate in inversion therapy due to the significant impact it has on heart rate and blood pressure.
History of Inversion Therapy
Inversion therapy has long been used to increase blood flow to the brain, create mind-body balance, and stretch and elongate the muscles of the body. Yogis have been using inversion for thousands of years and credit many of the yoga positions to the idea of inverting the body--head under heart.
Dangers
Inverting the body, or hanging upside down, causes heart rate, pulse and blood pressure fluctuations, which are dangerous for heart patients. Due to these physical effects, Energy Center.com and Teeter Hang Ups, both purveyors of inversion tables and other inversion devices, do not recommend the use of inversion for anyone with heart issues.
Side Effects
In the March 1985 issue of "The Physician and Sports Medicine," Dr Robert Goldman stated that heart rate, pulse and blood pressure decrease during inversion therapy. An osteopathic physician, Goldman also found in his study that inversion had substantial risks to heart patients and people taking anticoagulants. Not only did vital signs drop, but they continued to fall with the duration of inversion therapy, often below resting levels. When vital signs like blood pressure fall below resting levels, serious health conditions like hypotension may result. According to the American Heart Association, hypotension can cause loss of consciousness, vomiting, breathing difficulties and a decrease in oxygen carried by the blood to vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
Recommendations
With or without heart issues, consultation with a medical professional should take place prior to inversion therapy. Under a doctor's care, alternative methods of reducing stress and back pain should be sought to alleviate risks caused by inversion therapy.
Alternatives
Most patients who experience back pain, or who are under significant stress, are willing to try a number of options to ease it. With serious problems related to the heart or circulatory system, patients should always consult a doctor before any method is employed. However, there may be a number of options. Yoga, stretching and exercise may be alternatives to inversion therapy, as may massage, chiropractic techniques, acupuncture or use of a foam roller.
References
- "The Physican and Sports Medicine"; The Effects of Oscillating Inversion; Dr. Robert Goldman; 1985
- Teeter Hang Ups: History of Inversion
- EnergyCenter.com: Inversion Therapy Contraindications
- MayoClinic.com: Inversion Therapy
- American Heart Association: Low Blood Pressure
