Inversion tables are advertised as a cure-all tool for back pain, but inversion tables are not for everyone. Pregnant women often suffer from lower back pain, but an inversion table can be dangerous for them. Healthy people or those without certain limitations may find relief from back pain due to using an inversion table. Inversion tables pivot backwards when you raise your arms so you may only go backwards as far as you are comfortable.
Link Between Back Pain and Spinal Imbalances
Micro-injuries happen throughout your life from simple daily activities, advises Dr. Graeme Teague on his web site, Back-Pain-Advisor.com. These activities include lifting and carrying objects, bending over to pick up objects and even holding your body in the same position for prolonged time. These micro-injuries are what are really responsible for back pain, moreso than one particular injury. This is because small injuries pull the spine out of alignment. Inverting on an inversion table acts to correct spinal imbalances.
Inversion Therapy and Spinal Imbalances
Inversion tables turn your body upside down, literally. Placing your spine in the opposite position as it usually is when seated or standing allows gravity to pull it in the other direction, theoretically correcting imbalances. You do not need to invert fully upside down though for benefits to the spine - moderate inversion may help to increase circulation of blood, stretch muscles and help improve overall flexibility, advises Teague. Pivoting the table back to only 60 degrees decompresses the spine.
Limitations of Inversion Therapy for Back Pain
Back pain relief can give you your life back. Back pain may confine you to your bed when it flares up or limit your activities. Lying on an inversion table to passively take away your pain sounds appealing, but MayoClinic.com warns that results are generally not permanent, and in some cases, could aggravate your condition further. Speak with a physical therapist, chiropractor or your doctor about an exercise program for your back pain.
Considerations
Making your back pain manageable or working toward it disappearing completely using an inversion table may have a trade off. Nausea and dizziness are possible from use of a table. Increased blood pressure occurs for everyone so people with existing high blood pressure should not invert, according to the MayoClinic.com. Other conditions that you should be aware of which contraindicate use of an inversion table include middle ear infections, bone weakness, heart conditions, swollen joints, cerebral sclerosis, glaucoma and hiatal hernia. Relieving your back pain is not worth aggravating other conditions.
References
- The Back Pain Advisor: Is Inversion Therapy Good For Your Spine
- MayoClinic.com: Inversion Therapy: Can it Relieve Back Pain
- Teeter Hang Ups F500 & F6000 Inversion Table Owner's Manual; STL International, Inc.; 2004
