Inversion tables are home physical therapy devices designed to aid in the relief of back pain. Many companies market inversion tables on the internet and through infomercial advertising, promising pain relief with only minutes a day on the device. Lofty promises like this may leave you wondering if the inversion table is truly effective or simply another home pain relief gimmick.
Spinal Decompression
Inversion tables provide back pain relief primarily by using the force of gravity to pull your upper body away from you lower body. According to David Draper, co-author of "Therapeutic Modalities: The Art and The Science," this type of therapy has been shown in some studies to be as effective as mechanical traction for the treatment of herniated lumbar discs. The greater the inversion you undergo, the more the vertebrae of your spine separate, which allows fresh fluid into your spinal discs and relieves the pressure on your nerves. Though this type of pain relief does come after a few minutes of inversion, your pain can return shortly after your inversion therapy is over.
Other Benefits
Apart from relieving back pain, inversion tables improve circulation to your brain by lowering your head below your heart. Additionally, inversion tables may improve the function of your lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste products from the cells in your body. While inverted, you can perform stretches or light exercise to increase the positive effects of the device.
Safety of the Table
Inversion tables can present a safety risk if you are not careful, or are unfamiliar with how to use the device. It is critical that your feet are locked securely to the table using the ankle brace, otherwise you risk falling out of the equipment and injuring your head and neck. Inversion tables are carefully balanced devices, and if you move too quickly into the inversion they may become unstable and possibly tip over.
Contraindications
You must consult with your doctor before using an inversion table if you have hypertension or use any medication that causes high blood pressure. This type of back pain relief may also be dangerous for you if you are overweight, have bone fractures, detached retinas, glaucoma, are pregnant or have an ear infection. Other conditions may also affect your health when using inversion therapy, so it is important to ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use an inversion table.
References
- "Therapeutic Modalities: The Art and the Science"; Kenneth L. Knight and David O. Draper; 2008
- Sports Injury Clinic: Inversion Therapy
- SpineUniverse.com; Turning Back Pain and Sciatica Upside Down; Susan Spinasanta
- MayoClinic.com; Inversion Therapy--Can It Relieve Back Pain?; Randy A. Shelerud, M.D.
