Inversion tables are the modern form of inversion therapy, which has been around for several hundred years. The main purpose of inversion therapy is to offer relief from back pain by using your body weight and gravity to relieve tension placed on your back. The back pain relief that is offered from inversion therapies is only temporary, according to Dr. Randy A. Shelerud at the Mayo Clinic, but an inversion table can be used as an effective part of a comprehensive back treatment.
Inversion Tables
Inversion tables consist of a flat surface to lie on that is attached to a metal or plastic frame that allows the flat surface to pivot 180 degrees. The feet are locked into place with a padded brace, which will hold your feet in place when you are upside down. Most inversion tables lock, both in the fully upright and fully inverted position, to avoid unnecessary swinging or movement. One advantage an inversion table has over simply hanging upside down is that you can adjust the angle on an inversion table. Many people prefer not to hang fully upside down, and the benefits inversion tables offer are still available even at more acute angles.
Effects
According to most experts, the primary benefit of inversion tables is relief from back pain. By hanging upside down, stress that is placed on the muscles, ligaments, vertebrae, nerves and other structures is relieved, according to Susan Spinasanta at SpineUniverse.com. This can offer temporary relief from pain that is caused by that compression. Problems such as sciatica -- a compression of the sciatic nerve -- and spinal disk compression respond well when using an inversion table. Simply stretching the back can relieve the muscle stress that many back pain issues can cause, which further reduces the overall sensations of pain.
Other Benefits
In addition to back pain, improved circulation is also a benefit of using an inversion table; hanging upside down allows the body to work with gravity instead of against it, which is easier on the heart and lungs. Other benefits that have been reported, according to Steven Hefferon at Losethebackpain.com, are less stress, improved alertness and improved posture, as stretching the spine allows for improved flow of fluids. Hanging upside down also stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps eliminate waste more effectively.
Considerations
Consult with a doctor before using an inversion table. Conditions such as high blood pressure, pregnancy, heart conditions and eye problems are just a few of the issues that can be exacerbated by hanging upside down for any length of time. Even some back problems can be made worse using an inversion table, so use caution and begin slowly. Start with smaller angles before hanging completely upside down. Even hanging at a 45-degree angle can offer benefits, so don't over-extend yourself.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Inversion Therapy -- Can it Relieve Back Pain?; Randy A. Shelerud, M.D.; June, 2009
- SpineUniverse.com: Turning Back Pain and Sciatica Upside Down; Susan Spinasanta Senior Medical Editor; April, 2008
- SportsInjuryClinic.net: What is Inversion Therapy?
- LosetheBackPain.com: 7 Reasons Everyone with Back Pain Should Consider Inversion Therapy; Steven Hefferon, CMT, PTA, CPRS
