Inversion tables are believed to help a variety of back ailments. The upside-down positioning is designed to help alleviate pressure on the spine, which can result in instant pain relief. However, inversion tables are not for everyone. Inversion tables can have adverse affects on your health, especially if you have a preexisting condition. Inversion tables are not recommended for individuals who experience foot and ankle soreness.
Inversion Tables
Inversion tables are padded apparatuses that place you in a head-down position with your body securely strapped to the table. Some inversion tables may have padded bars that you can position your feet under for added comfort. Inversion tables stretch out your spinal cord.
Inversion Therapy
Inversion therapy is designed to relieve gravity-induced pressure on your spine. Pressure placed on the nerves and disks in your spine can cause a variety of spinal ailments, including herniated and ruptured disks. By positioning yourself upside down on an inversion table, your muscles are better able to relax and blood flow increases in your spine, which can lead to pain relief. The use of an inversion table can also be beneficial to your cardiovascular system. Inversion can help the heart provide increased blood supply to your brain. Inversion is also beneficial in draining your lymphatic system, which can help remove waste products from your body.
Joint Pain
The upside-down positioning of an inversion table can also cause discomfort. The flipped position of an inversion table can lead to pain in your knees and ankles. Individuals who have weak ankles and feet may not be able to support themselves, especially on inversion tables that have foot and ankle supports. The straps used to secure your body to the inversion table can also cause irritation and possible chafing of the ankles.
Considerations
If you have weak ankles and feet, contact your doctor prior to using an inversion table. For weak feet and ankles, you may want to consider ankle-strengthening exercises to increase your comfort level when using an inversion table. If you experience soreness in your feet and ankles as the result of using an inversion table, discontinue use and contact your physician. Your doctor may be able to recommend other means of alleviating back pain if you experience soreness in your joints while using an inversion table.
