Inversion tables provide a cost-effective treatment option for back pain sufferers. Even if you do not suffer from daily back pain, an inversion table may improve the quality of your life by improving your circulation and enhancing your ability to relax. Although inversion therapy is safe for most people, consult your physician prior using an inversion table, especially if you have joint problems, back pain or any other medical problems.
Function
Inversion tables reverse the gravitational pull as it operates on your body. This process decompresses the joints, stretches the muscles around your joints and allows water and other nutrients to enter the space around your joints, explains Dr. Daniel R. Fassett, the director of Spinal Surgery at Illinois Neurological in Peoria, Illinois. He goes on to state that as your joints decompress you may feel a state of relaxation, which you can intensify by using mental imagery or deep breathing techniques.
Safe Inversion Technique
Your body needs time to get used to inversion. Start by inverting yourself 15 to 30 degrees and remaining inverted for as long as you feel comfortable -- usually one to two minutes for beginners, states Dr. Robert Hayden, a chiropractor who runs a private practice in Griffin, Georgia. Increase your time at this incline until you can maintain it for 15 to 20 minutes without feeling faint, nauseous or uncomfortable. Once you can maintain an inverted state, consider increasing your incline by five degrees every three to four days until you reach a maximum incline of 45 to 60 degrees. Dr. Hayden feels that steeper inclines of inversion place too much pressure on the brain and eyes. With physician approval you can safely invert yourself one or twice a day, if you wish.
Benefits
The biggest benefit of inversion is pain relief. Unfortunately, this benefit only lasts a short while. For some the pain returns immediately after resuming an upright position, but for others the pain relief may last for one to two days. The amount of decompression each joint receives depends on your level of inversion. Beginners do not experience as much decompression as advanced users, but the full body stretch helps keep your joints healthy and your spine aligned. As a result, you may experience improved posture, balance and body symmetry.
Contraindications
Inversion tables can have negative effects on many people. Both Dr. Hayden and Dr. Fassett advise against the use of inversion tables if you have weak bones or skeletal implants, eye problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, hernias or ear infections. If you have suffered from a stroke or may be pregnant, avoid inversion without supervision and physician care. Always consult your doctor prior to inverting yourself. Some spinal conditions, especially those that have nerve involvement, can worsen if you use an inversion table.
References
- Dr. Robert Hayden; Private Practice; Griffin, Georgia
- Dr. Daniel R. Fassett; Spinal Surgery at Illinois Neurological; Peoria, Illinois
- MayoClinic.com: Inversion Therapy
- "Chicago Tribune"; Inversions Gain Traction; April 2006
