Inversion tables offer multiple benefits and relief from pain, but certain conditions preclude a person from using inversion therapy safely. Your preexisting conditions, current medications and fitness level affect whether an inversion table is right for you. Inversion tables are expensive, so you should be sure it is a tool that you can use before you buy one. Ask your doctor if you are unsure whether an inversion table is dangerous for you.
Pregnancy
Inversion is dangerous for pregnant women. Although back pain and tension is common with pregnancy and therefore inversion may sound appealing, your doctor should sign off on using an inversion table first. Inverting either on an inversion table or using another method like hanging in a yoga sling or using an inversion pose can be beneficial for a breech, but should be avoided if there your ab strength is weak or looser than normal, possibly from a previous pregnancy, or if there is a large amount amniotic fluid around your baby. Too much amniotic fluid and inversion might reposition a baby in a normal position to move into breech.
Increases Eye and Blood Pressure
Hanging upside-down on an inversion table for more than a couple of minutes causes your heart rate to slow and your blood pressure to elevate. This also increases pressure in your eyes. For these reasons, inversion tables are not safe for people with high blood pressure, retinal detachments, heart and circulatory disorders, glaucoma and pink eye. You should also speak with your doctor about inverting if you are taking anti-coagulant medication.
Joint Stress
An inversion table is contraindicated for swollen joints, osteoporosis, unhealed fractures and surgically implanted supports. Hanging on an inversion table allows gravity to pull down on your body in the opposite direction from your usual upright position. Although this might be helpful for your spine, you should only use inversion therapy in the presence of a doctor if you have weak bones or joint concerns.
Benefits
If you do not have any contraindications and you suffer from neck, back or sciatic pain, an inversion table can help you. Hanging upside down on an inversion table causes the spine to stretch, which temporarily relieves back and neck pain. Space between the spinal vertebrae increases as the spine stretches. This can aide sciatica that is caused by a herniated disc pressing onto the sciatic nerve on the back of the lower back. The use of an inversion table also improves blood flow, removes waste, relaxes your back muscles and reduces muscle spasms. It improves posture by realigning the spine, which may help conditions such as scoliosis and lordosis, in which the spine is out of its neutral alignment.
References
- The Healthy Back Institute; Are Inversion Tables Safe?; April 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Does Inversion Therapy Relieve Back Pain? Is it Safe; Randy A. Shelerud, M.D.; June 2009
- The Healthy Back Institute: Inversion Therapy Contraindications
- SportsInjuryClinic.net: Inversion Therapy
- "Chicago Tribune"; Inversions Gain Traction; Julie Deardorff;April 2007
- SpinningBabies.com; Inversion; Gail Tully
