Recovery from back surgery, such as spinal fusion, is a long and involved process. Physical therapies, such as inversion therapy using an inversion table, can help maintain strength and flexibility in your back, preventing further problems. However, your doctor should explicitly approve your use of inversion therapy after spinal fusion or any back injury.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is an invasive surgical procedure that stabilizes vertebra in your spine by linking two or more adjacent vertebrae together using a bone graft or titanium plates. Spinal fusion may be used if there is damage to your vertebrae or the connective tissue disc that cushions adjacent vertebrae. Your doctor will have specific recommendations for physical therapy depending on where you are in your recovery from spinal fusion.
Inversion Therapy
Inversion therapy involves hanging on a downward tilt, or upside down, to take pressure off the spine. Inversion therapy may be performed using a tilting inversion table or a system involving a stable rod and boots to suspend your body. Inversion therapy has shown promise for the relief of minor back problems and the prevention of more serious problems, but should be used with caution if you have an existing injury.
Safety
Inversion therapy should never be considered safe until your doctor has verified that your spinal fusion has healed completely. Inversion therapy involves your spine carrying your body weight. Several months are needed for the bone of your vertebra to fully integrate, to the extent they can safely bear your suspended body weight, with the bone graft or titanium plates used for fusion.
Alternatives
During initial recovery from spinal fusion, your doctor and physical therapist will instruct you on stretches and light exercises to perform to increase the mobility and strength of your back muscles and joints. If performed correctly, these exercises are safe for those with a spinal fusion, and offer equivalent benefits to inversion therapy. Once you have regained function, you can discuss inversion therapy and other methods for long-term back function with your doctor.
