Do Inversion Tables Work? Yes, and Here’s How

If you’re looking for a way to improve your posture and relieve back pain, you may have considered using an inversion table. But do inversion tables actually work, and how do they work? Here at Spine Institute NY, we’ll answer those questions and more, so you can decide if an inversion table is right for you.

What Are Inversion Tables?

Inversion tables are devices designed to support your body in a position where your feet are above your head. Most inversion tables allow you to control the angle of inversion, so you can go from completely vertical to horizontal, or anywhere in between.

Inversion therapy is a form of spinal decompression that involves hanging upside down or being in a position where your head is lower than your heart. This type of therapy is said to provide relief from back pain, improve blood circulation, and help with other conditions such as headaches and wider blood vessels for some people, inversion therapy may also help with kidney stones and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Inversion therapy was first developed as a lounge chair in ancient Greece. The Roman emperor Nero would reportedly hang upside down from trees to relieve pain. In more recent times, traction devices and laboratory experiments involving inverting people have provided supporting evidence for the efficacy of inversion therapy.

There are many different types of inversion tables on the market today, ranging in price from around $100 to $1,000 or more. The most important factor to consider when choosing an inversion table is the weight capacity — most tables can accommodate people up to 250 pounds (113 kilograms), but some can support up to 350 pounds (158 kilograms).

You’ll also want to make sure the table you choose has a comfortable angle so you can easily get in and out of it, and an ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT so it can be used by people of different stature. Other features to look for include lockable wheels for easy transportation and an adjustable safety strap that lets you control how far you invert the TABLE (generally 20-60 degrees). Some higher-end models even come with accessories such as Massage Mats and heat/air lumbar pads.

History of Inversion Tables

Today, people purchase inversion tables for all kinds of reasons. Some people use them to help with physical ailments while others use them simply as a way to decompress after a long day. But how did inversion traction devices become so popular? In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of inversion tables to see how they’ve evolved over time.

Inversion traction devices have been around for centuries. The first recorded use of an inversion device was by the Greek historian Herodotus. Herodotus wrote about a primitive form of inversion therapy that was used by Persian soldiers to relieve back pain.

The idea behind inversion therapy is simple. By hanging upside down, you can reverse the effects of gravity on your body. This can help to relieve pressure on your spine and other joints, and it can also help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Inversion therapy gained popularity in the United States in the early 1900s when Dr. Stanley Biggs began promoting it as a treatment for various physical ailments. Biggs claimed that inversion could treat everything from colds and headaches to curvature of the spine.

Despite its long history, there is little scientific evidence to support the claims made about inversion therapy. However, some people do find relief from chronic pain after using an inversion table on a regular basis. If you’re considering trying inversion therapy, be sure to speak with your doctor first to see if it’s right for you.

What is Inversion Therapy?

Compressed spinal disks can lead to sciatica pain when the disks bulge and put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Inversion therapy is a type of treatment that involves hanging upside down or being inverted at an angle with the help of an inversion table or fabric yoga slings.

The theory behind inversion therapy is that it can decompress the disks and take pressure off the sciatic nerve. This may provide relief for people who suffer from sciatica pain. Inversion therapy may also be helpful for people with other conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

There is some evidence to support the use of inversion therapy for treating back pain. A systematic review of research found that inversion therapy may be effective in reducing back pain and improving function. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

In addition to back pain, inversion therapy has also been studied for treating other conditions, such as neck pain, headaches, and high blood pressure. There is some evidence that inversion therapy may be helpful for these conditions, but more research is needed.

Does it Work and How?

Inversion therapy, commonly called traction, is a non-surgical treatment for neck or back pain. It is also sometimes used to treat conditions such as herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, and sciatica. Inversion therapy involves hanging upside down or at an inverted angle for a short period of time.

One of the most common questions people have about inversion therapy is whether or not it works. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Some people claim that inversion therapy has helped them find relief from their pain, while others claim that it was not effective for them.

There are several studies have been conducted on the efficacy of inversion therapy, but the results have been mixed. Some studies show that inversion therapy can be an effective treatment for certain conditions, while other studies show that it is no more effective than other treatments such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.

One of the most well-known studies on inversion therapy was conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2006. This study looked at the efficacy of inversion therapy for the treatment of back pain and found that it was no more effective than other treatments such as physical therapy or chiropractic care.

Another study, conducted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) in 2013, looked at the use of inversion therapy for the treatment of neck pain. This study found that inversion therapy was no more effective than sham traction (a type of traction that does not actually invert the spine).

While there is some evidence to suggest that inversion therapy may be effective for certain conditions, there is not enough evidence to say definitively whether or not it works. If you are considering trying inversion therapy, it is important to speak with your doctor first to make sure that it is safe for you and to find out if there are any other treatments that may be more likely to work for your specific condition.

What to Expect From Inversion Therapy

Inversion tables are designed to strap you in and allow you to hang upside down or at an inverted angle. The theory behind inversion therapy is that by hanging upside down, you can stretch your spine and relieve pressure on your vertebrae and discs. This type of therapy is also said to improve blood circulation and relieve tension headaches.

Most people who use inversion tables do so for a few minutes at a time, although some physical therapists may have you hang for longer periods as part of your therapy sessions. It’s important to follow the instructions for use that come with your inversion table and to start slowly if you’re new to this type of therapy. Many people start by inverting for just a few minutes per day, gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable with the sensation.

If you’re using an inversion table at home, be sure to follow all safety instructions carefully. In most cases, you’ll be secured by safety straps around your ankles, and it’s important not to loosen these straps until you’re ready to come out of the inverted position. If you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor before using an inversion table. This type of therapy is generally not recommended for pregnant women or older adults.

Most people find that inverting at a 30-degree angle is comfortable, but you can increase the angle as you become more accustomed to the sensation. Some people like to have someone watch them the first few times they use an inversion table, just to be sure everything is functioning properly and that they feel comfortable coming out of the inverted position when they’re ready.

Possible Interactions and Side Effects

Inversion therapy is not for everyone. People with the following conditions should not use inversion therapy:

• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Recent stroke or heart attack
• Hiatal hernia
• Acute joint injury or arthritis in hips
• Inner ear problems

Pregnant women and children should not use inversion tables. People with other health conditions should talk to their doctor before using inversion therapy. These conditions include but are not limited to: back pain, disk disease, ankle instability, osteoporosis, severe obesity, and recent surgery.

Inversion therapy may cause the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

If you experience any of these side effects, stop using the inversion table and call your doctor.

What Does the Research Say

A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of inversion therapy for low back pain found that there is some evidence to support the use of inversion therapy as a treatment for low back pain. However, the authors also noted that the quality of the evidence is low and more research is needed.

A 2017 study looked at the use of inversion therapy in people with single-level disc herniations. The study found that inversion therapy was no more effective than lumbar traction and that both treatments were equally effective in reducing pain and improving function.

In general, the research on inversion therapy is limited and of poor quality. More well-designed studies are needed to determine whether or not inversion therapy is an effective treatment for low back pain. If you are considering inversion therapy, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider to see if it is right for you.

Where Can You Buy Inversion Tables?

Inversion tables come in many different kinds, but they all have the same basic premise: you strap yourself in and then flip upside down. Some have water bottle holders, some have safety straps, and some even have padded surfaces for your comfort. All of them can be folded up for easy storage, and the fanciest models even come with their own carrying cases.

You can find inversion tables at most specialty stores that sell workout equipment, or you can order one online. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try to build your own!

So, do inversion tables work? The short answer is yes, but the long answer is a little more complicated. Inversion therapy has been shown to be effective in treating back pain, improving circulation, and reducing stress. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone will experience the same results. Inversion therapy is not a miracle cure-all, but it can be a helpful tool for managing your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

An inversion table is a device used for spinal traction. The individual is secured at the waist while suspended upside down. The inversion of the spine relieves pressure on the intervertebral discs by unloading the weight of the body from the discs. This decompressive force created by gravity results in negative pressure within the discs, which allows for the diffusion of nutrients and water into the disc space.

Intervertebral discs play an important role in the overall function of the spine. They act as shock absorbers for the vertebrae and provide the main compressive resistance for the spine. When a disc is damaged, it can result in intra-disco pain and/or nerve root pain.

While there are many causes of disc damage, one of the most common is degenerative disc disease (DDD). DDD is caused by degeneration of the cartilage within the discs, resulting in a loss of cushioning between vertebrae. As we age, this cartilage degeneration accelerates and can lead to painful symptoms.

Inversion therapy can provide relief from back pain by decreasing pressure on vertebral joints and intervertebral discs. Inversion also helps to stretch out tight muscles and decompress compressed spinal cord tissue. These effects can lead to short-term symptom relief and may also provide long-term benefits by helping to prevent further degeneration of disks and other spine-related conditions such as scoliosis or facet syndrome.

There are many different brands and types of inversion tables on the market, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one. In general, you should look for a table that is easy to set up and use, has a comfortable padded backrest, and is adjustable to fit your height. You may also want to consider features such as heat or massage options, as these can further help to relieve back pain symptoms.