Why do inversion tables work

Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Prasad M, et al. Inversion therapy in patients with pure single level lumbar discogenic disease: a pilot randomized trial. Disability and Rehabilitation. McMonnies CW. Intraocular pressure and glaucoma: Is physical exercise beneficial or a risk?

J Optom. Bilateral retinal detachments associated with inversion table therapy. Published Mar Veltri, D. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. How Inversion Therapy Works. What Research Says. Types of Inversion Therapy. Risks and Complications. Frequently Asked Questions. A Word From Verywell. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. Early studies considering some of the psychological effects of inversion therapy found it both improved flexibility and helped with spinal traction [1] Vernon H, Meschino J, Naiman J.

J Can Chiropr Assoc. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. Isokinetics and Exercise Science. Inversion therapy—at least when done in a yoga class—may even boost mood. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Gallucci adds that inversion therapy can help with back pain, muscle spasms, compressed spinal disks, sciatica pain and even kidney stones.

Along with the possible benefits of using inversion tables for back pain , some risks are associated with their use as well, especially in certain populations. Intraocular Pressure Response to Inversion. Am J Physiol Opt. Bottom line: Check with your physician to see if inversion therapy would be beneficial for you before trying an inversion table, and give a thorough medical history to the physical therapist administering your inversion therapy session.

What sets a really good inversion table apart from the rest? A few key features—with safety being the most important. Make sure you can get in and out of it easily, says Dr. Different inversion tables have different height and weight limits.

The most common upper weight limit on inversion tables is pounds, but they can range from to pounds. As for user height, most inversion tables can support people from 4-foot-3 to 7 feet tall. Typically, tables that support taller or heavier people are more expensive, so he advises asking a professional for guidance before making a large purchase.

In order to gain FDA approval, a product must prove through research and testing that it works correctly and safely, he says. Make sure your inversion table can be adjusted to fit your body, says Gallucci. While not an absolute must, Gallucci recommends the added bonus of an easy-reach ankle system on an inversion table. Some tables require you to strap your ankles in one at a time, but with an easy-reach ankle system, you can usually place both ankles into the system and then lock yourself in with a push of a button, he says.

If you want to maximize your stretching, look for a model with extra handholds at the waist, shoulder and above the head. These grips help with stretching and traction techniques, says Gallucci. Some inversion tables have features like massage functions, lumbar support, heat, acupressure nodes and other add-ons to help enhance your stretch.

Some websites even let you rent inversion tables to see if spinal traction is a good treatment option for you, says Gallucci. However, because many physical therapists offer inversion treatment, Gallucci says the best option is to try an inversion table while also receiving guidance from a licensed physical therapist before buying your own.

Ease into your inversion table sessions by tipping back slightly at a degree angle. For seniors, tilting just 10 degrees may provide relief. When it comes to the length of a session, see how one or two minutes a day feels before adding more time, says Gallucci.

DeMicco stresses that inversion tables for back pain should be just one element of a larger treatment plan. DeMicco also says people with back pain will likely benefit from maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet and not smoking. Unfortunately, for many patients this seems to be a temporary relief.

For these patients pain generally returns once upright when gravity again returns the pressure to the lumbar structures. While there is generally no harm in trying inversion tables or traction devices, there are some patients who should never use this treatment.

Patients with hypertension, circulation disorders, glaucoma, or retinal detachments should not use inversion table therapy. Hanging partially or completely upside down increases the pressure and blood flow to the head and eyes. In summary, inversion therapy is not new. The theory of inversion has been around for many years and is still used by many physical therapists and chiropractors in addition to home treatment. For many patients it provides significant relief and increased quality of life.

While it is not recommended for all patients, it can be a safe and easy alternative to try for persistent back pain if looking to avoid more aggressive treatment modalities.