What are the main inversion tables pros and cons? In this article we list some of these.
Introduction
Inversion therapy has been around for quite some few years now.
It is a form of spinal traction – basically, this therapy is only hanging upside down and involves the use of an inversion table. The table enables an individual to use gravity, hang upside down and relieve pressure on the spine. Staying in this position helps to relieve ones lower back pain by stretching the spine.
The benefits of inversion therapy are undoubted – numerous people confirm its ability to reduce chronic back pain. Is this kind of therapy, however, suitable for everyone?
The discovery of using gravity to relieve back pain was made as far back as 400BC when a famous physician observed a patient being hung by the knees and ankles from the ladder to relieve pain.
However, today, this therapy often uses an inversion table to achieve health benefits which come from gravitational reversal which applies a pull on the body organs, joints and bones.
Before you go spending hundreds of dollars on a table and equipment, make sure that you fully understand the main inversion tables pros and cons first, weighing the benefits and also the possible dangers, all to your advantage.
When you compare using one of these tables to personally visiting a chiropractor or an accredited clinic for your medical conditions and back problems, and undergoing other therapies for back pain and vertebral correction, there are advantages and disadvantages to choosing this truly promising piece of equipment.
Some Inversion Tables Pros and Cons:
Pros
Lower Back Pain Relief
Research has it that inversion therapy helps increase the spinal disc space and reduces paraspinal EMG activity which is an indicator of body muscle pain.
Reduction of pressure between the spinal discs and increasing the space between them is what reduces back pain. This therapy aids the stretching as well as elongating the spinal column. This allows the discs to separate and the vertebral spaces opening where nerves enter and exit. This in turn allows nerve impulses to travel from the brain unhindered.
Increased Trunk Flexion
Inversion therapy also increases forward trunk flexion which is the ability to bend over forward by at least 25 percent. Inability to bend over forward severe restrictions to some common daily activities such as putting on socks and shoes. The limitation also causes muscle atrophy.
Enhances Blood Circulation
When inverting, the body does not work hard as gravity helps pull out blood which is much easier to get to the brain. This effect also improves the heart functionality as it gets much rest.
Reduces Headaches and also helps You To Breath Easier
Cheaper
Having your own inversion table is far cheaper than consulting a chiropractor every session for inversion table therapy. Inversion tables are commonly sold for anywhere from $99 to $500 or above, but that is still lower than the $60 to $70 average fee charged per session with a chiropractor. This can be a major factor in considering the many inversion tables pros and cons.
Some cities and states like New York even have higher fees for chiropractic sessions.
Reusable
Inversion tables are compact and can therefore be used in homes and even in offices. Most importantly, they can be easily used any time they are needed as opposed to the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment and having to go to a chiropractic clinic to avail of practically the same procedure of inversion table therapy minus the real human assistance.
Natural
Because it is not a conventional medical treatment, it does not involve any drugs and remains a natural therapeutic method up to this day. Although occasional pain killers and muscle relaxants can be taken alongside every session to ensure maximum comfort, no drugs are necessary to make the therapy effective.
If you are into alternative medicine, owning an inversion table is a must. Just make sure that you consult a doctor before going all-out on this
Cons
Ear And Eye Pressure
Inversion therapy, brings about elevated pressure to the eyes and ears. People with retinal detachments or glaucoma may experience pressure on their eyes which leads to eye bleeding. Pressure exerted on the ears also triggers hearing problems and other discomforts.
Increased Blood pressure
Staying in an upside down position slows down your heart and this causes an increased blood pressure after a few minutes. This is harmful to your health if you have hypertension or other heart problems. If you already suffer from high blood pressure, you certainly need to speak to your medical adviser with regards to using an inversion table.
Muscle Pulls
Using an inversion table increases the chances of getting a muscle pull.
Pregnancy
Pregnant ladies should refrain from trying inversion therapy.
Eye Problems
People suffering from glaucoma or other eye problems should certainly discuss the situation with their doctor before trying an inversion table.
Ear Infections
This is a minor risk but it still has to be taken a consideration. Some of the people that use an inversion table to treat their back pain may experience a slightly increased risk of developing an ear infection.
The abnormal blood flow when hanging upside down will affect the condition of the middle ear. As a result, some people will suffer from an infection and others will experience slight disorientation lasting for a bit of time after getting off the table.
Bone Problems
Individuals that suffer from problems like osteoporosis need to be particularly careful about trying inversion therapy.
An inversion table can be used to relieve the pressure on the vertebrae. If these are already damaged or weakened, however, the risk of fractures will increase. This is another very uncommon side effect of inversion table usage. Still, if you have bone problems, talk to a physician before buying an inversion table.
Slower
An average of eight inversion table therapy sessions is needed for the health benefits to bring significant noticeable changes. Compared to electro-stimulation procedures and physical therapies and activities like massages and Pilates that result in immediate comfort, waiting for eight sessions can be a hassle, especially for those who are not at all 100% comfortable with the idea of having to be inverted for up to 15 minutes twice a day.
Uncomfortable
For some people, using inversion tables can be extremely uncomfortable, and many users do not reach a point of real comfort even after several uses. Being fully inverted to relieve back pain is somehow strange for many people and, unless the procedure is being guided by a pro, it will remain, for many people, a seemingly experimental homeopathic treatment.
Unconventional
Although the medical community is generally in approval of this form of treatment, it is still considered unconventional and can only be given to patients as adjuvant therapy. You can practically read no therapeutic claims on their labels.
General
The inversion table is very popular today as a piece of equipment that is used for this kind of therapy.
Inversion tables can be adjusted to various angles so you do not have to hang completely upside down if you fear the position.
Most people go for the partial inversion as just a slight inversion of 20 to 30 degrees is enough to stretch and relieve the back pain.
Once you get used to the partial inversion, you can then increase the slant to almost 60 degrees to increase the stretch. However, if you feel your muscles getting uneasy, free from the extreme stretch and just stick to the partial slant.
The amount of time one should spend on the inversion table, however, will depend on the angle at which you are inverted at. The smaller the angle of inversion, the longer the time it will take for you to feel comfortable.
Most people start inverting a few minutes at a time and finally build up to ten minutes as they get used to the feeling of the inverted position.
For lower back complete pain relieve, you should consider using the inversion table two to three times a day.
So the next time you decide to go for an inversion therapy, keep in mind the above inversion tables pros & cons.
Teeter Inversion Tables
We recommend Teeter inversion tables as they are the only inversion tables on the market that are FDA-Registered Medical Devices and are UL Safety Certified meaning they meet the toughest safety and quality standards and have a 5-Year Warranty.
Teeter have been around for nearly 40 years and are a family run business, based in Washington State, that focus on quality, safety and innovation. Take a look for yourself.
Summary
The above list of inversion tables fors and againsts is neither exhaustive nor fully comprehensive.
Talking to your physician will be essential for assessing the risks of using an inversion table. Depending on pre-existing medical conditions, this approach to dealing with chronic back pain may not be the right one for you
Please note that an inversion table is not suitable for everyone. Before you use any product for health care, always consult with your physician or primary healthcare provider and seek the appropriate advice and supervision prior to use.
inversion tables pros and cons
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