Inversion Tables For Spine Health

As a chiropractic patient, you’re likely exploring various approaches to optimize your spinal health and manage back pain. Inversion tables have gained popularity as a home therapy device, but understanding their mechanisms, benefits, limitations, and safety considerations is crucial before incorporating them into your wellness routine.

What Are Inversion Tables and How Do They Work?

Inversion tables are specialized equipment that allows users to hang upside down or at various inverted angles, utilizing gravity to create spinal traction. The fundamental principle behind inversion therapy is that it reverses the constant downward pressure gravity places on your spine throughout the day.

When you invert, gravity helps separate compressed vertebrae, potentially creating more space between spinal discs and reducing pressure on nerve roots. This gravitational traction is thought to promote several beneficial mechanisms: increased protective fluid around spinal discs, improved circulation to spinal structures, and temporary decompression of compressed nerves and tissues.

The therapy operates on the premise that many spinal problems result from gravitational compression over time. By periodically reversing this force, proponents suggest that inversion therapy can help counteract some of the negative effects of our upright lifestyle.

Here is a link to the inversion table used in the video: TEETER EP-560 (affiliate link)

The Current Evidence: Do Inversion Tables Work?

The scientific evidence surrounding inversion therapy presents a mixed picture. Research on inversion tables has shown some promising results, particularly for specific conditions, but the overall body of evidence has limitations.

A notable study published in PMC examined patients with lumbar disc disease and sciatica who underwent inversion therapy. The results were encouraging: 74% of patients experienced reduced pain scores at follow-up, 75% showed improvement in disability scores, and 69% demonstrated better functional outcomes. Perhaps most significantly, the study found that inversion therapy reduced both symptoms and the rate of surgery in patients with lumbar disc disease and sciatica.

However, it’s important to note that while these results are promising, there has not been a significant amount of research studies yet.. Clinical studies have shown mixed results, and more rigorous, large-scale research is needed to definitively establish its effectiveness for various spinal conditions.

Who May Benefit from Inversion Tables?

Inversion tables may be most appropriate for individuals dealing with:

Chronic lower back pain, particularly when related to disc compression or mild disc degeneration. The gravitational traction may provide temporary relief and help improve mobility.

Sciatica symptoms caused by nerve compression, as the decompression effect may reduce pressure on affected nerve roots.

Muscle tension and spasms in the back and surrounding areas, as the stretching effect may help relax tight muscles.

The therapy may be more effective when combined with stretching and flexibility exercises. Your chiropractor or physical therapist can suggest appropriate stretches to enhance the benefits of inversion therapy.

Critical Safety Considerations: Who Should Avoid Inversion Tables?

Inversion therapy is not suitable for everyone, and several serious health conditions make it potentially dangerous. The physiological effects of being inverted include increased intracranial pressure, elevated intraocular pressure, and cardiovascular changes that can be harmful for certain individuals.

Cardiovascular conditions represent major contraindications. Inversion tables cause your heart rate to slow down and blood pressure to rise. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of strokes, inversion therapy could be dangerous and should be avoided entirely.

Eye conditions are particularly concerning. Inversion significantly increases intraocular pressure, which can worsen glaucoma, cause retinal detachment, or exacerbate other eye disorders. If you have glaucoma, macular degeneration, severe myopia, or have had recent eye surgery, inversion therapy should be avoided.

Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication due to the potential risks to both mother and fetus from the altered blood flow and positioning.

Other conditions that preclude safe inversion include hiatal hernia, inner ear problems that affect balance, spinal instability, recent spinal surgery, severe osteoporosis, and certain types of spinal fractures.

Age considerations are also important. Older adults may be at higher risk for complications due to increased likelihood of cardiovascular or eye conditions, as well as potential balance issues when getting on and off the table.

Signs You’re Using the Inversion Table Correctly

Proper technique and gradual progression are essential for safe inversion therapy. When using an inversion table correctly, you should experience:

Gradual, comfortable stretching sensation in your spine without sharp pain or significant discomfort. The feeling should be similar to a gentle stretch, not painful pulling.

No dizziness or lightheadedness during or immediately after inversion. While some initial adjustment to the inverted position is normal, persistent dizziness indicates you should reduce the angle or duration.

Ability to breathe comfortably throughout the session. Your breathing should remain normal and unlabored.

Feeling refreshed rather than exhausted after sessions. Properly executed inversion should leave you feeling relaxed and potentially more mobile.

How to Start

Start with minimal angles (15-20 degrees) for short durations (1-2 minutes) and gradually increase both angle and time as your body adapts. Never rush the progression, and always listen to your body’s signals.

Warning Signs to Stop Immediately

Discontinue inversion therapy immediately if you experience:

• Severe headaches during or after inversion, which may indicate dangerous increases in intracranial pressure.

• Vision changes including blurriness, spots, or any visual disturbances, as these may signal increased intraocular pressure or retinal problems.

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing, which could indicate cardiovascular stress.

• Severe dizziness or nausea that doesn’t resolve quickly after returning upright.

• Increased back pain or new pain that persists after the session, suggesting the therapy may be inappropriate for your condition.

• Any feeling that something is “wrong” with your body’s response to inversion.

Integrating Inversion Therapy with Chiropractic Care

If you’re considering inversion therapy as part of your spinal health regimen, discuss it thoroughly with your chiropractor first. They can assess whether inversion therapy is appropriate for your specific condition and current health status.

Your chiropractor can also help you understand how inversion therapy might complement your existing treatment plan. Some practitioners find that gentle inversion can enhance the effects of chiropractic adjustments by helping maintain spinal mobility between visits.

Remember that inversion therapy should be viewed as a complementary approach rather than a replacement for professional chiropractic care, physical therapy, or other medically recommended treatments.

The Bottom Line

Inversion tables offer a potentially beneficial tool for certain individuals dealing with spinal health issues, particularly those with disc-related problems and sciatica. The emerging research shows promise, with some studies indicating significant improvements in pain and function for appropriate candidates.

However, the therapy carries real risks and is not suitable for many people due to cardiovascular, ocular, or other health considerations. The key to safe and potentially effective use lies in proper screening, gradual progression, careful attention to your body’s responses, and integration with professional healthcare guidance.

Before starting inversion therapy, consult with your chiropractor or physician to ensure it’s safe for your individual health profile. With proper precautions and realistic expectations, inversion tables may serve as a valuable adjunct to your comprehensive spinal health strategy.

If you are interested in starting inversion therapy, here is a link to the inversion table used in the video: TEETER EP-560 (affiliate link)

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References:

1. Recommendations for inversion table therapy. PubMed. 2022. PMID: 36444821.

2. Cleveland Clinic. Can Inversion Tables Really Relieve Back Pain? 2024.

3. PMC. Lumbar disc disease: the effect of inversion on clinical symptoms and a comparison of the rate of surgery after inversion therapy. PMC8575469.

4. Mayo Clinic/WebMD. Inversion Table Safety Guidelines. 2025.

5. PMC. Inversion therapy: a study of physiological effects. PMC2484360.

6. ChiroUp. 3 Facts Every DC Must Know About Inversion Therapy. 2023.