Pros & Cons About Inversion Tables
Steven Hefferon, a licensed physical therapy assistant, massage therapist and chiropractic manipulative therapist, says that inversion tables helps with spinal decompression, which basically stretches out the back so that slipped discs can slide back into place. Hefferon, who worked for seven years as director of the National Capital Area Sports Massage Team, supports the practice of spinal decompression through inversion tables. Inversion therapy increases the amount of blood and oxygen flowing into the area, which helps to remove excess pressure on nerves. As with any form of medicinal treatment, inversion tables have their ups and downs.
Pro: Inversion Tables Relieve Back Pain
When a patient is in the inverted position on the table, gravity pulls down on his head, shoulders and other parts of his upper body. According to Hefferon, the inversion uses gravity to pull the vertebrae gently apart, leaving room for parts of the spine that have shifted out of place to slide back where they belong. Being inverted also causes gravity to pull in the opposite direction than our body is used to, which temporarily removes excess pressure from nerves that are generally weighed down. Both effects help relieve pain and discomfort in the patient.
A study cited on The Healthy Back Institute's Web site, which features advice from Hefferon and other physical therapy experts, states that of 175 people who could not work due to back pain resulted in 155 of them returning to work after just eight inversion table treatments.
Con: How Can That Be Comfortable?
One of the largest complaints about inversion tables is just how uncomfortable they are to use. Some first-time users and individuals without much experience with inversion tables experience dizziness and disorientation from blood rushing to the head. Many of these tables use straps to secure the patient. However, these straps can chafe or cause irritation. Those who suffer from certain fears, such as a fear of heights, also may have trouble feeling secure on the table.
Pro: Inversion Tables Can Have Other Positive Side Effects
Studies from The Healthy Back Institute show that increased blood flow throughout the upper body can have other positive effects in addition to relieving back pain. Increased blood and oxygen flow into the brain can relieve stress and lead to better cognitive processes. Because these tables work with gravity and not against it, they can improve circulation throughout the whole body. The tables also stretch out muscles, which can feel like a relaxing massage.
Con: Increased Blood Flow Can Be a Bad Thing
The consensus among experts is that patients should always consult their doctors before beginning a regimen of inversion therapy. Studies by the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine found increased blood pressure readings in patients using inversion tables as well as extra pressure behind the eyes. The doctors recommended that patients with glaucoma, hypertension, congestive heart failure or other types of heart disease and those above the age of 55 consult their physicians about risks before practicing inversion therapy.
Pro: Inversion Tables Don't Involve Medicine
Though many patients take muscle relaxers or pain killers to supplement their inversion table treatments, others enjoy this treatment because it relieves pain without expensive and potentially harmful medications. This treatment is truly all natural, and does not include most of the negative side effects that can come with pain killers and other medications.
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